Skateboarding shoes are a big topic, and Vans is often at the center of the debate. Are they really made for skateboarding, or is that just hype? Known for mixing style and function, Vans has become a key player in skate culture. Let’s explore if Vans truly lives up to its skate shoe reputation.
Vans has grown from its early days to become a big name in both sports and street style, always staying true to skateboarding. Whether you’ve been skating for years or are just getting into it because of Vans, learning about their skate shoes can help you choose the right pair for you.
Key Takeaways
- Vans has a long history with skateboarding, changing and growing for over 55 years.
- Your choice of high tops, low tops, or mid tops should match your skating style and comfort level.
- The first Vans skateboarding shoes came out in the 1970s, thanks to the interest of the Van Doren family.
- Even after a bankruptcy issue in the 1980s, Vans came back strong by focusing on making quality classic shoes.
- Vans has made a big impact on skate culture and keeps bringing new ideas to skate shoe design.
The Origins of Vans as a Skate Brand
Vans started small but became key to skateboarding culture. Founded in 1966 by the Van Doren brothers, it had a clear goal. With just $250,000, they aimed to make durable, stylish shoes for young people.
Early on, their canvas shoes, costing between $2.29 and $4.49, grew popular. The thick rubber soles were perfect for skateboarders needing grip and durability.
In 1976, Vans introduced the “Era” shoe, influenced by skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. It featured a padded collar for better ankle protection and comfort. This design showed Vans’ deep understanding of skaters’ needs.
By the late 1970s, Vans released the “Old Skool,” “Classic Slip-Ons,” and the “Sk8-Hi.” The “Sk8-Hi,” their first high-top for skateboarding, was a game-changer. These models boosted Vans’ popularity and showed their commitment to innovation.
The 1980s brought challenges, including bankruptcy in 1984. Despite this, Vans bounced back. The “Caballero” signature skate shoe in 1988 and the “Half Cab” in 1991 helped keep their connection with skaters strong.
Vans expanded its support beyond skateboarding to surfing and BMX, building a solid reputation. This culminated in a grand 50th-anniversary celebration in 2016.
Now, Vans is worth $2.2 billion. They invest in technologies like SICKSTICK™ and WAFFLECUP™ to improve their shoes. Vans supports skate communities globally, showing their lasting impact on the skate world.
Vans’ journey with skateboarding has helped it stay relevant. It continues to shape fashion and culture today.
Why Skaters Favor Vans Shoes
Skater preferred shoes like Vans gained fame quickly since the 1970s. They became part of skateboarding culture with the Era style in 1976. Vans are loved for their strong durability and the famous “Vans grip”. This grip helps with stability during tricks. The shoes have tough rubber soles and extra toe strength. This gives the support and reliability skaters need.
Vans has introduced many iconic models over the years. These models, like the Era and Old Skool, became key in skate history since the late ’70s. They have a special rubber outsole that sets a high standard for skate shoes. The Sk8-Hi, from 1978, is loved for its high-top design. It offers good protection and is great for different skateboarding styles.
| Style | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1976 | Extra ankle padding, Vans grip rubber outsole |
| Old Skool | 1977 | First to feature suede, iconic sidestripe |
| Sk8-Hi | 1978 | High-top design for additional ankle support, versatile for vert and street |
Vans’ impact isn’t just in shoes; it’s also cultural. Since the mid-1970s, they’ve been a skate culture symbol. Vans became more popular in streetwear and music. This was especially true after The Pack’s 2003 song “Vans.” They’re also cheaper than other brands. This makes them a favorite among young people.
Famous skaters, like Tony Hawk, have shown support for Vans. Hawk often wore the Half Cab in the ’90s. Its light and compact design was revolutionary. Vans listens to skaters to keep improving. This shows why they’re the top choice for skaters.
Vans has stayed true to its roots while evolving with skaters’ needs. This is why it remains the top skating footwear choice globally for over 50 years.
Types of Vans Shoes Popular Among Skaters
If you’re looking into Vans for skating, it’s key to know the different styles they offer. Each type has special features for various tastes. Yet, all are known for their quality and lasting nature.
