VANS Ward Low Review

8.9
8.9 score
[Editors rating (8.9) + Users rating (10.0)] / 2 = (WalkJogRun) score (8.9)/10


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Editor rating: 8.9 / 10
User's rating: based on 1 user ratings
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Vans Ward Low is a perfect example of a classic skate shoe! This long-standing fan favorite offers a low-top, lace-up design that brings some fashionable game into the meaning of street-style. Suede and canvas uppers combine with Vans’ signature waffle sole to form a shoe that was made for life on the board. This skate-inspired pair has become a staple with skaters currently dominates the parks. If you’re shopping for a true skate shoe than this is one of the best pairs that money can buy. Vans was started back in 1966 by two brothers, Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren. They partnered with Gordon Lee and Serge Delia to open their first retail store in Anaheim, California. This store was called The Van Doren Rubber Company, they made shoes right out of the back of their store and sold them. By the early 70s skaters had grown to love the innovative sole and durable designs, especially of the ‘Authentic’ Ward Low model.

 

 

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Signature Waffle Sole
  • Canvas Upper
  • Multiple Colorways
  • Cool Vibe
Cons
  • Narrow Toe
  • Sizes Run Small

Upper

This is a prime example of a classic yet modernized skate shoe! It offers an upper unit that’s made from comforting canvas and suede materials and boasts the iconic side stripe that they’re famous for. This pair comes in plenty of colors so there’s something that will suit everyone and is unisex by design for versatile shopping. The canvas material is lightweight and airy for cooling wear and helps to prevent a build-up of sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Properly controlling moisture is a must because it not only keeps you more content but also eliminates smelly shoes and feet.

Brand

Everyone who's anyone knows the Vans’ name! What was once a strict skater brand has since transformed into a favorite among people from all sorts of lifestyles. Anyone who wants to can enjoy rocking a pair. They’re comfortable, stylish, and versatile so what’s not to love?! The company was founded in 1996 by two brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren. They partnered with Gordon Lee and Serge Delia to open the very first retail location in Anaheim, California. Back then they made their shoes right out of the back of the store and quickly became known by the skater community for their incredible styles. Skaters had grown to be impressed with the durability and superior style that these shoes had to offer and helped to propel the Vans’ name straight to the top. Since their debut, they’ve shown no signs of cooling off and have reached new heights of popularity with people from all aspects of life.

Sole

Perhaps the most notorious features is their signature waffle sole which the Ward Low proudly owns. The waffle sole has new and improved vertical lines which make which offer superior handling. This innovative outsole offers unmatched traction on both wet and dry surfaces so you can skate without having to worry about slips. It’s made to last and won’t wear down with daily stress so you can enjoy this shoe for a long time to come. Having a good sole is imperative if you want to be able to hit the rails hard and master the art of skateboarding like a pro which is why owning a pair of Vans is one of the best ways to improve your performance.

Colors

This sneaker was made to fit everyone's sense of style, which is why It comes in so many different color combinations. It would be tough to not to find one that you love! Choose from options like Black/White, Black Mono, Blue Topez, and of course, the fan favorite Checker pattern. No matter what you like there are so many to choose from you would be hard-pressed not to find an option that you liked.

Durability

This pair is made to withstand tough wear and tear daily. Its vulcanized construction makes for an incredibly long-lasting shoe and is durable enough for athletic activities. Vulcanized construction was once the most popular way to make shoes but was later replaced by cold cement construction in the 1980s. In recent years vulcanized styles have made a huge comeback though. When a shoe is vulcanized it uses a metal last, not plastic which makes it far more precise and securely bonds all parts of the pair together created a fused product. It is the original and arguably the best way to craft a sneaker.

Style

This sneaker is the perfect shoe for skateboarding and looks the part too! It offers a low-top look and lace-up structure that work together to make the ideal street-ready look. The Ward Low gives a heavy nod to the original designs that started the skater trend and has become such a popular choice of footwear. It has a laid-back and sporty vibe that makes it so desirable and is guaranteed to be just as popular many years from now.

Materials

These sneakers have a rubber sole that’s a great choice for wearing in both dry and wet conditions. Rubber is a water-resistant material that delivers superior grip on wet and slippery surfaces. This model has an original Waffle sole that will hold up well under pressure and guarantees to keep you stable on your feet. Its canvas and suede upper unit are lightweight and airy so you can forget about hot and sweaty feet while you’re on the go.

Laces

Laces are one of the best ways to fasten your shoes, especially for athletic-inspired pairs. Laces let you adjust the fit of your shoe so that it feels just right and help to keep them firmly on your feet. The Ward Low comes complete with a front lace-up closure system that is both easy to use and securely fitted so you can perform your best without worrying about your shoes falling off. Laces are also considered to be quite stylish and add to the pairs overall appearance.

Fit

One of the few downsides to these sneakers is that they fit a little small. Most wearers find that they need to wear a half to full size up from their normal size in order to feel comfortable. This is especially true if you’re big boned because you’ll find this pair to be a full size smaller than what their label says. If you’re ordering online it’s best to look for the exact measurements so you can measure your own feet and compare. By doing this it’s the only way to guarantee that you will be completely happy with your purchase.

Width

Another downside is that it’s quite narrow in the toe. Now, if you have tiny feet this won’t be a problem, but if you have wide feet you will definitely find the Ward to be a little snug in the forefoot! There are a couple of ways to stretch them out without distorting the way they look which I’ve highlighted below for your convenience.

  • Firstly, you can try hitting the shoes with a hairdryer for one to two minutes while you’re wearing them. Them walk around the house doing various movements to stretch the fabric as much as possible. Just be sure that you hold the dryer far enough away from the material so you don’t end up hurting yourself or burning your shoes.

  • Secondly, you can also try leaving a large item inside of the shoes overnight for a few nights in a row. This is a notoriously easy way to gently stretch the fabric.

Bottom Line

Vans’ Ward Low is a must-have for skaters and is equally as popular with just about everyone else too! This pair goes back to the roots of this style of shoe and delivers a seamless look that is perfect for casual occasions. Its vulcanized construction ensures that this shoe will last for quite some time despite daily wear and tear making it an economical choice. Anyone who is fashion-conscious will love the on-trend vibe that the Ward Low exudes and the nods of approval they bring in from passerbys.

The upper of this shoe is made from breathable canvas and suede materials that allow for plenty of airflow around your feet. This keeps you cool and comfortable while helping to prevent a build-up of sweat and odor-causing bacteria. The Ward Low’s waffle sole offers something uniquely Vans’ and guarantees the best traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

I rated this shoe very highly based on its performance, as well as, the overwhelming amount of positive feedback from wearers. It has been a classic design for over forty years and shows no signs of losing popularity any time soon!