First Look: Vans Expands the 'Knu Skool' Line With Three Classic Colorways

Originally posted on TransWorld SKATEboarding
By Brian Blakely | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 2:08 PM ET

Is it a skate shoe? A lifestyle shoe? Whatever. The Knu Skool from Vans has been around for years, but it’s only recently made a comeback as overall styles in skateboarding have naturally shifted. Low-key vulcanized shoes are starting to feel like a thing of the past, while bigger, oversized skate shoes are taking over skateshop shoe walls at a rapid pace.

Vans just teased the latest Knu Skool colorways, and if you ask me, these seem like instant staples. White/Gum? Black/Gum? Black on black? Timeless. Get a closer look below:

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"Born in ’98, the Knu Skool took inspiration from the iconic Old Skool to create something entirely its own," the Vans site reads. "Oversized laces, a puffed tongue, and a plush collar captured unapologetic ’90s style, all grounded on Vans’ signature vulcanized sole."

I've seen the Knu Skool out in the wild quite a bit over the past year or so, and the more I see it, the more it makes sense. I mean, you definitely won't see me rocking them, but that's neither here nor there, I suppose. 90s nostalgia is still hot nonetheless! And this is a great example.

Love 'em or hate 'em, the Knu Skool is a clear reflection of what current skate shoes are looking like these days. And with these new colorways, Vans isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel or anything. They’re just doubling down on what’s already working.

See all the latest Knu Skool colorways right here, or better yet, roll down to your local and see if they're stocking them.

This article first appeared on TransWorld Skateboarding and was syndicated with permission.

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