The Vans Old Skool is noted for its tough toecaps and durable upper made of suede and canvas. It’s a go-to for skaters and a hit for daily wear. Its classic look and sturdy build are why it’s loved.
The Sk8-Hi provides extra support around the ankles. It’s perfect for skaters needing stability for intense tricks. The high-top design and padded collars also offer comfort for long wears.
Then there’s the Vans Authentic, known for its light feel. Being one of the first designs, this low-top is chosen for its simple style and comfort.
Let’s compare some top models:
| Model | Design Features | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Old Skool | Suede and canvas upper, reinforced toecaps | Durability |
| Sk8-Hi | High-top, padded collars | Additional ankle support |
| Authentic | Low-top, lightweight construction | Comfort |
| Era | Padded collars | Enhanced comfort |
| Slip-On | Elastic side accents | Convenience |
The Era is loved for its comfy padded collars, perfect for long skate sessions. The Slip-On stands out for quick fitting thanks to its elastic sides.
The UltraRange has a soft UltraCush midsole and tough rubber outsole. Skaters who want both comfort and durability like this model.
The Half Cab, created by Steve Caballero, gives mid-top support and has strong ollie areas. It’s designed for serious skaters who want top performance.
In conclusion, Vans offers a shoe for every skater, from the Old Skool classic to the versatile UltraRange. It’s all about matching the shoe’s features with your skating style and needs.
Comfort and Performance: Key Factors
Vans is a top pick for skateboarders because it blends comfort and durable footwear. The brand has a long history of making features that better your skating.
In 1966, Vans changed skateboarding with its waffle sole, known for great grip and board feel. This tread pattern is key in their design, showing their commitment to skate shoe performance. Vans has over fifty years of innovation, making shoes that are comfortable, durable, and flexible.
The UltraCush™ technology in Vans skate shoes is a major advancement. It comes in types like UltraCush™ HD and UltraCush™ Lite. These cushioning options help absorb shock, giving support for high-impact tricks. The Pro Vulc construction focuses on durability and flexibility. This is crucial for pro skateboarders who need top performance and board feel.
In 1976, the Vans Era was the first skate shoe with padded collars, adding extra comfort and support around the ankle. This change was huge for skaters. It boosted Vans comfort and gave the support needed to reduce tiredness. In 1977, the Vans Slip-On and Old Skool launched. The Old Skool had leather panels for more durability, making it popular among skateboarders.
Vans skate shoes are made more durable with double-wrapped foxing tape and reinforced stitching. This helps avoid early wear and tear. Using tough materials like suede and leather, Vans shoes can handle skateboarding’s tough demands.
Finding the right balance between flexibility and support is key in skate shoes. Vans offers low-top and mid-top shoes for different levels of ankle support and movement. Whether you like easy slip-ons or classic lace-ups, Vans has options that focus on both ease and performance.
| Year | Shoe Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Waffle Sole | Unmatched grip and board feel |
| 1976 | Vans Era | Padded collars for added comfort |
| 1977 | Old Skool | Leather panels for durability |
| 1989 | Half Cab | First-ever pro model skate shoe |
| Present | UltraCush™ | Shock-absorbing cushioning |
The comfort and durability of Vans footwear make them a perfect choice for skateboarders. Their ongoing innovation and dedication to enhancing skate shoe performance keep them loved by skaters at all levels.
Vans Collaborations with Skate Brands
Vans has teamed up with top names in skateboarding for years. This has sparked innovation and helped the culture grow. These Vans collaborations have created some very popular limited edition Vans. They truly capture what skate culture is all about.
Vans has worked with skate legends like Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. They even created the famous Vans Era shoe in 1976. A great example is the Vans x Spitfire collaboration. It combines the cool Spitfire logo with Vans’ classic style. This mix is both stylish and strong.
The special Vans from these partnerships are very popular. They improve Vans’ brand and make customers more loyal. But it’s not just about looks. For instance, the Rowan 2 shoe is focused on being green. It has a shock liner made from 98% recycled materials. This shows Vans cares about the planet and skateboarding’s future.
