Source: Highsnobiety
Summary
Vans has responded to comparisons between its Old Skool Platform sneaker and the iconic Dr. Martens platform shoes. The brand acknowledged the similarities, stating that the design was inspired by the ’90s rave and skater scenes. The Old Skool Platform features a thick sole and bold colorways, reminiscent of the chunky shoes popularized by Dr. Martens. Vans said the shoe is a “reimagining” of its classic Old Skool design.
Our Reading
The trend returns with a new name. Vans’ Old Skool Platform is a rehashing of the chunky shoe trend that Dr. Martens popularized in the ’90s. The thick sole and bold colorways are a familiar sight, evoking memories of the rave and skater scenes that inspired the original design. The shoe’s “reimagining” is a nod to the cyclical nature of fashion trends. The look feels familiar because it’s been done before.
Author: Evan Null
The Revival of Chunky Shoes
The ’90s have been a major source of inspiration for fashion brands in recent years, and Vans is no exception. The brand’s Old Skool Platform sneaker is a prime example of this trend, with its thick sole and bold colorways paying homage to the chunky shoes of the decade.
Dr. Martens: The Original Chunky Shoe
Dr. Martens is often credited with popularizing the chunky shoe trend in the ’90s. The brand’s iconic boots, with their air-cushioned sole and bold designs, became a staple of the rave and skater scenes. Vans’ Old Skool Platform is a clear nod to this style, with its similar sole design and bold colorways.
Vans’ Take on the Trend
Vans has put its own spin on the chunky shoe trend with the Old Skool Platform. The brand has taken its classic Old Skool design and added a thick sole, creating a shoe that is both nostalgic and modern. The result is a shoe that feels both familiar and new.
The Cyclical Nature of Fashion Trends
The revival of chunky shoes is a prime example of the cyclical nature of fashion trends. What was once old becomes new again, and brands like Vans are capitalizing on this trend by reimagining classic designs for a new generation.
A Familiar Look
The Old Skool Platform’s similarity to Dr. Martens’ iconic boots is undeniable. The shoe’s design is a clear nod to the ’90s, and its bold colorways and chunky sole make it a statement piece. Whether or not this is a good thing is up for debate, but one thing is certain: the look feels familiar because it’s been done before.
