Cast your mind back to the early 2000s and a time of butterfly clips, Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi, cargo pants and Vans – and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a scene from 2023.
Yep. It’s been impossible to ignore; but Y2K fashion is back in a major way – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down its chokehold influence on the fashion industry any time soon.
The latest exemplar of Y2K is the resurgence of the iconic skate shoe, Vans, and their new Knu School shoe that is a 2023 take on the brand’s old and iconic Old Skool shoe.
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In July, everyone’s favourite It girl Hailey Bieber was spotted wearing the $159.99 Vans Knu Skool sneakers, and since then sales have gone bananas.
Described as a “modern interpretation of a classic 90s style, defined by its puffed-up tongue and tied off with oversized, chunky laces”, Hailey paired the Knu Skool shoe with low-rise wide-leg jeans, a cropped white tee and sunnies – in a way only Hailey knows how.
It wasn’t long before the shoes started flying off the shelves in all of the various colourways, from black and white to green and white and red.
The Knu Skool shoe was originally introduced in 1998 as a version of Vans’ classic Old Skool model.
The shoe was a huge hit with skaters and wannabe skaters, who loved its giant, wide style.
Reviews online for the Vans’ Knu Skool are glowing, where they have been described as “great” and “very comfortable”.
“Get the shoes! They’re super cute and comfortable; I love it. It’s different from the original ones and it’s worth the price,” one shopper wrote.
“The fit is firm, but with all the padding around the sides and tongue they provide excellent comfort,” another added.
Credit: Instagram/Vans
A third said: “Straight bussin’. Love the fit and look with the thick tongue”.
While a fourth added: “They are one of the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned”.
For more information and to shop the Vans Knu Skool shoes, head here.