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Released in 1978, The Vans Sk8-Hi is the first high top skate shoe. As is the case with most Vans, it wasn’t long before the sneaker gained cross-over appeal and landed at the doorstep of pop culture. The Sk8-Hi immediately became a favorite across skateboarding, bmx, and alternative subcultures, being seen on the feet of everyone dedicated to looking cool.
Originally known as “Style 38” The Sk8-Hi is updated with several features not previously seen on prior Vans models. The sneakers originally featured a suede and canvas upper that stretched above an ankle high padding for support. Along the upper is a stripe formally known as the “jazz stripe” that stretches from the heel to the midfoot. The familiar vulcanized rubber midsole and waffle print outsole returns to the model, however the sneakers now feature branding on the tongue as well as the heels.
The Vans Sk8-Hi is never hard to find. Large retailers like Hibbett Sports and Zumiez as well as smaller boutiques like Oneness carry general release versions of the high top Vans in abundance. For more limited pairs and collabs, we recommend checking out your local skate shop and the Vans website.
Common to most Vans, the Sk8-Hi originally only released in two minimal colorways, black and white, and black, blue, and white. Since the initial release, the Sk8-Hi has adopted every color scheme and material possible.
To no surprise, the Vans Sk8-Hi fits exactly the same as it did in 1978. While the sneakers do fit true-to-size, we recommend inserts for anyone interested in the shoes because of the lack of arch support.
If you're looking to connect with OG colorways of the Sk8-Hi, luckily large retailers as well as Vans' stores and website restock on the basics frequently. For highly sought after and more obscure pairs, we recommend checking out smaller sneaker boutiques, but the best way to keep up with any restocks of the Vans Sk8-Hi is by using the Sole Retriever app.

BABYMETAL is celebrating 15 years of heavy jams with a collection of Vans sneakers. Find images and release info for the BABYMETAL x Vans collection here.
True Vans collectors know there's an infinite amount of collabs on the Sk8-Hi. As with most other models, Supreme and CDG are the most consistent, however, the sneakers are frequently collaborated on by several other entities. A Tribe Called Quest, Slayer, and Metallica all translated their music into wearable pieces of art. Streetwear brands like Fear of God, Palace, and WTAPS tap into the niche underbelly of fashion. From Notre to Led Zeppelin, the Vans Sk8-Hi has proved to be valid in any circle.

BABYMETAL is celebrating 15 years of heavy jams with a collection of Vans sneakers. Find images and release info for the BABYMETAL x Vans collection here.

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Below are some other popular sneaker releases from Vans