Vans Old Skool

1 variation of the Vans Old Skool on SoleBook.

The Vans Old Skool LX 36 traces its DNA back to the original Old Skool, which Vans launched in the late 1970s as its first design to feature the now-iconic side stripe. That stripe reportedly began as a scribble added to boost brand visibility on the panel, and it went on to become one of skate footwear's most recognizable marks. The "36" nods to that heritage, referencing the model's decades-long run since its debut, while the LX designation places it within Vans' premium, limited-distribution line aimed at a more discerning, design-conscious customer. Where the standard Old Skool sticks to canvas and suede in classic proportions, the LX Old Skool 36 tends to experiment with elevated materials—think tumbled leathers, mesh underlays, and unconventional textile blends—alongside subtle tweaks to the silhouette's shape and cushioning. Regarded as a vehicle for collaborations and small-batch releases, it's given Vans room to work with boutiques and designers while keeping the core shape intact. Drops under this line typically arrive with limited runs and retail pricing above the standard model, appealing to collectors chasing rarer takes on a skate classic rather than everyday wear.