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On any given day, a stroll through the GQ office will reveal a diversity of tastes, styles, and, naturally, sneakers. But this week, one style move trumped all others: Vans Old Skools were everywhere. Seemingly overnight, the classic sneaker has become the de facto footwear choice of the fashion world (we even hailed it as the new Stan Smith) and, apparently, the official shoe of GQHQ, too. On Monday alone, seven editorial staff members were spotted sporting Vans Old Skools.
Unlike the preppy-leaning Vans Authentic or the skate-rat favorite Half Cab, the Old Skool is a low-top style that has clear skate roots, but without coming across as a "skate shoe." Easily spotted by the jazz stripe on the side of the sneaker (a detail that debuted with the Old Skool in 1977, then called "Style 36"), the simple silhouette looks good with just about every kind of pant out there, from slim, rolled-up jeans to wide-leg chinos (and yes, even suit pants if you want to swerve).
What makes the Old Skool appealing to so many different style-minded guys? One reason is that anything related to skate style is in demand right now (even high-fashion labels like Off-White have used Old Skools on their runways). The other reason: They're only $60. It's not often that a piece every guy can afford (and easily buy—no inventory issues here) cuts through fashion's usual hierarchy.
While GQ staffers seem to gravitate toward black or blue iterations of the sneaker, it's available in plenty more colors and patterns, including some trending hues you'd be smart to pick up right now (royal blue, burgundy, all-white). And did we mention they're only $60?
$60, available at vans.com