The Bottom Line
The Vans No Skool is an upgrade to the Vans Old Skool skateboarding shoe. The No Skool is Dustin Dollin’s third pro model skateboarding shoe – something of an upgrade to the Vans Old School skate shoes. The suede and leather upper look sick and add strength, while the added padding in the tongue and heel collar add comfort. Most striking of all in the Vans No Skool is the style – the punk screen printing on the canvas side panels and tongue!
Pros
- Dustin Dollin’s 3rd pro model skateboarding shoe
- Strong punk style inspired by the Old Skool shoes
- Comfortable padded tongue and heel collar
Cons
- Tight fit - make sure to try them on, or get 1/2 size bigger than usual
Description
- Dustin Dollin’s 3rd pro model skateboarding shoe
- Suede and leather upper
- Canvas sides and tongue printed with unique design
- Padded tongue and heel collar
- Low profile “waffle” cupsole
- Tongue straps for extra stability
- Run slightly small – try on before you buy
- Available with skull pattern, checkers, cammo, black and other colors
Guide Review - Vans No Skool Dustin Dollin Pro Model Skateboarding Shoes
If you haven’t tried the Vans Old School skateboarding shoes, they were canvas classic styled Vans skateboarding shoes, with thin waffle treaded soles. The No Skools take that same idea, but add several key features that greatly enhance the shoe – with suede or leather toe and heel caps, and lace eyelet trips, these areas of wear are both strengthened, and look cooler. Extra padding in the tongue and heel collar make the shoes feel nice and comfy, and they stay on your feet longer. Plus, the style – The ones I tried have a wicked skull pattern printed all over the canvas side panes and tongue. No Skools also come in cammo, checkers, contrasting bright colors, or black. For some of you out there, these Vans No Skool shoes are perfect.
Drawbacks? Not much – make sure you buy them about one half a size larger than you usually would, if you want a more loose fit, the kind most skate shoes give. The Vans No Skools run a little smaller than the average skateboarding shoe. Also, I prefer my skate shoes with more padding in the sole, but with thinner soles comes better board feel. That’s the trade off. Plus, it calls back to the Old School design. Finally, you need to like the punk graphics, but if you do, and you are looking for some old school style with some modern tech and comfort thrown in, check out the Vans no Skool skateboarding shoes.
