When Vans (then known as Van Doren) first launched for business in 1966, they had no intention of catering to the needs of skateboarders. Vans, on the other hand, eventually opted to focus only on skateboarding shoes. In the beginning, skate shoes were made for different types of skateboarding, but it wasn’t long before they started to make their models for the sport of skateboarding.
Skate culture started in California in the 1960s. Skateboarders had a great time inventing tricks and new ways to use the board that hadn’t been seen before. Skateboarders quickly gained popularity in California, and when they spread out to other parts of the United States, they gained national attention. Vans have been popular for quite some time now. They even made sneakers that were explicitly designed for skateboarding. Vans shoes are American-made and have a classic look to them. They have a lot of different styles as well as sizes, so Vans shoes should be something to consider if you’re planning on buying a pair of skateboarding shoes.
Table of Contents
- Vans Shoes Can Be Great Skate Shoes
- 15 Factors Make Vans are Good Skate Shoes
- 1. Suede Waffle Sole
- 2. Vintage Leather Insole
- 3. Traction Rubber Outsole for Your Grip
- 4. Woven Upper for an Ergonomic Fit
- 5. Lace Design on the Tongue
- 6. Slip-resistant Outsole
- 7. Good Grip
- 8. They’re Durable and Lightweight Design
- 9. Durable, Lightweight Upper is Suitable for All Seasons
- 10. Made from Canvas Material
- 11. Dual Velcro Closure
- 12. Heel and Arch Support Made Vans Shoes
- 13. Ankle Strap for Additional Support
- 14. Flexible Toe Cap
- 15. Good Price
- Is Longboarding Safe in a Vans?
- Types of Vans Skate Shoes
- 5 The Best Vans For Skating
- FAQs
Vans Shoes Can Be Great Skate Shoes

15 Factors Make Vans are Good Skate Shoes
Vans has a guarantee of quality and is excellent for skateboarding ư. Some factors made Vans are good Skate shoes:
1. Suede Waffle Sole
The sole of vans shoes is unique and very attractive. It’s a waffle sole with a pattern of color. Vans were the ones to design shoes with increased traction, owing to the waffle thread invention. The pattern designed by the Van Doren family helps you stay to your board and enables you to move about to fix your position. The suede waffle sole made Vans shoes very special and attractive. The benefit of this type of shoes is that they can be worn without socks because they are made of very comfortable canvas material.
2. Vintage Leather Insole
The insole made from leather material is very comfortable and long-lasting. It is very durable as well as resistant to cracking and getting damaged. Therefore, it will not easily get worn out. In addition, the insoles of Vans shoes are also very elastic to adapt to different feet shapes and sizes. Vintage leather insole added support to the foot while also providing comfort.
3. Traction Rubber Outsole for Your Grip

Vans has a unique outsole that makes it the best skate shoes for skating. The outsole was made from rubber material which offers grip in all directions. In addition, the cushioning of the sole provides additional comfort when you are in the skatepark.
The unique traction rubber outsole will give you a much better grip, and it will give a much better grip because of the rubber material used to make these shoes. In addition, a cushioning element is also incorporated into the sole to make your experience with Vans better for skating. The rubber soles of these shoes will not wear out even if you are using them for an extended period. It also helps to make you stay in position when you are skating with your skateboard.
4. Woven Upper for an Ergonomic Fit
Even though the shoe has a unique rubber sole, it also has a woven material that makes it more durable than any other ordinary shoe. The fabric on top of the shoe is made of woven material. This type of material is very resistant to tearing, making it easier for you to stay on the skateboard. It also ensures that you won’t slip when using your skateboarding board and makes it look more stylish. Woven upper with extra comfort is very good for your feet protection because the material is very elastic. It also helps you to control your skating more easily.
5. Lace Design on the Tongue

The tongue is designed with laces, which makes it easier to adjust. In addition, it will allow you to make the necessary adjustments while you are skating on your board. The lace design is very conventional and easy to adjust because you can tighten or loosen it as needed. Lace design on the tongue is good for skateboarding because the laces offer extra support to your ankle. It also prevents you from slipping off your skateboard, and it is made more stylish.
6. Slip-resistant Outsole

