The Sole Revival: Vans Brings Back the Thin-Soled Cool
Alright sneakerheads, let me confess something – I’ve got a closet full of shoes that my partner regularly threatens to donate while I’m sleeping. But can you blame me? Every time a brand drops something that makes my nostalgic heart skip a beat, my wallet seems to open automatically. And folks, it’s about to happen again because Vans is bringing back thin-soled sneakers, and I’m absolutely here for it.
The Super Lowpro: What’s Old is New Again
Remember those sleek runners from the ’70s? Those barely-there soles that made you feel connected to the ground? If you’re nodding along, you’re either as old as I am or you’ve got an appreciation for vintage style that transcends generations. Either way, Vans has read our collective minds with their new Super Lowpro.
I spotted these at my local skate shop last weekend and honestly stood there for a good five minutes just admiring them. The guy behind the counter probably thought I was having some kind of shoe-induced trance. He wasn’t wrong.
The Super Lowpro is Vans’ nod to their archives – specifically the Serio Style 84. If that doesn’t ring a bell, don’t sweat it. What matters is that these shoes carry that perfect blend of “your cool uncle’s sneakers from back in the day” and “what every fashion-forward kid wants now.”
Breaking Down the Super Lowpro
So what makes these kicks special? Let me break it down:
- The upper is this perfect combo of suede and nylon that feels both premium and practical
- They’ve got traditional lace-up closures (because some things just don’t need reinventing)
- The insole is cushioned enough that you won’t be crying after a day of walking
- And of course, there’s that signature Vans waffle pattern on the outsole – because it’s not a Vans without the waffle!
But the real star of the show is that profile – it’s so low and sleek that it makes today’s chunky sneakers look like orthopedic shoes. No offense to my chunky sneaker lovers out there – I’ve got plenty of those too. My sneaker rotation is equal opportunity.
When Fashion Meets Function
Last Tuesday, I decided to test drive my new Super Lowpros (I couldn’t resist grabbing the navy and cream colorway) for a full day of errands and coffee meetings. The first thing I noticed was how light they felt compared to the platform sneakers I’d been wearing all winter. It was like my feet suddenly remembered they could actually feel the ground.
By the third hour, walking through the farmers market, I was convinced these might be the perfect spring-to-summer transition shoe. They’re substantial enough for those cooler mornings but won’t have your feet sweating buckets when the afternoon sun hits.
And can we talk versatility? I threw these on with jeans and a tee, but later in the week paired them with a casual dress, and both looks worked. My teenager even gave me the rare nod of approval – a fashion achievement I’ll be dining out on for weeks.
The Price Point That Won’t Make You Weep
Here’s where things get even sweeter – these vintage-inspired beauties won’t require a vintage-inspired bank account. They’re running about $80-$85 depending on which color scheme catches your eye.
In a world where “fashionable” sneakers can easily run you $200+, this feels like a small miracle. I’ve legitimately spent more on dinner for two. Actually, who am I kidding? I’ve spent more on dinner for one in this economy.
Colors and Choices
The Super Lowpro comes in a range of colors that somehow manage to feel both retro and current. There’s your classic black and white (which will never steer you wrong), but I’m particularly partial to the more adventurous color combos that give off that authentic ’70s runner vibe.
My personal prediction? The earth tones are going to sell out first. There’s something about those muted greens and browns paired with cream accents that just screams “I’m effortlessly cool and maybe I make pottery in my spare time.”
The Bottom Line
Not every throwback trend deserves a revival (I’m looking at you, low-rise jeans), but Vans has nailed it with the Super Lowpro. They’ve managed to bring back thin-soled sneakers without making them feel like a cheap novelty or a painful exercise in style over comfort.
If you’ve been watching the pendulum swing from the chunky, dad-shoe aesthetic back toward sleeker profiles, this is your moment. These shoes are the perfect entry point into the thin-soled trend without going full ballet flat (though those are having a moment too).
So if you’ll excuse me, I need to go clear some space in my closet before my partner makes good on those donation threats. After all, I’ve got at least three more colorways to add to my collection. For research purposes, of course.
