Iconic doesn’t really do the Era justice…

The shoe, originally named Vans Style 95, was built with input from Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta and arrived at a time when skaters were pushing into new territory. Pools and early vert were emerging as the chosen playgrounds for Southern Californian riders, and the Era offered the grip, durability and control needed to match those demands.

That was 50 years ago and, testament to the quality of the shoe, the Era has outgrown its skate origins to become a global staple, with Vans continually refreshing colourways and patterns to keep it firmly in rotation.

Now, with the anniversary in full swing, they’re taking it back to its roots, introducing updated skate tech that reflects the evolution of a sport that has endured “fad” status, multiple industry crashes and an unending scourge of rival activities (scootering, we’re looking at you).

Enter the Skate Era, which keeps the classic silhouette intact while layering in modern performance upgrades built for contemporary skating. PopCush cushioning improves impact protection, while Vans’ SickStick rubber outsole delivers added grip and durability where it matters most.

Internal tongue straps help lock the fit in place, and a molded heel counter adds extra stability and support. Suede and canvas panels reinforce high-wear areas, giving the updated Era the toughness needed for modern skating without losing the timeless look that made it iconic in the first place.

Shop the Skate Era here.