A true icon never fades—it evolves. Vans Unveils the Skate Old Skool 36+: in Johannesburg South Africa (January 29, 2025) A Bold Evolution of a Skate Classic.
By: Mihlali Jijana
First introduced in 1977, the Style 36, better known today as the Old Skool™, revolutionized skate footwear with its groundbreaking Side-stripe™ design. Nearly five decades later, Vans is reigniting that legacy with the Skate Old Skool 36+, a fresh take on an enduring classic that blends heritage with innovation.

A New Era for a Timeless Silhouette
The Skate Old Skool 36+ pays homage to its roots while embracing the needs of modern skaters. The revamped design features a padded tongue for enhanced comfort and a shorter toe cap, improving riders’ control, and flexibility. Staying true to its origins, the 36+ maintains the beloved Style 36 panel proportions, but with cutting-edge advancements that redefine performance on and off the board.

Built to Perform—Designed to Last
Like all time Vans’ Skate Classics, the Skate Old Skool 36+ is packed with pro-level technology. DURACAP™ reinforcements fortify high-wear areas, ensuring unmatched durability session after session. The SICKSTICK™ gum rubber compound and signature waffle sole provide superior grip and board feel, POPCUSH™ insole technology absorbs impact and returns energy, keeping skaters comfortable even during the most demanding tricks.

A Campaign Fueled by Skate Culture
To celebrate the launch, Vans is rolling out an electrifying new campaign featuring Vans Skate Team riders Etienne Gagne, Basral Graito, Nelly Morville, and Zion Wright—each bringing their authenticity energy. The campaign is set to the beats of Zion Wright’s latest track, “Aquarius Baby,” adding a fresh rhythm to this milestone release.
The Skate Old Skool™ 36+ and an exclusive range of apparel will be available on January 30, 2025, at Vans retail stores and online at vans.co.za/search?q=skate.