If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.
Skate shoes may be trending, but there’s one brand that has that ethos embedded in its DNA: Vans. Whether it’s low-top styles for casual wear or souped-up options strictly for the skate park, the best Vans shoes have an impressive history of craftsmanship to back their notable design. From the best walking shoes for men to comfortable sneakers for women, the brand has catered to everyone and every style for decades.
Originally made with skateboarders and athletes in mind, Vans has produced innovative designs over the past five decades. The debut shoes were known for offering ankle support for boarding tricks and durability to keep up with wipeouts. Today, Vans has extended its product line to include options for other sports, too, like surfing and BMX, and now there are more lifestyle options made for daily wear, even if you’re not into the sports scene.
While any Vans shoe style is timeless, there are a few that remain best-sellers time and time again — and have even earned high honors as Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time. First up, the Vans Old Skool shoe, a classic design from the brand that was first seen in the 1970s. There’s also the Classic Slip-On Shoe, which caught the attention of surfers due to its easy pull-on-and-off silhouette. Like the Old Skool shoe, the Classic slip-on shoes are crafted with Vans’ traditional canvas material, a flexible fabric that’s both breathable and sturdy. And of course, the Vans Authentic shoe that launched with the brand back in 1966 and remains an affordable everyday favorite — even among fashion icons like Harry Styles who recently sported them at London Fashion Week.
On the topic of canvas shoes, Vans is one of the best shoe brands to have in your wardrobe based on its proprietary canvas materials alone. Each pair is exceptionally durable, machine-washable, and lightweight, while a thick rubber sole provides stability and grip for quick movement and walking on slick surfaces. These days, Vans has adapted its strategy to use other synthetic materials like leather and suede, incorporating modern and stylish twists to beloved classics.
Vans has seen a surge in popularity, mainly due to the resurgence of the Y2K-inspired skateboard trends in streetwear fashion and on social media. On TikTok, searches for #Vans have amassed an astounding 6 billion views, while the term “My Vans Collection” has amassed over 23 million posts. In just the past year, style stars like Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and Zoë Kravitz have all been seen sporting Vans in their off-duty style, while long-time fans like Justin Bieber continue to keep them in rotation.
Vans also stays relevant in the market with buzzy collaborations with the likes of Barbie, Gucci, JJJJound, and Gallery Dept. Plus, the brand continues to draw to its past to update icons. The summer 2024 “Always Out There” collection plucked bold and chunky silhouettes from its ’90s and early aughts archives, reintroducing the Hylane, Upland, and Mixxa shoes with modern design touches and added comfort features.
Vans shoes aren’t just popular with skaters; they’re also the shoe of choice for anyone who loves a simple, reliable pair of sneakers. If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable pair of shoes, rest assured our below picks will tick every box.
Size range: 6 to 17.5 men’s; 5 to 18.5 women’s
Colorways: 30 options for men; 30 options for women
Materials: Durable suede and canvas uppers, supportive padded collars,
rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Has Vans’ iconic low-top and classic side stripe, lace-up closure
Best for: Durability
In addition to that notable design detail, Old Skool shoes have a durable rubber sole that boosts traction on slick surfaces. The versatile and timeless 1977 model has been sported by everyone from pro skaters like Tony Trujillo to style legends like Gigi Hadid.
