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Vans are one of the most popular shoe brands among skaters and non-skaters alike. And within the Vans family, the Sk8-hi silhouette is definitely a fan favorite. But many don’t realize that there are actually two different Sk8-hi shoes: the Sk8-hi and the Sk8-hi Tapered.
Both shoes are made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting comfort. They also both feature the iconic Vans waffle sole, which provides traction and stability no matter where you go.
The major difference between Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi Tapered is in the fit. The Sk8-Hi Tapered has a more snug fit, while the regular Sk8-Hi is a little roomier.
This makes the Tapered better for activities like skating or biking, where you need to move your feet around easily. The regular Sk8-Hi is still a brilliant choice for everyday wear, though–it’s just not as performance oriented.
In this article, we’ll compare the two styles of shoes and help you decide which one is right for you.
Let’s look at the first impressions of these shoes.
First Glance
When you look at these two shoes, it should set a certain bar of comparison between them as the first glance at them should give you an insight into their fit, material, and construction quality.
I‘ve had an experience with these two shoes and here’s my first impression of them.
Vans Sk8-hi
- Unique design
- Solid construction
- Cushioned and supportive rubber soles
- Versatile style
I was so excited to get my new Vans Sk8-hi sneakers in the mail. I had seen them online and knew that I needed a pair in my life. When they arrived, the first thing I noticed was how well they were made.
The materials are top quality and the construction is solid. They look great, too! I put them on and took a walk around the block.
They felt amazing on my feet! The soles are cushioned and supportive, and they provide great traction.
They have many features and a unique description. They are made to be durable and comfortable, with a versatile style that can be worn for many occasions.
The Sk8-Hi sneakers were designed for skateboarders in the 1970s, but have become popular among people of all ages and lifestyles.
The first thing you’ll notice about Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers is their unique design. They are high-top shoes with a padded ankle collar and tongue, which provides extra comfort and support.
The sides of the shoes are made from sturdy canvas material, while the soles feature rubber padding for grip and durability. There is also a metal eyelet on each shoe to secure your laces tightly in place.
Another distinguishing feature of Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers is their versatile style. They can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit, making them perfect for any occasion.
You can wear them to school, work, or play without having to change your shoes! And because they come in so many colors and designs, you’re sure to find one that matches your personality perfectly.
Overall, Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable yet stylish footwear option
Vans Sk8-hi tapered
- Classic style
- Can be dressed up or down
- High top construction
I’m not sure what it is about the Vans Sk8-Hi tapered sneakers, but they just make me feel good. Maybe it’s the way they hug my feet or the classic style that never goes out of fashion.
Whatever it is, I know I can always count on these shoes to make me look and feel my best.
When I finally got them, I put them on right away. They were a little tight at first but after a few minutes of wearing them; they felt superb.
Since then, I’ve worn my Sk8-his all the time. Plus, they’re perfect for just hanging out or going for a walk around town.
Vans Sk8-hi sneakers are a type of shoes that have a tapered design. They are made with a combination of materials, including suede and canvas.
The sneakers also have metal eyelets and flat laces. They provide good traction and durability, making them perfect for everyday use.
They are made with a high-top construction and come in many colors and styles. The shoes feature suede or canvas uppers, padded collars for support, and vulcanized rubber soles.
The Sk8-hi tapered has good traction and durability, making them ideal for skateboarding or other activities.
Overall, I love my Vans Sk8-hi tapered sneakers and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for something different and stylish.
Vans Sk8-hi vs. Sk8-hi Tapered: Let’s Compare
| Features | Vans Sk8-hi | Sk8-hi Tapered |
| Material | 55% Leather and 45% Canvas | Suede, canvas, and rubber blend |
| Sole | Vulcanized rubber sole with less stability | Vulcanized rubber sole with higher stability and streamlined look |
| Durability | About 2 years | About 3 years |
| Price | $80 | $80 |
| Insoles | Unremovable vulcanized rubber insoles | Unremovable vulcanized rubber insoles with a thinner profile. |
| Sizing/fit | Wider fit | Narrow fit |
| Construction | Constructed with a sleeker look with less bulk | Constructed to handle serious wear and tear |
| Footbed | Slightly raised in the heel area | Normal traditional footbed |
| Fashion quality | More likely to go out of style than the tapered version | More fashionable, sleek, and stylish |
Material
Several differences exist between the material used in Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi Tapered.
The Sk8-Hi is made with 55% Leather and 45% Canvas while the Sk8-hi tapered is made with suede, canvas, and rubber blend.
The most obvious difference is that the Sk8-hi Tapered uses a taper cut, which makes them slimmer around the ankle.
This allows for a better fit, especially with jeans or other slim-leg clothing. Another difference is that the Sk8-Hi Tapered features suede uppers instead of canvas like the regular Sk8-Hi.
Using canvas on the toe box and vamp on the Sk8-Hi, as opposed to suede on the Sk8-Hi Tapered. This makes the Tapered version more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
The sole on the Tapered model is slightly thicker for increased support and comfort. If you’re looking for a high-quality skate shoe with extra durability, go for the Vans Sk8-Hi Tapered.
Sole
There are a few key differences between the sole used in Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi Tapered.
