Fifty years after its first appearance, Vans is bringing the Skate Era back to the streets with a fresh look for today’s skateboarders.
What started as a simple but revolutionary skate shoe in the 1970s has returned with updates that honor its roots while adapting to modern skating.
The original Skate Era was created with input from legendary skateboarders Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.
It introduced features that were uncommon at the time, like a padded collar for extra comfort and playful colorways that captured the spirit of the skate scene.
Skaters of the era quickly gravitated toward it, making it a key part of backyard pool sessions, street skating, and the evolution of vertical tricks.
Now, the Skate Era returns in 2026 with thoughtful updates designed for today’s skating. The new version offers reinforced durability, improved grip, and a more secure fit.
The padded collar remains, giving skaters the same comfort that made the original Era so memorable.
For those looking for the next step, Vans is also introducing the Skate Era WaffleCup™, which combines a low-profile silhouette with advanced outsole technology, giving skaters both boardfeel and support for daily skating sessions.
Alva remains one of the most influential figures connected to the Era.
From skating in Santa Monica in the 1970s to winning championships and creating his own brand, his work helped shape skateboarding as we know it today.
His legacy is part of what makes the Skate Era so meaningful, tying past and present together.
The Skate Era and Skate Era WaffleCup™ are now available at Vans stores and online.
Vans Posted:
"THE SKATE ERA IS BACK.
Introduced in 1976. Re-introduced in 2026. Now available online and in skate shops worldwide."