Check out more of Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time 2024
What testers say: “I’ve had a pair of these for about eight years. They are by far the most durable pair of shoes I have ever owned. My pair is ready for retirement, and I will definitely be ordering another any day! I absolutely love these shoes. They’re simple, durable, and I always feel like a badass wearing them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Size range: 6.5 to 16 men’s; 5 to 17.5 women’s
Colorways: 8 options for men; 8 options for women
Materials: Synthetic uppers, rubber waffle outsoles, elastic side accents
Special features: Slip on feature, classic red heel tab
Best for: Walking
Check out more of Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time 2024
What testers say: “I’m unable to bend because of surgery and must wear slip on sneakers. These are so incredibly comfortable. I put them in at 6 in the morning and sometimes don’t take them off till ten at night. Highly recommend them. By the way, did I mention I’m 71? They are good for all ages.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Size range: 6.5 to 18 men’s; 5 to 19.5 women’s
Colorways: Black, white, all-black, blue red, navy, yellow, gray, pink, green, and more
Materials: Canvas uppers, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Heritage low-top silhouette, lace-up closure
Best for: Everyday wear
Check out more of Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time 2024
What testers say: I have been buying and wearing these shoes for years and there’s a reason why! These shoes are incredibly comfortable, not inaccessible in expense, and get the job done! I wear these casually and for work and they have yet to let me down. Once you break these bad boys in, it’s game over. The break-in period only took me less than a week. I’m looking to buy another pair soon because my last pair served me oh so well. 100/10 would recommend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Size range: 6.5 to 13 men’s; 5 to 14.5 women’s
Colorways: 23 options for men; 23 options for women
Materials: Suede and canvas uppers, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Multiple prints and colors
Best for: Wider widths
What testers say: “These shoes are great. They are all black, so they are a no-brainer with just about any outfit. They’re comfortable, stylish, and look awesome. I wear them anywhere, from the gym to work, or just hanging out. My first pair lasted about three years before wearing our bottoms, but I will be getting another!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Size range: 6.5 to 15 men’s; 5 to 16.5 women’s
Colorways: White and orange, white and blue, black, all-white, white and red, pink, gray, white and green, and more
Materials: Leather and synthetic uppers, rubber outsoles
Special features: Padded collars, chunky outsole
Best for: Bold street style
What testers say: “I wore these when I was in middle school like 20 years ago. I am so happy they brought these back. I’ve been waiting a long time for them to make a comeback. Can’t wait to buy more colors. I love the new design and how comfy they are. Highly recommend!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: White and green, blue, all-white, white and green, black, black and gray, and more
Materials: Suede, canvas, and leather uppers, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Padded collars, cement cupsole
Best for: Walking and skating
What testers say: “As an ex-skater with bad knees, these were actually surprisingly comfortable. Lightweight and nice to walk in, I’d definitely buy another pair!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $84.95
Size range: 6.5 to 16 men’s; 5 to 17.5 women’s
Colorways: 15 options for men; 15 options for women
Materials: Suede uppers, puffy 3D molded Sidestripe
Special features: Puffy tongue and ankle collar
Best for: Versatility
What testers say: “Love the new look and style! And the comfort is beyond great.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Colorways: White, black, leopard, and purple
Materials: Synthetic uppers, rubber toe caps, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Buckle closures
Best for: Comfortable dress shoes
What testers say: “I LOVE the style of these! They’re very comfy and they’re true to size with a little extra wiggle room (but not too much) to wear with cute, thicker socks. The black bottoms are perfect for getting dirty over and over again, and I feel like the top material is much easier since it’s not canvas, so any hair or water tends to run off of it better. They were ultra comfy right out of the box too to go on a walk! Highly recommend these.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Size range: 6.5 to 13 men’s 5 to 14.5 women’s
Colorways: Brown, black, white, white and green, yellow, all-black, white and blue, and more
Materials: Suede uppers, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Puffy skate tongue, cement cupsole, compression side channels
Best for: Skateboarding
What testers say: “Crazy comfortable! Has become my go-to! Just a sick design overall!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Size range: 6.5 to 13 men’s; 5 to 14.5 women’s
Colorways: 9 options for men; 9 options for women
Materials: Sturdy canvas uppers
Special features: Padded collar for ankle support
Best for: Everyday wear
What testers say: “They fit true to size and are really comfy. In my experience, flat-sole shoes can be uncomfortable, but these are nicely padded all over. They look very stylish as well. They sit pretty low around the ankle, so a pair of no-show socks works great with them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Size range: 6.5 to 10 men’s; 5 to 11.5 women’s
Colorways: 4 options for men; 4 options for women
Materials: Sturdy canvas uppers, rubber waffle outsoles
Special features: Checkerboard print, elastic side accents