The first and most obvious difference is that the Sk8-hi Tapered has a narrower sole than the regular Sk8-Hi. This makes it better suited for more narrow feet or people wanting a more streamlined look.
The traditional sk8-hi sole provides less stability and support than the tapered sole, which may cause discomfort for people with narrower feet or those needing extra arch support.
Finally, while both shoes have vulcanized rubber soles, which make them durable and long-lasting, the Sk8-Hi Tapered sole is slightly thicker than that of the regular Sk8-Hi.
Though they are very similar because of the waffle patterns beneath them, the tapered version has a much more supportive sole.
Durability
There are a few key differences between the durability of Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi Tapered.
The first, and most obvious, is that the Sk8-Hi Tapered is made with a more tapered fit. This makes it narrower at the toe and heel, which can be better for people with smaller feet or those who want a more snug fit.
The second difference is that the Sk8-Hi Tapered features reinforced stitching on critical areas like the toe cap and heel cup, making it more durable against wear and tear.
Finally, while both shoes feature vulcanized rubber soles for flexibility and grip, the Sk8-Hi Tapered sole is slightly thicker than the standard Sk8-Hi’s, making it even more resistant to damage.
That said, the Sk8–hi lasts for about 2 years while the tapered version lasts for about 3 years.
Price
Considering the prices of both shoes on the official Vans website, they both cost $80. The Vans Sk8-hi tapered is worth the price compared to the Sk8-hi because it provides more durability and is more comfortable than the Sk8-hi.
So, if you’re looking for which Sk8-hi is best for you according to price, get the tapered version.
Insoles
There are a few key differences between the insoles used in Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi tapered sneakers.
Though, they are both made with the traditional unremovable vulcanized rubber insoles.
The first difference is that the Sk8-hi tapered has a slightly thinner insole, which makes it more flexible and responsive to movement and makes it a better fit for people with narrower feet.
The insole on the Sk8-Hi tapered is also perforated, providing increased airflow and breathability. This helps keep your feet cool and comfortable during long periods of war.
Finally, both models feature a die-cut EVA sockliner for added cushioning and support.
However, because of its thinner profile, the sock liner on the Sk8-Hi tapered provides less padding than its counterpart.
Sizing/fit
While they may look similar, there are some key differences in size and fit.
The Sk8-hi is designed with a wider fit than the tapered style. So if you have wider feet, the Sk8-his will be a better option for you.
The tapered sneakers are designed with a narrower fit, so they’ll be better suited for those with narrower feet.
Another difference between these two styles is in terms of height. The Sk8-his are taller than the tapered style, which can provide more support and cushion for your feet.
Overall, both styles offer great comfort and durability but it’s important to consider your foot shape when deciding about which pair to buy!
Construction
There are a few key differences between the construction of Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi tapered sneakers. The first, and most obvious, difference is in the shoe’s shape.
The Sk8-Hi is wider at the toe box than the tapered version, which becomes more narrow as it reaches the heel. This change in shape affects both how comfortable each shoe is to wear and how they look on your feet.
The second difference has to do with the materials used in construction. The Sk8-Hi features a thicker canvas upper than its tapered counterpart, making it more durable against wear and tear.
While both shoes have vulcanized rubber soles for added traction and flexibility, those on the Sk8-Hi are slightly thicker for extra cushioning when walking or running.
Overall, these two versions of Vans’ iconic skate shoes offer subtly unique experiences depending on what you’re looking for in a sneaker.
If you want something that will be comfortable all day long and can handle some serious wear and tear then go with the Sk8-Hi tapered model. However, if you prefer a sleeker look with less bulk, then go with the normal model.
Footbed
There are a few key differences between the footbed of Vans Sk8-hi and Vans Sk8-hi tapered sneakers.
The first, and most obvious difference, is that the Sk8-Hi has a thicker sole than the tapered version. This makes it more supportive and stable, which is great for people who need extra arch support or those who tend to overpronate.
The footbed on the Sk8-Hi is slightly raised in the heel area, which can help to improve balance and reduce strain on your Achilles tendon.
Finally, both versions have a waffle tread pattern on their soles for better traction; however, this pattern is slightly more pronounced on the Sk8-Hi sole.
Fashion Quality
The Sk8-hi tapered is made with better materials and will last longer than the Sk8-hi sneakers.
The tapered has a better fashion sense because it is more sleek and stylish. It also has a better fit because it is narrower at the ankle than the Sk8-Hi sneakers.
The tapered style looks more fashionable and is less likely to go out of style quickly than the regular Sk8-his.
If you’re looking for a stylish and long-lasting pair of sneakers, then I recommend purchasing Vans Sk8-Hi Tapered shoes over Vans SK 8 Hi’s.
Final Verdict
After reviewing and comparing both versions of the Sk8-Hi sneakers. I’ve decided that the Sk8-Hi tapered is a much better sneaker than the Sk8-Hi because of the following reasons:
- First, the tapered style is more flattering and gives your legs a longer look.
- Second, they are made with premium materials and construction techniques that make them last longer.
- Third, they have a unique design that sets them apart from other shoes on the market.
- Fourth, they are more comfortable to wear because they have a narrower fit.
- Finally, they provide better support and stability because of their taper design.
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