Vans

Buy Vans at Mentastore

Looking to buy Vans that go a step beyond the basic pair? At Mentastore we focus on the premium side of Vans: the Old Skool 36 LX, the Premium Authentic and special pairs like the Knu Skool. These are the classic skate shapes you know, made with upgraded materials and details. Every pair is new, unworn and checked by our own team before it ships. Order online with shipping across Europe, or try on your Vans in our store in Tilburg.

On this page you can read where Vans comes from, what makes the Old Skool 36 and the Authentic special, which colorways are popular, how Vans fit and how to style and care for your pair.

About Vans

Vans was founded in 1966 in Anaheim, California. The brand started by making canvas shoes with a thick, sticky waffle sole, and those shoes were quickly picked up by skateboarders in Southern California. They liked the grip on the board and the durable construction. From there Vans grew into one of the most important names in skate culture, and later in music, art and streetwear.

What makes Vans so lasting is that the core models have barely changed. The silhouettes from the sixties and seventies are still the backbone of the range today, and that is exactly what makes them so easy to wear with anything.

The Vans Old Skool 36 LX

The Old Skool was introduced in the late seventies as one of the first Vans with leather panels for extra durability. It was also the first model with the side stripe that has become the Vans logo. The number 36 refers to the original style number of the Old Skool, and the Old Skool 36 is based on that original shape.

The LX versions are the premium editions. They use higher quality materials such as smooth or pearlized leather and suede, upgraded details and a more comfortable footbed. You still get the low, clean Old Skool shape and the waffle sole, but with a finish that looks and feels more refined. The Souvenir and Pearlized Pack pairs in our range are good examples of that.

The Vans Authentic and other models

The Authentic is where it all began. It is the original Vans model from 1966: a simple low lace up with a canvas upper and the waffle sole. The premium versions, such as the Vans Premium Authentic La Habana Red Navy and the Vans Authentic 44 Ibiza Pack Black, keep that minimal shape with extra attention to materials. We also carry pairs like the Vans Knu Skool Bape Camo Green, the puffy, chunky take on the Old Skool, and the Vans Premium Old Skool 36 Paint Splatter.

Popular Vans colorways

These are the Vans pairs our customers choose most often:

• Vans Old Skool 36 LX Souvenir Black: the classic black and white Old Skool in premium form, our best seller.
• Vans Old Skool 36 LX Souvenir Oatmeal and Souvenir Asphalt: warm beige and dark grey alternatives.
• Vans LX Old Skool 36 Pearlized Pack Black Navy, Vintage Cocoa Brown, Brown and Yacht Club: pearlized leather with a subtle shine.
• Vans Premium Old Skool 36 Paint Splatter Charcoal Grey and Turtledove: a playful paint splatter finish.
• Vans Premium Authentic La Habana Red Navy and Vans Authentic 44 Ibiza Pack Black: the original model with a premium finish.
• Vans Knu Skool Bape Camo Green: a chunky Vans with the recognisable camo print.

Availability changes quickly, so check the product page for the sizes in stock at that moment.

How do Vans fit?

Most people take their usual size in the Old Skool 36 and the Authentic. Vans have a fairly flat, straight shape, so they feel comfortable for most feet. The LX and Premium versions have a more padded footbed, which can feel a little snugger at first, but the leather and suede soften as you wear them. Vans are largely unisex, so women and men choose from the same pairs in different sizes. Not sure? Visit our store in Tilburg and try on a few sizes.

How to wear and care for Vans

The Old Skool and Authentic go with almost everything. Wear them with baggy jeans and a hoodie for a classic skate look, with chinos and a shirt for something a little smarter, or with shorts and high socks in summer. The black Souvenir pairs are the safest choice, while Oatmeal, Cocoa Brown and Turtledove work well with earthy tones and autumn outfits.

Clean leather with a damp cloth and suede with a dry suede brush. For the white sidewalls of the sole, a soft brush with a little cleaner works best. Our sneaker cleaning products help with this, and fresh flat laces make an older pair look new again.

Why buy Vans at Mentastore

• Physical store at Heuvelstraat 92, 5038 AH Tilburg: try on, see the pair in person and pick up your online order.
• Since April 2023 more than 30,000 satisfied customers, rated 4.3 on Trustpilot.
• Every item is new, unworn and checked by our own team before it ships, also items from our suppliers. 100% authentic, see our authenticity page.
• In-stock items ship within 24 hours when you order before 17:00 on working days. Items from suppliers take 1 to 10 working days.
• Pay later with Klarna, 14 days to return or exchange, shipping across Europe.

Related collections

Do you like low, timeless sneakers? Then also take a look at the Nike SB Dunk, the Adidas Campus, the Adidas Samba and the Nike Air Force 1. For a complete skate inspired outfit, browse our sweaters and hoodies.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Vans at Mentastore authentic?

Yes. Every pair is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also when it comes from one of our suppliers.

How do the Vans Old Skool 36 LX fit?

Most people take their usual size. The padded footbed can feel a little snug at first, but the upper softens with wear.

What is the difference between the Old Skool and the Old Skool 36 LX?

The Old Skool 36 is based on the original Old Skool shape, and LX stands for the premium version with higher quality materials and a more comfortable footbed.

What is the difference between the Vans Authentic and the Old Skool?

The Authentic is the original 1966 model with a simple canvas upper. The Old Skool came later and added leather panels and the side stripe.

Can I try on Vans in Tilburg?

Yes. Visit our store on Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to try on pairs or pick up your online order.