Shell & Outsole

The black version of the Vans Hi-Standard OG sails as close as it can to a skate shoe. It follows, then, that it features a classic lace rather than a Boa or a hybrid. That’s not just a style thing, however; this system is definitely more at home on a softer-flexing boot like the Vans Hi-Standard OG than it ever would be on a stiffer, freeride-focused model.

If you’re after a bit more security from the lace, the tabs that poke out over the instep act as a secondary focal point; do a quick knot there before lacing the top section, and you can be sure that the lower part of your boot will stay as tight as you like it from first run to last. Meanwhile you can go looser in the top zone for a more skate-esque feel.

The sole features Vans’ signature waffle pattern, of course, but inverted to offer more traction. The rubber has been manufactured specifically for colder temperatures, so even when you’re hiking a handrail in the freezing wee hours, it’ll stay malleable enough to keep you gripping to the steps. Plus you get a bit of improvement to overall boardfeel when riding.

“We’d pitch this one equally at experienced park fiends who like a softer boot, and those moving from rental gear to their first proper setup”

Liner

The Hi-Standard OG’s ‘V1’ liner may look basic, but it delivers in all the ways that matter. It’s comfy and retains warmth well, and is also heat-mouldable to ensure you get a great fit right from the off. The toe box, decked out in Vans checkerboard, keeps friction to a minimum.

There’s no fastening system present on the liner itself; that’s handled by a simple harness attached to the shell, which secures your liner using a quick-lace system with sliding toggle. That ensures the liner is exactly where it’s supposed to be before you’ve even reached for the fat lace on the front.

Underneath that is a ‘PopCush insole that’s designed to handle heavy impact after heavy impact – something you’ll be glad of if you’re still catching the knuckle every so often.

“The Hi-Standard OG’s ‘V1’ liner may look basic, but it delivers in all the ways that matter”

Roundup

Packing in plenty of quality at a price we like, the Vans Hi-Standard OG continues to have lots to offer riders of all levels – and as more and more boots embrace quick-lace or Boa systems, it’s nice to see that there’s still a place for the classic fat lace in snowboarding.

Whether you live in the park or hope to get there soon, there’s a strong chance that this one will deliver for you. Now, if Vans could just bring the event of the same name back to these shores, that would be grand…

Pros:

• Always popular with park riders thanks to winning combination of ‘Looks great, feels great, does great’
• A confidence-booster for anyone still learning the ropes

Cons:

• It won’t be sturdy enough for some – but then there’s always the Pro edition…

Buy the Vans Hi-Standard OG: £205 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Vans Hi-Standard OG: €230 at Blue Tomato EU