Vans Knu Skool vs Old Skool: Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick and easy breakdown looking at how the Old and Knu Skools compare:

Old Skool

• Has a thinner profile; less chunky
• Has less padding around the tongue and collar
• Feels light on your feet
• Classic Vans vibe
• Will work with just about any outfit you choose
• Great if you like simple, timeless shoes

Knu Skool

• Has a more padded tongue and collar
• Wider, puffier look
• Bigger, bolder Sidestripe
• Feels more cushioned and plush to wear
• Has a strong ‘90s / Y2K vibe
• Great if you want your shoes to stand out

Do you keep your style simple and minimal in general? The Old Skool is probably it for you. But,  if you’re looking for a sneaker that turns heads, or if you like a more padded feel, the Knu Skools will be your pick.

Vans Knu Skool Fit & Feel

Let’s take a closer look at how it feels to wear Old vs Knu Skool shoes.

The Old Skool feels more like a traditional skate shoe. It’s structured and hard-wearing, but not puffy, and it keeps padding and insulation simple.

The Knu Skool, on the other hand, has more padding around the ankle and on the top of the foot. If you’re doing lots of walking or standing in them, Knu Skools might just keep you that bit more comfy thanks to that extra padding.

How Do Knu Skool Vans Fit?

Most people find they fit pretty true to size in terms of length. But the thicker tongue and collar padding can make them feel a little roomier on top for some people. If you have a wider foot, that extra space can feel good. If you have a narrow foot, the shoe can feel a bit “bigger” even if the length is correct.

Here are a few fit tips:

• If you like a snug fit, you might want to lace your Knu Skools a little tighter. Also, consider going true to size, not sizing up.
• Between sizes? Try the smaller one first. The padding can make the bigger size feel extra loose.
• Also, always think about socks. With thin socks, the Knu Skool can feel roomy for some people. Just go for a thicker pair if your Knu Skools feel a little loose.

Are Vans Knu Skool Chunky?

Yes. And that’s the whole point. They’re chunkier than Old Skools in a few ways:

• The tongue is way more padded.
• The collar around the ankle is puffier and hugs your foot more.
• Thanks to all the extra padding, the uppers look wider.
• The details (like the Sidestripe) are bolder.

How to Style Vans Knu Skool

Feel at home in a classic pair of Vans, but not sure how to style Vans Knu Skool?  Because the Knu Skool is puffier, it usually looks best with fits that balance out the extra puff and bold styling.

Baggy jeans and a tee

Loose denim + Knu Skool is a perfect match. Try:

• light wash, straight-leg, or wide-leg jeans; lived-in jeans are a winner
• cuffed hems, which will show off more of the shoe
• a simple, plain tee or your favourite hoodie

Cargo pants and an open button-down

Cargos are a great way to round out the skate vibe with Knu Skools. Add in an open button-down shirt with a vest under, and you’re out the door. Some tips:

• Keep hems a little stacked over the shoe—don’t go too short
• Go for neutral colours if your Knu Skools are bold

Shorts + crew socks

This has been a classic Vans look decade after decade. But the Knu Skool gives it an edge. Go for:

• mid-thigh or knee-length shorts
• white crew socks (or graphic socks)
• An oversized tee

How to Lace Up Knu Skool Vans 

How you lace up a pair of shoes can really change their look and feel. Not sure how to lace up Knu Skool Vans? Tight lacing will give a more styled vibe, while loose lacing will bring out the relaxed skate feel even more. Here are some of the options:

Option 1: Classic criss-cross

• Lace straight across the bottom eyelets.
• Cross over and go up a set, repeating all the way up.
• Tie normally, or tuck the laces in.

This works for everyone and keeps the tongue centred.

Option 2: Loose lace + tucked ends

• Do a normal criss-cross as you lace up, but don’t pull tight. Rather, leave a bit of slack at each cross.
• When you get to the top, don’t tie a big bow. Rather, tie a small knot and tuck it behind the tongue or into the side.

Option 3: Straight bar lacing (clean and neat)

• Start by lacing straight across the bottom.
• Run the lace straight up inside the shoe on one side.
• Bring it straight across the next eyelet row.
• Repeat until you reach the top.

In short, when it comes to the Old vs Knu Skool decision:

Choose Old Skools for a style that blends in easily with whatever you’ve got on. Or, go for Knu Skools if you want extra padding and throwback chunkiness.

And if you can’t pick? Get both, wear them differently, and swap.