A skate shoe bearing a photographer’s name is exactly the kind of detail that means nothing to some people and instantly wins over others. The Vans Old Skool 36+ “Atiba Jefferson – Black Dark Green” (stylecode VN000D5RNLX1) is a collaboration with the renowned skate photographer, resulting in a darker, reinforced take on the classic that works just as well beyond the skatepark bubble.
More shoe than the standard Old Skool
The 36+ isn’t simply an Old Skool with a name attached. It’s the reinforced version: thicker suede, a sturdier sole construction and detailing designed for actual skating. In this black-and-dark-green colorway, the shoe looks understated and rugged, with the green providing a subtle accent against an otherwise restrained base. The white foxing strip along the bottom keeps the silhouette recognizably Vans, but the rest is clearly built to take a beating.
For you, that construction means a shoe that can handle some serious wear. Where a regular Old Skool starts showing signs of wear after a few months of heavy use, this version lasts longer thanks to its more substantial materials. Pair it with baggy jeans or cargos and a hoodie, and you have a casual look that’s hard to wear out.
The trade-off
That sturdier material does come with a downside: when you first wear the 36+, it feels less flexible than the thinner standard version and needs a short break-in period. Anyone expecting the immediate slipper-like comfort of a well-worn Old Skool will need to be patient. In return, you get a shoe that lasts considerably longer, making the trade-off worthwhile for most wearers. Expect a week or two of breaking in before the suede really starts moving comfortably with your foot, and consider that normal rather than a disappointment.
Where the real decision lies
I don’t need to convince anyone of the Old Skool silhouette itself; it has stood the test of time for decades. The real question is what you’re willing to pay for this reinforced collaborative version. On Solezilla, the VN000D5RNLX1 is currently listed at [sz_price_from stylecode=”VN000D5RNLX1″], but stock and prices can vary significantly from one retailer to another with collaborations.
My advice is simple. This Atiba Jefferson edition is a strong choice for anyone looking for a dark, durable skate classic for everyday wear. The only variable still in your hands is the price. So take a moment to compare retailers, sizes and current prices on Solezilla, where you’ll find it [sz_price_from stylecode=”VN000D5RNLX1″] among the available listings. The shoe is the same everywhere; what you pay for it isn’t.