Slip-resistant soles are suitable for skating outdoors because they will not slide on the surface. The rubber soles of van skate shoes will also be very durable and resilient. In addition, the golden rubber material used to make these shoes is highly resistant to cracking, so you can use it for a long time without damaging it. Besides that, a Slip-resistant outsole made these shoes will be very durable with good shock absorption ability. It also helps you to stay on your skateboard even when you are riding more aggressively.
7. Good Grip

The sole of Vans shoes will offer a better grip. The material used for this type of shoe is rubber, which is very durable and robust. It will not wear out quickly as well as crack after some time. It also helps to make you stay in position when you are skating with your skateboard. In addition to that, the rubber sole is also very elastic and stretchy to be adjusted to any feet sizes. As a result, you can also use it very comfortably without having to worry about getting your feet hurt or bruised by the grip of the sole.
8. They’re Durable and Lightweight Design

Vans shoes are lightweight, which adds to the comfort of the shoe. So if you skate a lot during your day, you can use them all year round because they are lightweight and comfortable. The lightweight design of these shoes makes them very durable as well. As a result, they can be used for a long time without getting damaged or worn out. It’s very convenient for you to skateboard because it will not cause you to feel tired at all and allow you to wear it for a long time without having to hurt your feet and ankles.
9. Durable, Lightweight Upper is Suitable for All Seasons

The fabric used in the upper part of this shoe is made of rubber, making the shoe more durable. The rubber also provides comfort to your feet when you are wearing them. As for weight, Vans is a very lightweight and comfortable shoe. It will not make you tired when skating because it’s lightweight.
10. Made from Canvas Material

The unique material on the sole of vans shoes will help you to stay on your skateboard. The shoes are beautiful because they come in many different colors that complement any outfit. In addition, vans are comfortable for skateboarding because they are made from very flexible canvas material. It can stretch and bend to give you adequate flexibility for skateboarding. The unique material of the shoes is perfect for skateboarding because it is very elastic. It also absorbs shock making it more comfortable to wear. The elasticity of this shoe makes it one of the best skate shoes available in the market.
11. Dual Velcro Closure
The Vans shoes feature a double Velcro closure system that makes them suitable for skateboarding shoes. The laces will provide a perfect fit but still allow you to tighten or loosen your shoes as needed comfortably. They are designed to be more durable and elastic so that you can skate in comfort. In addition, the laces also work as a leash to keep your feet from getting lost in them while skating or jumping on one of your favorite ramps. The Velcro closure system helps you stay on your board even when thrown around by doing tricks. It also offers extra support to your feet while you are skating or jumping on-ramps.
12. Heel and Arch Support Made Vans Shoes
Heel and arch supports made Vans Shoes for skateboarding require a lot of shock absorber and padding to make sure we can skate quickly and without pain in our heels and arches. The unique feature of this shoe is the arch and heel support. It is not only very comfortable to wear but also provides an excellent grip. The arch and heel support is also made of soft material, which helps to reduce pain in your feet when you are skating or jumping on ramps.
13. Ankle Strap for Additional Support

The shoes have an ankle strap that helps to keep your feet locked in place to prevent them from slipping out. The ankle strap is the perfect addition to the shoe because it helps you stay on your board when you are doing tricks or jumps. It also provides additional support to your ankle and feet even when you are skating aggressively. In addition, it provides additional stability and comfort at the same time, so it is perfect for skateboarding lovers. The addition of this strap allows you to be more confident in skating because you can jump with safety and without worrying about slipping off your board.
14. Flexible Toe Cap

Flexible toe cap for better control on your skateboard. This flexible toe cap will make it possible for you to make quick turns during your skateboarding, but it will also protect your toes from getting injured. If you are into aggressive skateboarding, this toe cap will be handy because it gives you the comfort you need during this kind of activity.
15. Good Price
The price of the shoes is affordable so that everyone can afford them. Moreover, it is also very convenient to buy them because you can easily find them at different stores or even outside the country. If you cannot find any store that sells this type of product in your area, you can easily order it online through Amazon. Amazon is the best place to get these shoes because they offer free shipping and fast delivery service if you buy them online through Amazon.
Is Longboarding Safe in a Vans?

