Born in 1978, the Vans SK8-Hi derives its name from the English word "Skater High", and it is Vans' first high-top shoe to feature a sidestripe design. Renowned for its recognizable silhouette and side stripes, the SK8-Hi is one of Vans' most iconic classic shoes. Often modeled after the SK8-Hi, Vans collaborates with bands, artists and buskers to create contemporary fashion shoes with more personality and characteristics while retaining classic shoe shapes and design elements, becoming timeless classics in the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts. In 1978, the SK8-Hi was born, a high-top model of the Old Skool, continuing the iconic side stripes. This shoe has a thicker heel so that skaters can get more protection when competing in the bowl pool.
Born in 1978, the Vans SK8-Hi derives its name from the English word "Skater High", and it is Vans' first high-top shoe to feature a sidestripe design. Renowned for its recognizable silhouette and side stripes, the SK8-Hi is one of Vans' most iconic classic shoes. Often modeled after the SK8-Hi, Vans collaborates with bands, artists and buskers to create contemporary fashion shoes with more personality and characteristics while retaining classic shoe shapes and design elements, becoming timeless classics in the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts. In 1978, the SK8-Hi was born, a high-top model of the Old Skool, continuing the iconic side stripes. This shoe has a thicker heel so that skaters can get more protection when competing in the bowl pool.
Born in 1978, the Vans SK8-Hi derives its name from the English word "Skater High", and it is Vans' first high-top shoe to feature a sidestripe design. Renowned for its recognizable silhouette and side stripes, the SK8-Hi is one of Vans' most iconic classic shoes. Often modeled after the SK8-Hi, Vans collaborates with bands, artists and buskers to create contemporary fashion shoes with more personality and characteristics while retaining classic shoe shapes and design elements, becoming timeless classics in the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts. In 1978, the SK8-Hi was born, a high-top model of the Old Skool, continuing the iconic side stripes. This shoe has a thicker heel so that skaters can get more protection when competing in the bowl pool.
Born in 1978, the Vans SK8-Hi derives its name from the English word "Skater High", and it is Vans' first high-top shoe to feature a sidestripe design. Renowned for its recognizable silhouette and side stripes, the SK8-Hi is one of Vans' most iconic classic shoes. Often modeled after the SK8-Hi, Vans collaborates with bands, artists and buskers to create contemporary fashion shoes with more personality and characteristics while retaining classic shoe shapes and design elements, becoming timeless classics in the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts. In 1978, the SK8-Hi was born, a high-top model of the Old Skool, continuing the iconic side stripes. This shoe has a thicker heel so that skaters can get more protection when competing in the bowl pool.
Last updated at 02/20/2026 15:39:20
Vans - Sk8-Hi "Sketched Checkerboard" sneakers - unisex - Suede - 11.5 - Black
Delivery $30
originally posted on skatedeluxe.com/en
Generally a good shoe. Boardfeel is good. The hi-tops stabilize the ankle a bit more and if the board hits you don't get a cut straight away. As with all Vans skate shoes, the laces are a little thicker + you get a pair to change. An insole optimized for skating is also included. The standard Vans insole is Popcush, but there are also others such as Ultracush etc. The insole is ok, but can't be compared with Footprint, for example. Otherwise, I find the thickness of the fabric and the sole thinner than, for example, the Blazers from Nike or a pair of Last Resort hi-tops, but thicker than a pair of Chuck Taylors from Converse. They don't last forever, but they don't get holes extremely quickly either.
originally posted on blue-tomato.com
I skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This ... MoreI skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This shoe shines for the person that want fast breaking in time and board feel. Even with the pop cush insole the feel is awesome. The Hi-top model needs some getting used to but is no dealbreaker for me as that was what I wanted. They have such a good view from above and over all. For this shoe I would have preferred it to have some topping in the heels to prevent heel lift, but that is all I can complain. It has some canvas for breathability in the middle which is nice for the summer.For me, this is a rather basic skate shoe with good durability on because of suede and a thick vulcanized outsole. I recommend these for you if you already like Vans skate shoes and want to go for something extra with the Hi's.
originally posted on vans.com.au
As long as you go a half size up in these due to the Popcush insole that elevate your feet inside the shoe box, this is a very comfortable vans. It has a good combination of board feel, agility and cushioning support because the front half of the shoe sole is still thin and the heels recieve a very noticeable cushioning support from the very thick pop cush insole. It feels very unique when your toes and front feet can feel the ground surface while the back of your feet is well cushioned. The black /black colour way with black laces is very successful design, they look very cool and suits many occasions and clothing styles, making it an all round winner. You can wear them to do anything.And these are not the classic Sk8-Hi, these are premium line of that, using ... MoreAs long as you go a half size up in these due to the Popcush insole that elevate your feet inside the shoe box, this is a very comfortable vans. It has a good combination of board feel, agility and cushioning support because the front half of the shoe sole is still thin and the heels recieve a very noticeable cushioning support from the very thick pop cush insole. It feels very unique when your toes and front feet can feel the ground surface while the back of your feet is well cushioned. The black /black colour way with black laces is very successful design, they look very cool and suits many occasions and clothing styles, making it an all round winner. You can wear them to do anything.And these are not the classic Sk8-Hi, these are premium line of that, using better suede and canvas. The inside padding and stitching are different too, in better ways.
| NICKNAME | Sketched Checkerboard |
Vans - Sk8-Hi "Sketched Checkerboard" sneakers - unisex - Suede - 11.5 - Black
Delivery $30
Generally a good shoe. Boardfeel is good. The hi-tops stabilize the ankle a bit more and if the board hits you don't get a cut straight away. As with all Vans skate shoes, the laces are a little thicker + you get a pair to change. An insole optimized for skating is also included. The standard Vans insole is Popcush, but there are also others such as Ultracush etc. The insole is ok, but can't be compared with Footprint, for example. Otherwise, I find the thickness of the fabric and the sole thinner than, for example, the Blazers from Nike or a pair of Last Resort hi-tops, but thicker than a pair of Chuck Taylors from Converse. They don't last forever, but they don't get holes extremely quickly either.
I skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This ... MoreI skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This shoe shines for the person that want fast breaking in time and board feel. Even with the pop cush insole the feel is awesome. The Hi-top model needs some getting used to but is no dealbreaker for me as that was what I wanted. They have such a good view from above and over all. For this shoe I would have preferred it to have some topping in the heels to prevent heel lift, but that is all I can complain. It has some canvas for breathability in the middle which is nice for the summer.For me, this is a rather basic skate shoe with good durability on because of suede and a thick vulcanized outsole. I recommend these for you if you already like Vans skate shoes and want to go for something extra with the Hi's.
As long as you go a half size up in these due to the Popcush insole that elevate your feet inside the shoe box, this is a very comfortable vans. It has a good combination of board feel, agility and cushioning support because the front half of the shoe sole is still thin and the heels recieve a very noticeable cushioning support from the very thick pop cush insole. It feels very unique when your toes and front feet can feel the ground surface while the back of your feet is well cushioned. The black /black colour way with black laces is very successful design, they look very cool and suits many occasions and clothing styles, making it an all round winner. You can wear them to do anything.And these are not the classic Sk8-Hi, these are premium line of that, using ... MoreAs long as you go a half size up in these due to the Popcush insole that elevate your feet inside the shoe box, this is a very comfortable vans. It has a good combination of board feel, agility and cushioning support because the front half of the shoe sole is still thin and the heels recieve a very noticeable cushioning support from the very thick pop cush insole. It feels very unique when your toes and front feet can feel the ground surface while the back of your feet is well cushioned. The black /black colour way with black laces is very successful design, they look very cool and suits many occasions and clothing styles, making it an all round winner. You can wear them to do anything.And these are not the classic Sk8-Hi, these are premium line of that, using better suede and canvas. The inside padding and stitching are different too, in better ways.
Writing this review as I have received this pair an hour ago and the first impression out of the box is great!This pair feels great to touch and they look gorgeous.Comfort is also the best of all the vans I have ever had, they have an insole that makes these shoes extremely comfortable and snug around the heel, while also leaving a lot of room in the toe box so that my toes aren't squished.Really love them, hope they will last a long time as the previous pair didn't feel as great but still lasted a few years of daily walking and frequent abuse outdoors on a bike and skateboard.
These shoes are just too hard to put on. I feel like I have a wide foot when I really don't. The way the tongue is made on these shoes is what's so frustrating. I know I see people talking about having to let them settle in their feet but I don't even know that I can do that because of how tight they feel on my feet. I will be returning and getting something else. As of right now, I've had to tie the shoe laces only half way, so they don't hurt my feet.
Uncomfortable, cheap, and difficult to put on. I bought these since the Sk8-Hi Pro's are discontinued. After wearing this shoe for about 6 months my experience with this updated version is awful. It takes too much effort to put shoes on & take off. The elastic that holds the tongue in the center makes it difficult. Like, I have to strain with mild force to put these on, I never had to do that with the Sk8-Hi Pro's.. Comfort practically gone. Feet hurt after wearing for 2 hours. I've been wearing Vans for over 10+ years, might not ever buy vans again.
I've worn Vans for my entire adult life (over 25 years) and have never had an issue with sizing. I've purchased Sk8-Hi multiple times in the past, including the current version with the PopCush sole. I recently bought the same size as I always have but for some reason this pair is too tight across the toe-box / instep. I was/am hoping they may stretch but I've never had this happen in the past so I wonder if something has changed in the manufacturing process since my last purchase or if there's a problem with this specific pair. I'd recommend sizing up by half a size to avoid this issue, or better yet buying in-store so you can get a feel for the fit.
SKATE SK8-Hi is now my absolute favorite! I had purchased and returned another shoe that I thought was going to be perfect and it was not roomy enough in the toe area and I realized it was not the same style as the previous favorite, so now I know I need to make sure it is the "Skate Sk8". Here's what I love about it, it is roomy in the toe area, super cushy, it feels like a dream on my feet and offers more support. If you have to walk around all day, this is going to feel like you are walking on clouds. I can't find anything bad to say about it. I have 3 pairs now of this style and the first one was turned into roller skates.
Love the stealth look of the all-black ones. I'm a 12.5 but the 12 fits fine. Cushy insole. Some extra room could be gained by replacing this with a thinner one. I get a lot of heel-lift--which can lead to blisters--unless I lace them up proper tight. Hopefully this reduces with some breaking in. Happy overall.
I have been wearing Sk8-Hi Pros for decades now and was bummed when they were discontinued. I finally bit the bullet and decided to give these a shot.These are by a wide margin the most uncomfortable things I have ever put on my feet. The seam where the tongue and vamp meet dig mercilessly into the bones of my feet, The suede is cheap, and the only thing the tongue strap is good for is screwing up your socks making them even more uncomfortable.To say I was gutted would be an understatement. These are the first pair of Van's I've ever returned and most likely the last pair I'll ever purchase.
| NICKNAME | Sketched Checkerboard |
