1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Sneakers

Sneakerhead Obession: Checkered Vans

Some of the Best Kicks on Earth

About.com Rating 5

By , About.com Guide

Compare Prices
Once a premier skate shoe, the Vans Classic is the perfect slip-on deck shoe for everyday street wear.

Sneakerhead Confession

Vans Classic slip-ons in checkered white and black are the slickest kicks of the decade. How so? Well, I discovered that by accident.

I've been getting tired of lacing up sneakers and shoes. I found that when I browse for sneakers, I started looking less at the brand and style, and more at their comfort level. I couldn't find what I wanted at the malls or at the markets, so I started looking online for something comfortable and versatile (something that can go with anything and that you could wear everyday). I quickly found out that the sneakers I wanted, were not the typical mainstream "grabs" that were high on the hype factor, but rather simple kicks that came on and off easy, had enough space in the toebox, and looked slick with anything I wore.

I found checkered Vans to be the BEST choice, and I also found out I wasn't the only one who also thought so. It's easy to find Classic Vans anywhere online. However, the colorway I dug the most (black and white checkered) sold the fastest and were the hardest ones to find in my size.

The Negatives

Eastbay stocks them heavy for under $50, but some sizes are on back order.

I currently own NINE pairs. I wear them to the beach, on the streets, with coats in the winter, dresses in the summer, and while I'm out on the field working or volunteering. The only downside to these is that they get dirty QUICK. Second, the waffle soles do start to peel at the front with normal wear. It's like an eraser rubbing against a pavement. So keep in mind, that these rubber soles wear fast for real pavement hitters...including myself. Take warning and stock up.

The Big Positive

LAST NOTE: The best part in the checker design is that black and white together in any pattern cancel each other out. Meaning, you can wear these with just about anything and they'll instantly add a cool edge to any basic clothing, creating instant BALANCE in your overall look.

So that's the lastest sneakerhead confession, my obsession with checkered Classic Vans.

Compare Prices
User Reviews Write Review

Explore Sneakers

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Fall Fashion Accessories

These hot fall accessories will update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. More >

  1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Sneakers
  4. Sneaker Reviews
  5. Sneakerhead Obession: Checkered Vans

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.