The next question will be whether Vans are good for longboarding. Due to the flexibility of its design, Vans are ideal for longboarding. Longboards don’t ollie or kickflip, thus the material doesn’t get damaged. This is not to say that the canvas is not flexible. You can literally slit it up and tie it into a knot and then go live on the streets with it. Also, if your longboarding consists of grinding something along a sidewalk or the bottom of a ramp, you should get some good training wheels because Vans would make you fall wide-eyed due to their flexibility.
If you want to skate for a long distance without fatiguing your joints, you need to go for a pair of high-top shoes that have been designed with flex support. This will support your ankles and knees during skating. In addition, these shoes have a cushion in the heel so expect a good experience while you walk anywhere and back home. It is made from canvas material which makes it very flexible and very comfortable to wear.
Types of Vans Skate Shoes
There are so many types of skate shoes such as:
1. Vans Low

These are the shoes that were initially designed for skateboarding. However, they are worn very often by people who do not skateboard because they are comfortable, flexible, and light. Lows offer maximum freedom of movement and are lighter compared to the mids- and high-tops. If you suffer from ankles often (skateboard hitting your ankles), you should avoid the lows. The low-top skate shoes are best for doing tricks. They are made from canvas, but they have an excellent grip, making them suitable for skating on the street. In addition, they have excellent flex support that will allow you to enjoy your skating.
2. Vans Mid

These are the shoes that are lighter than the highs. Mids are very comfortable, stylish and come in a variety of colors. They are often used by exercise riders who want to keep moving on their skateboards without getting tired. Mids are small enough to allow freedom of movement when you are skating, but they also have a good amount of padding to protect your foot when you are skating on rough surfaces. In addition, these shoes have an ankle strap that helps you stay on your skateboard even if thrown around by doing tricks. Because Van’s mids are in between lows and highs, they feel a bit more stable around the ankles, provide a bit of protection from ankles and still offer enough freedom of movement.
3. Vans High

