Are Vans Skate Shoes Good for Longboarding? Unveiling the Truth

Are Vans Skate Shoes Good for Longboarding? Unveiling the Truth

Have you ever found yourself struggling to maintain balance while longboarding? It’s a common problem that many skaters face, but it can be easily fixed with the right equipment.

That’s why I’m excited to share my experience with the Vans Skate Shoes – the perfect shoes for skateboarding and longboarding. In this review, I will assess “Are Vans good for longboarding? so you can decide if they are the right choice for you.

By the way, longboarding has become increasingly popular over the years, and for a good reason. According to the Skateboarding Industry Association, there were over 8 million active skateboarders in the United States in 2021, which is expected to continue growing.

It’s a great way to exercise, explore new places, and have fun. However, having the right gear, including a good longboarding shoe, is important to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

The Vans Born-history

Vans was founded in 1966 by Paul and Jim Van Doren in California, USA. Initially, the company produced shoes for skateboarders, and over time, it gained immense popularity among the skateboarding community.

Are Vans Skate Shoes Good for Longboarding? Unveiling the Truth

In the 1970s, Vans introduced its signature shoe, the Old Skool, which became popular among skateboarders due to its durability and grip. Today, Vans skate shoes are a household name among skateboarders and longboarders.

Types Of Van Skate Shoes

Generally, shoes are categorized based on the height of the shoe’s top. The three types of Vans skate shoes are low-top, mid-top, and high-top. Each type has its unique features and benefits.

01. ​Low-Top Skate Shoes

Low-top skate shoes are an excellent choice if you prefer a more relaxed and flexible feel when you skate. The low-profile design provides a minimalist feel, allowing you to feel the board more intimately.

Types Of Van Skate Shoes

I love how this low-top skate shoe offers a full range of motion and is ideal for technical street skating. Low-top Vans skate shoes come in various colors, designs, and materials, from canvas to leather. Some popular low-cut Vans skate shoes include the Authentic, Era, Old Skool, and Slip-On styles.

02. ​Mid-Top Skate Shoes

These shoes are an excellent option if you need more stability when performing tricks. The mid-top design protects your ankles while maintaining a flexible feel.

See also: Top 7 Best Shoes for Longboarding: Unfiltered Reviews!

Some popular mid-cut Vans skate shoes include the Sk8-Hi and Half Cab styles. The Sk8-Hi features a high-top design with a padded collar for ankle support and Vans’ signature waffle outsole. Mid Vans skate shoes come in different materials, including suede, canvas, and various colors and designs.

03. ​High-Top Skate Shoes

High-top skate shoes are your best bet for a shoe offering maximum ankle protection and support. The high-top design provides superior protection and stability for your ankles, making them ideal for ramp skating and vert.

High-Top Skate Shoes

Vans high-top skate shoes come in various materials, including suede, leather, and various colors and designs. The most popular high-cut Vans skate shoe is the Sk8-Hi Pro, which features a padded collar and reinforced toe cap for added protection and durability.

See also: Converse All-Star Skate Sneaker Review: Unfiltered Truth

Choosing the right type of skate shoe depends on your preference and the type of skating you plan to do. Try different types of Old Skool shoes to find the one that best fits your foot and needs.

Why Are Vans Good For Longboarding?


When it comes to longboarding, wearing the right shoes can make a huge difference in comfort, performance, and safety.

Why Vans Are The Best Shoes For Longboarding?

As someone who has been longboarding for several years, I have tried various shoes and can confidently say that Vans are among the best shoes for longboarding (Probably the best one). Here are a few reasons why:

01. ​Design

When it comes to design, the Vans shoe has a sleek and modern look. The stylish and functional design allows for better control and stability while longboarding. Additionally, the shoe’s design features a low-cut silhouette which gave me greater freedom of movement and flexibility.

When it comes to design, the Vans shoe has a sleek and modern look.

02. Materials

One thing that sets Vans apart from other skate shoe brands is the quality of their materials. The canvas upper is durable and breathable, which helps keep the foot cool and dry during longboarding sessions.

The canvas upper is durable and breathable

The midsole is made of a closed cell foam, which is a cushioned material that provides a comfortable and supportive platform for the foot.

In contrast, the outsole is made of a sticky rubber material (natural latex) offering excellent grip and board traction.

In contrast, the outsole is made of a sticky rubber material (natural latex) offering excellent grip and board traction.

Overall, the materials used in the construction of the longboarding shoe are of high quality and have proven to be durable over time.

One thing that sets Vans apart from other skate shoe brands is the quality of their materials.

03. Comfort and Fit

These Vans shoes will give you a high level of comfort and a snug fit that is essential for longboarding. The shoe has a cushioned midsole that supports and helps absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury.

You will find that the upper is made of a soft and flexible canvas material that conforms to the foot’s shape, providing a comfortable and customized fit.

These Vans shoes will give you a high level of comfort and a snug fit that is essential for longboarding.

It also features a lace-up system that allows for adjustability, ensuring a secure fit. This shoe has a breathable design that helps you keep your foot cool and dry during longboarding sessions.

See also: What are the best skate shoe brands for skateboarding?

04. Style and Aesthetics

In addition to being functional, these Vans have a stylish design that will turn heads. The shoe comes in various colors and patterns, making finding a pair that matches your style easy.

