Generally a good shoe. Boardfeel is good. The hi-tops stabilize the ankle a bit more and if the board hits you don't get a cut straight away. As with all Vans skate shoes, the laces are a little thicker + you get a pair to change. An insole optimized for skating is also included. The standard Vans insole is Popcush, but there are also others such as Ultracush etc. The insole is ok, but can't be compared with Footprint, for example. Otherwise, I find the thickness of the fabric and the sole thinner than, for example, the Blazers from Nike or a pair of Last Resort hi-tops, but thicker than a pair of Chuck Taylors from Converse. They don't last forever, but they don't get holes extremely quickly either.

There isnt much to add to what people have already said about the sk8-hi over the years, but the skate version is significantly more durable and more importantly comfortable. They sit snugly around the foot thanks to the tongue straps and the insoles are leagues better than those of the standard version. If you like high tops this is a no-brainer

Awful redesign. Completely ruined the sk8-hi

Where to even start! The shiny hideous outsole and fixing tape is the first slap to the face. No board feel, too stiff and tacky feeling and tacky looking. They look like cheap garbage. Why did you ruin the gumsole look? There was nothing wrong with the sk8-hi to begin with. Instead of this trash redesign how about you fix the adhesive issue you have where Every pair of shoes falls apart at the foxing tape ? Not buying another pair until you fix them and put them back the way they were. the shiny soles are ridiculous looking. the skate pros were not supposed to be some classic fashion shoe. They are for skateboarders PERIOD! Go ahead and have your classic skate High line and put the skate hi pros back to their former glory.

Board feeling hi-top Vans shoe

I skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This ... MoreI skate flat/curbs/flatbars. My foot is size 9, I weigh 70 kg and I am 180 cm tall. I usually prefer cupsole skateshoes but I ended up with the Vans Sk8-Hi's because of the protection over the ankle. This shoe is true to size, maybe a tad bigger than some of my 27 cm shoes. It is also not a narrow shoe like New Balances or Nikes. This shoe is great for skating, but in my opinion not the best shoe to walk on as I found some marginal heel lift even with so many laces. However these break in fast, the shoe is light for such a durable and even with a "fat" vulcanized outsole. I would prefer the pro version for skating every time. I think for my foot this shoe has not the optimal feel on the heel so I recommend that you try these at a shop if you haven't already.This shoe shines for the person that want fast breaking in time and board feel. Even with the pop cush insole the feel is awesome. The Hi-top model needs some getting used to but is no dealbreaker for me as that was what I wanted. They have such a good view from above and over all. For this shoe I would have preferred it to have some topping in the heels to prevent heel lift, but that is all I can complain. It has some canvas for breathability in the middle which is nice for the summer.For me, this is a rather basic skate shoe with good durability on because of suede and a thick vulcanized outsole. I recommend these for you if you already like Vans skate shoes and want to go for something extra with the Hi's.

Deeply missing the Pro Line

I've been wearing Vans since the 90's, and have always enjoyed them right out of the box. If I knew the Pro Line was going away, I honestly would have purchased 50 or more pairs to keep me happy for the rest of my days. Ordered these thinking they were about the same, and I was gravely mistaken. These are stiff, tight on the toes, the shoe laces barely tie at the top they are so short. Just utterly disappointed. Ended up cutting out the red elastic straps hoping it would make the shoe a bit more comfy: I was wrong. The Pro Line was heaven for my feet, when they got a bit worn out I would just wear them as slip ons for house chores and errands. I'm going to give these new ones my best shot and hope they break in, but I do not have high hopes after a week of wearing ... MoreI've been wearing Vans since the 90's, and have always enjoyed them right out of the box. If I knew the Pro Line was going away, I honestly would have purchased 50 or more pairs to keep me happy for the rest of my days. Ordered these thinking they were about the same, and I was gravely mistaken. These are stiff, tight on the toes, the shoe laces barely tie at the top they are so short. Just utterly disappointed. Ended up cutting out the red elastic straps hoping it would make the shoe a bit more comfy: I was wrong. The Pro Line was heaven for my feet, when they got a bit worn out I would just wear them as slip ons for house chores and errands. I'm going to give these new ones my best shot and hope they break in, but I do not have high hopes after a week of wearing them. Big thumbs down on the redesign. Would truly like to see the Pro Line make it's return, and FAST!!!

Going downhill. Not nearly as comfortable as other versions

I've always bought the Sk8 Hi pro's and they have always been great on my feet right out of the box. These are honestly the most uncomfortable pair of vans I have ever owned. There is some sort of tongue support that rubs in weird places and makes it harder to slip on the shoe. They look great and seam durable (not as durable as the old pro's though). I won't buy these again.

Great pair of shoes

Writing this review as I have received this pair an hour ago and the first impression out of the box is great!This pair feels great to touch and they look gorgeous.Comfort is also the best of all the vans I have ever had, they have an insole that makes these shoes extremely comfortable and snug around the heel, while also leaving a lot of room in the toe box so that my toes aren't squished.Really love them, hope they will last a long time as the previous pair didn't feel as great but still lasted a few years of daily walking and frequent abuse outdoors on a bike and skateboard.

Great shoes

Amazing shoes. Very comfortable and good for long journeys, we just took a long trip in America/ Canada and I wore these a bunch while doing small hikes and walking around town. There were even a few downpours which ended in them being soaked - although they dried very quickly without damage.

I love the design but

These shoes are just too hard to put on. I feel like I have a wide foot when I really don't. The way the tongue is made on these shoes is what's so frustrating. I know I see people talking about having to let them settle in their feet but I don't even know that I can do that because of how tight they feel on my feet. I will be returning and getting something else. As of right now, I've had to tie the shoe laces only half way, so they don't hurt my feet.

I may never buy Vans again.

Uncomfortable, cheap, and difficult to put on. I bought these since the Sk8-Hi Pro's are discontinued. After wearing this shoe for about 6 months my experience with this updated version is awful. It takes too much effort to put shoes on & take off. The elastic that holds the tongue in the center makes it difficult. Like, I have to strain with mild force to put these on, I never had to do that with the Sk8-Hi Pro's.. Comfort practically gone. Feet hurt after wearing for 2 hours. I've been wearing Vans for over 10+ years, might not ever buy vans again.