High-tops are made for skateboarders who want to get into aggressive skating. These shoes help to protect your foot from hard impacts while you are skating. They will also prevent your ankles from getting injured while doing tricks because they come with ankle braces. In addition, it has a very comfortable cushioning, which makes it very popular among skateboarders.
High tops are perfect if you want to skate aggressively because they provide ankle support, comfort, and the grip you need when you are doing tricks or jumps on your skateboard or board. Highs provide a great degree of flexibility and freedom of movement, but they are heavier than the lows and middles because they have additional padding.
5 The Best Vans For Skating
When it comes to skate shoes, Vans are one of the best possibilities. Today, skaters of all ages and skills use Vans shoes, which were popular among the first generation of skateboarders because of their distinctly grippy rubber sole. Vans is known for making high-quality skate shoes, no matter how you ride or what you ride. Here are our top recommendations for the finest Vans for skateboarding.
1. Vans Unisex Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes
Let’s start with the OG Vans skate shoe: the Old Skool. This shoe is perfect for the beginner or intermediate skaters thanks to its low price and high-quality craftsmanship. These shoes are made from canvas and suede, which means they’re both stylish and durable — making them well-suited for skating on rough surfaces. The sole of this shoe also offers perfect grip no matter what the terrain, ensuring that you stay firmly planted as you rip up and down your local ramp. The Old Skool has a sturdy, chunky feel thanks to the canvas and suede upper. It’s not as lightweight as some other shoes, but if you’re looking for a solid skate shoe that offers excellent ankle support and flexibility, this is one of the best options available.
2. Vans Men’s Van-0tuy187 Sneaker
Vans’ Unisex line is an excellent place for beginners or intermediate skaters to start. You can take your pick from various styles, from the traditional Vans low-tops to the high-tops and lows. The company also offers a variety of other footwear options, including sandals and sneakers.
3. Vans Authentic Core Classic Sneakers
Next up is Vans’ Authentic Core collection. These shoes are perfect for skating on a smooth indoor surface because of their low profile. They’re also great if you want shoes that can take a beating because their rugged canvas construction can stand up to the wear and tear of skateboarding. The Vans Authentic Core skate shoes are also available in various colors and styles, so you can easily match them to your existing wardrobe.
4. Vans Unisex Sk8-Hi MTE
Although similar to the Old Skool in style and fit, the Sk8-Hi is vented, so it’s even more breathable than its predecessor. Vans’ Sk8-Hi Pro offers a similar level of performance and comfort as its predecessor while offering a sleek, updated look thanks to its canvas upper. The Vans Sk8-Hi Pro also features Vibram’s legendary Chocklite outsole for added grip and support. Vans’ Sk8-Hi pro shoes are perfect for skating on indoor surfaces, like basketball courts or parking lots. They also offer great support, so you can grind all day without worrying that your shoes will collapse.
5. Vans Slip-Ons
There are plenty of options for slip-on shoes for skating, but these are some of the best. The main reason that slip-on shoes are popular is that they’re easily adjustable. So if you own shoes with tight laces, you can be sure that your Vans Sk8-Hi slip-ons will be a comfortable fit. The Vans Slip-Ons are also very affordable, which means you can pick up a pair without worrying about breaking the bank. They’re also available in a wide range of styles and colors, making them easy to match your existing wardrobe. Vans slip-on is perfect for skaters who want to get out on the pavement or sidewalk without worrying about their shoelaces coming undone. They also feature Vans’ signature waffle pattern, so you can ensure that these shoes are built to last. Vans Slip-On Sandals are a great choice if you have a smaller foot or want shoes that can be worn casually as well as for skating. They’re also ideal if you want less hassle when it comes to removing and putting them on.
FAQs
How Long do Vans last?
Vans are made from canvas, which means they are sturdy, durable, and breathable. Depending on how often you wear them, the shoes could last several months to several years. I’ve owned several pairs of Vans shoes, and they’ve lasted several years. I wear them about twice a week. If you use them more frequently, they will last even longer.
What are the best brands of Vans skate shoes?
The Vans Authentic Sk8-Hi Pro is one of the best skate shoes for beginners because its low profile prevents your feet from slipping out. The shoes are also available in various colors and styles, making them suitable for all types of skating. The Vans slip-on’s are perfect for skaters who want to take their skating on the go.
Should you buy Vans skate shoes?
If you’re looking for affordable, durable shoes that will let your feet breathe, Vans are a great option. The shoes are available in a wide range of styles and colors, so they’re suitable for all skaters, regardless of their experience level. They’re also available in men’s and women’s sizes so that everyone can find the perfect fit.
What you should know before you buy Vans skate shoes?
Vans are highly durable, but they’re not the most flexible option available. This means if you want shoes that will let you get an extra kick out of your board, you may want to opt for a different pair of shoes. Vans will be a great choice if you want shoes that breathe and don’t weigh a ton. In addition, the shoes last forever and can easily be worn for multiple activities. If you want shoes that last, stick with canvas and suede construction.
Where can you find Vans skate shoes?
Vans’ shoes are available at a variety of online stores, including Amazon and Skate Warehouse. If you’re looking for a smaller selection of items, you can find Vans at your local skate shop. The company is based in California, so you can find a retail location near you by visiting the company website or calling 1-800-806-4283.
What are the best skate shoes for beginners?
If you’re starting, you want a pair of sturdy, durable shoes, and provide good ankle support. Low tops are generally better than high tops for beginners because they give you more freedom to kick your board. Old Skool Vans are the best skate shoes for beginners because they have classic styling that allows your feet freedom to move. They also have UV protection, which will keep your feet relaxed throughout the summer.