The shoe also features the iconic Vans branding, synonymous with skate culture. Overall, the style and aesthetics of the longboarding shoe are top-notch, making it a popular choice among skaters who value both performance and style.

See also: Cupsole Vs. Vulcanized Shoes: Comparisons

05. ​Performance

When it comes to longboarding, performance is key. The Vans shoe is designed to provide optimal padding, grip, stability, and control. The shoe’s midsole provides ample padding to help reduce the impact of hard landings and rough terrain.

The Vans shoe is designed to provide optimal padding, grip, stability, and control.

Meanwhile, the outsole’s sticky rubber material provides excellent grip and traction, allowing you to maintain control and stability while longboarding. The shoe’s low-cut silhouette also provides greater flexibility and freedom of movement, essential for performing tricks and maneuvers.

06. Price

When buying longboarding shoes, the cost is often a major factor for many riders. Fortunately, Vans skate shoes are known for their affordability. Prices typically range from $50 to $100, depending on the specific model and any additional features or technologies included.

See also: Is Converse Good for Skateboarding? Expert Analysis Inside

Compared to other high-performance skate shoes on the market, Vans shoes tend to be priced lower without sacrificing quality or durability. This makes them an excellent option for riders on a budget who still want to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes.

The Ups and Downs of The Vans

The Vans brand offers a variety of longboarding shoes, each with its own unique features and benefits. I will discuss the pros and cons of three types of Vans shoes – low, mid, and high-top – to help you decide which style is right for you.

The Ups and Downs of Of The Vans

Low-top Vans Shoes

The pros and cons include the following.

Pros

  • The lightweight design makes them ideal for freestyle and tricks.
  • Offer greater flexibility and range of motion, making them perfect for technical riding styles.
  • They tend to be more affordable than mid or high-top designs.

Cons

  • Limited ankle support can lead to injuries in the event of a fall.
  • Thin soles provide less cushioning, which can lead to foot fatigue during long rides.

Mid-top Vans Shoes

Here are the pros and cons I found after testing the mid-top shoes of Vans.

Mid-top Vans Shoes

Pros

  • Provide a good balance between flexibility and ankle support.
  • Offer more protection for the feet and ankles than low-top designs.
  • Tend to be more durable than low-top designs, making them a good investment for regular riders.

Cons

  • Can be slightly heavier than low-top designs, which may impact performance in certain riding styles.
  • May take longer to break in than low-top designs, leading to discomfort during initial rides.

High-top Vans Shoes

The pros and cons of the high-top Vans shoes include the following.

Pros

  • Offer the most ankle support and protection, making them ideal for downhill and high-speed riding.
  • Provide greater stability and control due to their increased height.
  • Thick soles provide greater cushioning, reducing foot fatigue during long rides.

Cons

  • Heavier than low and mid-top designs, which may impact performance in certain riding styles.
  • Limited flexibility may make them unsuitable for technical riding styles.

Overall, the type of Vans shoe that’s best for you will depend on your riding style and personal preferences.

Low-top designs are great for freestyle and tricks.
  • Low-top designs are great for freestyle and tricks.
  • Mid-tops balance flexibility and support.
  • High tops offer the most protection for downhill and high-speed riding.

It’s important to consider all the pros and cons before deciding and choosing a shoe that fits comfortably and securely on your foot.

FAQs About Vans Skate Shoes

While researching, I found people asking more questions about Vans shoes. They include the following.

FAQs About Vans Skate Shoes

What is the difference between Vans Skate and Vans Pro?

Vans Skate shoes are designed for skateboarding and are made with sturdy materials that can withstand wear and tear from riding. On the other hand, Vans Pro shoes are designed for professional skateboarders and feature additional support and padding for maximum performance.

Are Vans good for skateboarding and longboarding?

Yes, Vans are great for skateboarding and longboarding due to their durable construction and high-quality materials. They are designed with skateboarders and longboarders in mind, providing the necessary features for maximum performance and comfort.

How do you tell if your Vans are skate shoes?

Vans skate shoes are designed with skateboarding in mind and feature durable construction, sturdy materials, and grippy outsoles. They also often feature additional padding and support for maximum performance on the board.

Are Vans Slip-Ons good for skating?

Vans Slip-Ons are not specifically designed for skating but can be used for light skating and cruising. However, they do not provide as much support or protection as traditional skate shoes and may not be suitable for more advanced skating styles.

Are Vans SK8 HI good for skating?

Yes, Vans SK8-Hi shoes are a popular choice for skating due to their high-top design, which provides additional ankle support and protection. They are, however, not made with durable materials as they quickly wear and tear from riding.

How long do Vans last?

The lifespan of Vans skate shoes depends on several factors, including how often you skate, the terrain you ride on, and how well you take care of your shoes. With proper care and maintenance, Vans skate shoes can last for several months to a year or more.

Conclusion

Overall, the Vans skate shoes are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable, comfortable, and stylish shoe for longboarding. They are well-designed and made with high-quality materials that provide the necessary features for maximum performance on the board.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned longboarder, the Vans skate shoes can help you improve your performance and take your longboarding to the next level. So if you’re in the market for a new pair of longboarding shoes, I recommend trying the Vans skate shoes.

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