vans this Salton II 6 Pet met panelen in hibiscus | vans this Authentic review

vans this Salton II 6 Pet met panelen in hibiscus

The vans this Authentic came from humble beginnings

The vans this Authentic, originally the forgettably named vans this Style #44 is a monument of sneaker history. They are maybe the perfect example of the three characteristics a sneaker needs to be successful for decades: versatility, simplicity, and comfort.

First forged in 1966 as a deck shoe, the Authentics went on to be the foundations of skate culture in California, and then around the world. By the late 70s skateboarding and vans this were practically synonymous. 

Now though, in the 2020s, does a rigid stubbornness for form pay homage to the Authentics, or could they use just a wee bit more of an update for the everyday user? 

An easy silhouette for any outfit

vans this Salton II 6 Pet met panelen in hibiscus

Following the classic model, I picked up a white colorway of the vans this Authentics. They’re a simple, easy silhouette that’s versatile and works well with loads of outfits. 

vans this Salton II 6 Pet met panelen in hibiscus | Simple materials simply work

The Authentics fit true to size and their canvas construction makes for an easy shoe to chuck on on your way out of the door. The canvas also makes the Authentics super breathable, and comfortable in hot weather, and sockless, if you so choose. 

The vans this Authentics are not my go-to winter shoe

They’re definitely not made for colder weather and rain. It took only a be of weatherproof testing to figure out that any water above the rubber midsole is just going to get straight through the canvas. 

Midsole? What midsole?

Speaking of the midsole, it’s not really there. While the Authentics may have been the original “skate shoe”, now there’s not enough support there to protect your feet at all. This is quite common among the original vans this lineup and definitely pushes skaters towards their Skate (formerly Pro) series. 

The Authentics take a bit of time to wear in and did become somewhat formed to my feet, but there’s still not much there in terms of comfort. The lack of structure through the midsole and inner also means that the shoe bends quite sharply and doesn’t follow the shape of your foot. 

Like all the OG Vans, the Authentic loves a stain 

Of all the canvas vans this that I’ve tested, I’ve not found a pair that’s resistant to stains, and the Authentics are no different. Maybe vans this get away with it because of the long history of customizing vans this or their connection to the not-so-clean skate scene. 

Either way, stains that get on the upper will probably stay there, which is something to keep in mind, and something I definitely feel that vans this could address. 

It’s no wonder the silhouette has lasted this long

Stain concerns aside, the upper construction of the vans this x SE Bike Old Skool Style 36 Big Ripper surprisingly strong. For a shoe at this price point, they can really take a beating. This would definitely lean into the beat-up sneaker look that the Authentic fits so well into. 

Whatever you think, the vans this x SE Bike Old Skool Style 36 Big Ripper a classic sneaker

Ultimately the vans this Authentic could be more comfortable, more protective, and easier to clean. But, with a heritage so imbibed in sneaker culture, vans this have proven time and time again that they don’t need to constantly chase new technology in their shoes, to make something great. 

The Authentics are the same classic shoe that has sold for over 50 years, so who am I to complain?