Here’s a list of some of the best collaborations and what they brought to skating:
| Collaboration | Notable Feature | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Vans x Tony Alva & Stacy Peralta | Vans Era design | 1976 |
| Vans x Spitfire | Spitfire logo integration | 2023 |
| Vans x Rowan Zorilla | Sustainable shock liner, cup sole | 2021 |
These team-ups and their unique Vans show the big impact of skate partnerships. Whether it’s using famous logos or new materials, Vans keeps innovating while staying true to skate culture.
How to Choose the Right Vans for Skating
When it comes to picking skate shoes, especially Vans, it’s more than just about looks. The Vans guide shows you how to choose based on fit, what you’ll use them for, and your style. This makes sure you pick the best pair for you.
Think about what type of skating you’ll do. If you’re into stairs, rails, or big drops, cupsole shoes are best. They last longer and protect on impact but take time to feel right and offer less board feel. Vulcanized shoes are lighter, give better board feel, and break in quickly. They’re great for transitions and parks.
The skate shoe’s height matters too. High-tops protect ankles the most but are heavier. Low-tops give you more freedom to move but less ankle protection. Mid-tops are in-between, making them a good mix of both.
Different materials change how shoes perform and last. Here’s a quick list:
- Canvas: Light and airy but not so tough.
- Leather: Very tough but not as breathable.
- Suede: Tough and breathes well but gets soggy.
- Textile: Modern, light, and durable.
Looking at Vans models, pay attention to the built-in tech. Things like heel cushions and toe caps make shoes last longer and feel better. Double-wrapped foxing tape makes high-use areas stronger.
Check out how different Vans models compare:
| Model | Overall Score | Comfort & Support | Durability | Board Feel | Traction | Breathability | Price | Sizes Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerica Pillar Mid | 80 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | $75 | 5-14 |
| DC Kalis Vulc | 71 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.0 | $75 | 3.5-14 |
| Lakai Carroll | 79 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9.0 | $85 | 5-14 |
| Vans Unisex Old Skool | 70 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 6.0 | $61 | 3.5-16 |
In the end, choosing Vans that feel good and fit your style matters most. With this guide, you’re ready to find the best Vans for your skate needs.
Caring for Your Vans Skate Shoes
Making your Vans last longer needs some easy care tips. Cleaning them well after you skate is key. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to get rid of dirt and mud. Doing this keeps the top part of your shoes and the stitches in good shape.
Be careful with water too. If your Vans get wet, let them dry out completely. Fill them with newspaper to soak up the moisture and keep their form. Don’t dry them in the sun or near heaters because it may damage them.
To make your Vans tougher, using products like shoe goo is a smart move. They fix small rips and holes and help your shoes last longer. Also, store your skate shoes the right way. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, and not in direct sunlight or very hot or cold places.
- Clean with a soft brush or damp cloth after each skate session.
- Dry shoes thoroughly if wet, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Use shoe goo for minor repairs to prolonging shoe life.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Following these steps for caring for your Vans makes them last and perform better. Taking good care of your skate shoes means they’ll be ready for many more skate sessions.
Conclusion: Are Vans the Right Choice for You?
Deciding if Vans are the right skate shoes depends on what you need and like. We’ve looked at Vans’ history as a skate brand, why skaters choose them, and talked about their popular styles. Their comfort and how well they perform, along with cool collaborations, show why skaters love them.
Skating in Vans feels good because of their design and tech features. Take the Vans AVE 2.0, for example. It has a design that lets your feet breathe, strong DURACAP tech, and a special UltimateWaffle sole. These features meet the needs of technical skating by providing both cushioning and grip.
Even though Vans are great for skating, taking care of them is important too. This means knowing what makes them last longer and how to keep them in good shape. It’s key to pick shoes that not only boost your skating but also suit your style and feel comfortable.
Think about what you’ve learned on choosing Vans for skateboarding. Whether you’re experienced or new to skating, Vans make a strong case for themselves. They’ve stayed popular for good reasons. What you value in fit, comfort, performance, and durability will help find the best Vans for you.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!