A Review Of The Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 Sneakers

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It's difficult to overstate the profound influence that Vans footwear has had on American fashion, specifically the quintessential Southern California aesthetic that has resonated around the world for decades. Their shoes have always represented a punk rock, carefree lifestyle that's incredibly appealing to people of all ages and demographics. This is in part because Vans classic silhouettes have been synonymous with skateboarding culture since the early 1970s, thanks to their unmistakable waffle grip outsole and durable rubber sidewall that sidewalk surfers gravitated towards.

In early 2024, Vans launched their Premium line of footwear with a focus on modern comfort, an updated fit, and superior materials for their substantial catalog of classic sneakers. There's a distinct focus on quality, heritage, and details with this new release that piqued my interest, as I'm in the market for a new pair of everyday casual sneakers that can be worn in semi-formal settings. The Vans Authentic sneaker is arguably their most elegant shoe, so I decided to try the Premium Authentic Reissue 44 in the LX Off White colorway (LX supposedly stands for luxury) to see if it delivers on this promise.

Materials & Construction

The Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 comes packaged in an attractive narrow blue box which sets the tone for an intelligently understated design language that's carried over to the shoe itself. I was immediately impressed with the overall sophistication that the shoe gives off, with a well constructed 80z canvas upper, intricate stitching, and gorgeous blue accents in contrast to the predominate cream color. This is an eye-catching minimalist sneaker through and through.

So what separates the Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 from the standard issue Authentic shoe? Well for starters, the rubber sidewall is higher than the standard version and includes a higher gloss finish. This taller rubber midsole and toe box area (aka foxing tape, collectively) is noticeably different and looks unquestionably more stylish to the critical eye.

Another welcome change is that the Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 has reintroduced the distinctive heel strap seam of the original model from years past, which again looks more aesthetically pleasing. Just below, you'll find the trademark "Off The Wall" logo which proudly signifies the shoe's skate heritage. This reinforced heel area adds structure and stiffness to the shoe, though you won't find any padding around the collar.

Other notable details include a thin canvas tongue, soft cotton laces, and perhaps most notably, the famous rubber waffle gum outsole. The shoe feels lightweight and ultra breathable as a result of the materials used here. In terms of fit, fortunately I found that the shoe fits true to size.

Comfort & Performance

Speaking of fit, I didn't expect the Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 to be all that comfortable to be honest. It turns out that I was proven quite wrong. This is perhaps in part due to the addition of the Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort (ADC) anti-fatigue insoles, which is a Premium line exclusive.

Surprisingly, the shoe boasts ample squishy heel support that I was able to appreciate right away. It also includes perceptible arch support, which does feel different from other sneakers but adds to the comfort of the shoe nonetheless. It might not look like it at first glance due to its pared down appearance, but overall this sneaker feels good to wear for long periods of time.

The Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44's canvas and rubber construction has a well earned reputation of being able to withstand the abuse and abrasions of skateboarding and appears to be quite durable. In my own research before acquiring the shoe, I did note some reported durability concerns floating around online over the rubber sidewall separating from the outsole after only a couple weeks of use, however I haven't experienced any issues myself. If that changes, rest assured that this review will be updated accordingly.

If there are any downsides to mention, it would be that the Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 isn't a great choice for inclement weather or dirty environments, nor is it easy to keep clean. Personally, I'm reserving this pair for sunny days in the city and indoor events only. And while the shoe is far more comfortable than I expected, both the tongue and heel collar area lack any padding whatsoever. Lastly (and this is minor), only one pair of laces is included in the box.

Pros

• A number of design and comfort upgrades over the standard model
• Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort (ADC) anti-fatigue insoles make the shoe super comfortable to wear for long periods of time
• Fits true to size
• Breathable and lightweight construction
• Waffle gum outsole offers substantial grip

Cons

• Tongue and heel collar lacks padding
• Not easy to clean
• No extra laces included

Verdict

The Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 is the ultimate minimalist low top shoe that begs to be paired with slim jeans, short trousers, shorts, and even looks great without socks if you're feeling bold. This is the kind of casual daily use sneaker that will actually make you look more put together without much effort. Its perfected silhouette is one of the most imitated shoe designs ever, and it's easy to see why.

But where other brands are able to more or less imitate the look, they certainly haven't nailed the comfort aspect that the real Premium Authentic has. This sneaker feels the best by far out of all the similar offerings I've tried over the years, and I've tried many of them.

Still, is it worth splurging for the Premium Authentic model over the standard Vans Authentic sneaker? If comfort is a priority and subtle style upgrades matter to you, then yes, this is undoubtedly the one to get. The Vans Premium Authentic Reissue 44 is a clear winner, and anything less simply doesn't measure up.