At the moment, there’s a real feeling of nostalgia in the air.
People are sharing what they looked like 10 years ago, in 2016; Gen Zs are taking inspiration from Millennials’ ‘hopecore’ movement, and grown-up fans are marking 20 years since High School Musical first came out. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?
We’re also seeing this in the world of footwear, with the 00s sk8r boi brand of choice, Vans, coming back into fashion once more.
According to the StockX culture index for 2026, Vans is gathering momentum. At the end of 2025, the average price of a pair surged by 42%, seemingly fuelled by an urge to reclaim a classic staple that instantly transports us back to a simpler time.
Along those lines, various styles have enjoyed a renaissance of late, with the Souvenir Old Skool models being dubbed ‘Chanel-inspired Vans.’
The iconic shoe has made numerous rotations on the trend cycle over the decades, after first being invented in 1966 by brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren.
Throughout the early 1970s, they were particularly popular among skateboarders in Southern California, where the brand was born. Then, the infamous checkerboard-patterned slip-ons made their debut in 1982.
By 2007, a collaboration with The Simpsons TV show was released, and in 2014, Vans was named Brand of the Year by Footwear News.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear the label’s cult following never left.
In 2024, the likes of Emily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid were pictured wearing them, while Doja Cat donned a pair to perform at the VMAs last year, and they’ve increasingly become a staple choice for Fashion Week attendees over the past two or three seasons.
What do you think of the comeback of Vans?
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I love it! They're a timeless classic.
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It's great, I used to wear them and still love them.
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I'd rather leave my Vans phase in the past.
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I was never a fan.
Why are Vans back in fashion in 2026?
So, what’s driving this craze? According to Oriona Robb, founder and creative director of an eponymous style academy, Vans are having a moment due to their timeless silhouette.
She tells Metro: ‘This isn’t really about one trainer trend, it’s about people moving back towards familiar, easy pieces. After years of chunky, very designed trainers, there is a clear shift towards simplicity and comfort.
‘Vans feel recognisable, relaxed and unfussy, which is exactly what people are drawn to right now.’
Naturally, there’s a nostalgia element to all of this, too. Millennials want to reconnect with the clothing styles and trends they sported when many of them were teenagers in the mid 2010s, while the younger generations might see Vans as more authentic, rather than ‘over-styled.’
‘They don’t try too hard, and that works in their favour at the moment,’ Oriona explains.
‘The most popular styles are the classics. Old Skool and Authentic in black, white or neutral tones are leading. Checkerboard is still relevant, but it’s being worn in a more subtle way rather than as a statement.’
The way Vans are styled is slightly different in 2026 too, so don’t worry about digging out your old skinny jeans and band tees to match your footwear.
‘These days, they’re best paired with sharper pieces,’ Oriona adds. ‘Think tailored trousers, blazers, clean denim, or even a simple knit. Wide-leg trousers also work, as do midi skirts, long coats, and unstructured jackets.’
If Vans aren’t your vibe though, the stylist notes: ‘The alternative is still the same idea. Clean, understated trainers with a retro feel are doing well.
‘Neutral colours, simple shapes and versatility matter more than logos.’
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