# Platform Skate Sneakers Vans' 'Old Skool Platforms' are a Higher Rendition of the Classic Model By Riley von Niessen | Published 2017-01-30 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-platform References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2017/1/vans-old-skool-platform-247) & [vans](http://www.vans.com/shop/womens-new-and-popular-arrivals/old-skool-black-white-platform) Fans of Vans' [classic skate sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover) are sure to appreciate the brand's Old Skool Platform model. Almost identical to the skate giant's traditional silhouette, the sneakers stand out for their large platform sole, which gives them a feminine edge without detracting from the original look that remains so popular amongst consumers. Although the [black and white colorway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36) that's available is especially familiar in appearance, the highly minimal all-white version is much different from what's usually put forth by the brand. With stark white making up the entirety of the uppers, soles and inner lining, these [Old Skool Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-lx-old-skool-36-goretex) have a sleek look that's only broken up by the statement branding that appears on the toes of the soles. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Platform Sneaker Trend:** The rise of platform sneakers offers a new opportunity for shoe brands to create unique and eye-catching designs that appeal to consumers. - **Minimalist Sneaker Trend:** The popularity of minimalism in footwear design provides an opportunity for brands to explore new ways of providing comfort and function without sacrificing style. - **Gender-neutral Footwear Trend:** The demand for gender-neutral footwear is growing, giving brands the chance to create versatile and inclusive designs that cater to a wider audience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear Industry:** The footwear industry has the opportunity to innovate and differentiate by creating new designs and materials and exploring new niches like sustainable fashion. - **Fashion Industry:** The fashion industry can leverage the trend of minimalist design and gender-neutral fashion to create new collections and collaborate with other industries to create unique collections and products - **Retail Industry:** Retailers that focus on e-commerce can leverage AI technology and data to personalize the customer experience and improve their sales performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fashion-Inspired Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-souvenir.md) - [Skate-Centric Classic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skate-old-skool-36.md) - [Rugged Sole Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sk8hi-shoe.md) - [Pearl Bead Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pearlized-pack.md) - [Streetwear Skate Remixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future.md) - [Formal Skate Boat Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-2-eyelet.md) - [Patterned Monochormatic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comme-des-garons-girl.md) - [Breathable Chunky Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-ls-sneaker-1.md) - [Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover.md)