Vans Sk8

Vans Sk8-Hi and Low shoes are a favourite of not just skaters but also your everyday style icon, playing the part of the fashion essential since their initial release in the late ’70s. At JD Sports Ireland, we stock a wide range of products from the brand, including this retro collection. Browse our selection of Sk8 trainers today and discover why they’ve remained at the top of sneakerheads’ wish lists for decades. With different colourways to choose from—not to mention the option to pick from Hi and Low versions—you’d be a fool not to at least have a look.

The Origins of the Vans Sk8-Hi and Low

When the original pair of Vans Sk8-Hi runners dropped in 1978 (known at the time as the ‘Style 38’), the Van Doren Rubber Company was still finding its footing. The Old Skool had been released one year prior, receiving much well-deserved fanfare, but there was more than one spot available for a good-looking, performance-ready shoe. The new kid on the block was willing and able to carve out a piece of the footwear market.

Featuring the recognisable ‘jazz stripe,’ which had also been used on the brand’s previous collection, the Vans Sk8-Hi aimed to be a shoe with as much style as function. In addition to ankle support and a waffle sole, two features that made the sneaker perfect for the challenges of vert skateboarding, this timeless silhouette provided a distinct look that appealed to people from all circles, from influential music stars (like Iron Maiden and Black Flag) to your average Joe with an eye on the latest trends. It’s no real surprise that a low-top model was created down the line; the audience of the Sk8 had grown larger than the skating crowd, and ankle padding, though very useful for riding the half-pipe, wasn’t a must if you were simply looking for a shoe for casual wear.