What testers say: “These platforms are very comfortable, and I even went half a size down bc my other slip-on platforms run a bit big. Half a size down is perfect. I wore them all day while standing on my feet. I’m a hairdresser, and I was fine! Get them! They are cute. The color is cool, the platform is nice, and I like that they are suede.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Size range: 6.5 to 13 men’s; 5 to 14.5 women’s
Colorways: 8 options for men; 8 options for women
Materials: Suede uppers with leather accents
Special features: Suede uppers with leather accents
Best for: A lightweight fit
What reviewers say: “This might be my new favorite pair of Vans. I have over 40 pairs, and these are just a dream on my feet. They’re so comfy and lightweight. The purple/teal combo is incredible in person. Would love this shoe in more fun colors! Blues, oranges, greens! Anything loud, I’m game.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54.95
Size range: 6.5 to 13 men’s; 5 to 14.5 women’s
Colorways: Green, black, all black, orange, brown, gray, red, and more
Materials: Synthetic uppers, rubber outsoles
Special features: Primaloft insulation, All-Trac outsoles, UltraCush EVA footbed
Best for: Hiking, winter weather
Price upon publish date of this article: $144.95
Size range: 6.5 to 16 men’s; 5 to 17.5 women’s
Colorways: 20 options for men; 20 options for women
Materials: Recycled PET and polyester upper materials
Special features: All terrain-grip
Best for: Running
What reviewers say: “30k steps a day for a month, and these were the only shoes I brought. Didn’t even break them in before I left. Never once did I wish I had brought any other shoes. They were cute to dress up, comfortable to be in all day, and even good for CrossFit (the main reason I went with this line). The best shoe I have ever invested in, and I will be buying them in every color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $79.95
The History of Vans Shoes
Vans’ history began in 1966, when brothers Paul and James van Doren founded the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California. The mission of the company was to provide the community with high-quality footwear — sans the expensive cost. The brothers began to produce and sell the shoes through their first store, which was adjacent to the factory that crafted each pair. The first pair of Vans sold was called the #44 Deck shoe — now known as the “Authentic” — which had a low profile silhouette that initially caught the attention of skateboarders. The shoes were the first of their kind to feature an outsole twice as thick as what other brands were crafting, and that rubber sole delivered impressive grip for skaters and athletes alike.
The brand kept expanding its offerings through the 1960s and 1970s, and in 1976, a modern iteration of the #44 shoes was reimagined by athletes Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. The updated look included a padded ankle collar; you might recognize it as the “Era” model today. Vans kept expanding their shoes through the ’70s and, in 1977, added the Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, and Slip-On, which are popular with skateboarders, surfers, and BMX riders today.
1989 brought the Caballeros (inspired by skater Steve Caballero) shoes to life. Vans cut the collar off to provide more ankle movements so athletes could have more flexibility while skating. Over the next few years, the shoes evolved into the Half Cab, a mid-top option.
For decades, Vans held its own in the sneaker market and gained a new fan base with hip-hop artists like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco. This attention also caused the fashion world to pay attention, which prompted designers such as Marc Jacobs and Junya Watanabe to put their spin on the brand’s models.
Today, Vans has expanded its offering of classics to include trainers, high- and low-top silhouettes, and even platform shoes. Apart from new-and-improved designs, Vans has also introduced other materials (besides the traditional canvas the brand is known for) to their shoes. Vans shoes now come in synthetic materials like rubber and leather, allowing you plentiful options to choose from when shopping.
How Do Vans Shoes Fit?
Vans shoes are often true to size. The brand’s flexible canvas, suede, or soft leather uppers bode well for narrow to wide feet types, along with staple round-toe boxes that don’t pinch toes during intense activity or standing all day. However, keep in mind that Vans shoes lean more narrow, as they are designed for skateboarding where snug fits and side wall structure are ideal. Refer to the Vans shoe size chart to select your correct sizing for men and women.
Vans shoes also come in wide sizing for those who need more room. Several styles, including the Vans Classic Slip-On Shoes and Vans Sk8-Hi Shoes, offer wide-size options. If your foot is particularly wide, consider choosing a half size up than your usual size for extra wiggle room.
Luckily, Vans shoes rarely require a lengthy break-in period. After a handful of wears, the uppers will loosen and your feet will feel right at home in your new pair. But, if you need a tip for how to break in Vans Slip-Ons or other styles faster, consider wearing thick socks to stretch out the material or test driving around your house before you commit to a full day of wear.
How We Chose the Best Vans Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Our editors studied Vans’ history, researched the market, combed through customer reviews, and looked at celebrity-loved styles to create this list of the best Vans shoes. From there, we assessed each pair and studied up on their special features, who they best cater to, and how durable they are. This guide to the best Vans shoes also includes shoes featured in Footwear News’ list of the Greatest Shoes of All Time. This list was created with expert input from our editorial team and a diverse panel of footwear industry insiders, as well as key metrics and data related to the popularity and historical significance of the included shoes. Learn more about us here
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book.
