Vans are primarily designed as skateboarding shoes. They also make great casual footwear or work shoes in settings where you require non-slip shoes, e.g., waiters and chefs. They are reputable for being comfortable and affordable.
However, if you want to diversify your footwear, there is a wide range of Vans alternatives on the market. Below is a review of the 10 best Vans alternatives
Vans Alternatives Buying Guide: Factors to Consider
Purpose of the Shoes
Consider whether you strictly want skateboarding shoes or shoes for everyday wear or both. Most Vans alternatives are versatile and can be worn for different purposes. Go for shoes that are comfortable and durable no matter their intended purpose. For skating shoes, ensure that they have a vulcanized rubber sole.
Price
The price of Vans ranges from $30 up to over $150. Look out for shoes within your budget and offer quality, comfort, and fit your intended purpose.
Fit
Some alternative Vans shoes have a standard fit, others have a small fit, and others have a big fit. Check whether the manufacturer indicates if the shoes fit true-to-size. Also, check previous customer reviews on whether the shoe size is true-to-fit, runs small, or big. Ultimately, check the specific shoe’s sizing guide and follow the instructions to measure your foot size.
11 Best Vans Alternatives
1. Puma Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers
- Upper Material: Suede
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options: 30
- Outstanding Feature: Two sets of laces
Puma Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers are stylish and comfortable. They have a classic old-school design, which is fashionably versatile for casual wear.
Their upper is made of suede, while the sole is made of leather. The upper design incorporates a lace-up closure for a secure fit. The midsole is cushioned to provide adequate foot support and comfort.
The shoes come with two pairs of laces: standard thickness laces and super thick laces. They are available in 30 color options. Although their sizing is standard, they have a narrow fit.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fashionable
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Come with two sets of laces
- Fit true to size
Cons
- There are counterfeits in the market
- Not suitable for people with wider feet
- Suede sneaker with Formstrip overlay featuring lace-up vamp and padded collar and tongue
2. Adidas Performance Men Samba Classic Indoor Soccer Shoe
- Upper Material: Leather and suede
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options: 3
- Outstanding Feature: Super lightweight
The Adidas Performance Men Samba Classic Indoor Soccer Shoe has a low-top design with the Adidas 3-tripes signature on the side.
Its upper is made of full-grain leather with suede overlays for optimal comfort and protection. The outsole is made of non-marking gum rubber, which provides excellent traction even on slippery surfaces. Its midsole is made of embossed die-cut EVA for superior comfort and the light feel of the shoes when wearing them.
They have standard sizing. However, for a loose fit, go a size up or a size down for a tight fight. They have a lace-up closure for a secure fit and adequate boot opening for easy wear and removal. They are available in 3 color options.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Excellent outsole traction
- 3 color options
- Standard sizing
Cons
- Some people find the shoe tongue too long
- There are counterfeits in the market
- Full grain leather upper with suede overlays offer support and protection
- Embossed EVA midsole for superior comfort
- Non Marking gum rubber outsole for excellent grip on all indoor surfaces
3. Timberland PRO Men’s Disruptor Oxford Alloy Safety Toe Shoes
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options: 1 (black)
- Outstanding Feature: Anti-fatigue technology
If you are looking for casual style safety shoes to wear to work, consider the Timberland PRO Men’s Disruptor Oxford Alloy Safety Toe Shoes. They have a simple but elegant design.
These shoes are designed to keep you safe and comfortable. The upper is made of 100% canvas, while the outsole is made of rubber. The rubber outsoles offer excellent traction even on extremely slippery surfaces. They are heat-resistant, oil-resistant, and provide electrical hazard protection.
The design also incorporates anti-fatigue technology that provides shock absorption. The toe area of the shoes is fitted with an alloy plate to optimize protection against falling objects or collisions.
They have a wide boot opening for easy slip-on and slip-off. The upper interior is padded for additional protection and comfort. However, the shoe is not breathable and may become smelly, especially if you have sweaty feet. They have a lace-up for a secure fit.
Pros
- Simple, elegant design
- Comfortable
- Anti-fatigue
- Oli and slip-resistant
- Electrical hazard rated
- Durable
- Alloy safety toes
- No break-in
Cons
- Some people find the back collar too low to offer adequate ankle support when standing for extended periods.
- Not breathable
- Anti-Fatigue footbed
- Rubber Outsole
- Durable, rugged exterior
4. Adidas Skateboarding Matchbreak Super
- Upper Material: Suede and Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options: 5
- Outstanding Feature: Vulcanized rubber sole
If you are looking for a Vans alternative for skateboarding shoes, go for the Adidas Skateboarding Matchbreak Super. The low-top shoes are designed to enhance skateboarding performance while being comfortable. And, you can rely on Adidas’s reputation for durability.
The outsole is made of vulcanized rubber, which is the ultimate sole material for skateboarding shoes. It is flexible, comfortable, and provides excellent grip on your skateboard.
The upper is made of suede with canvas trim for enhanced durability. It also features a lace-up closure and the iconic Adidas 3-stripes detail. The interior is cushioned and features a neoprene sock liner for optimal comfort.
They have standard sizing but with a narrow fit. Therefore, it is best to go up half a size or one size if you have wider feet. They are available in 5 color options.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Exclusively designed for skateboarding
- Can also be worn as everyday casual footwear
- Elegant, stylish design
- 5 color options
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Adidas
- Mens Shoes
- Skateboarding Shoes
- Core Black/Footwear White/Gold Metallic
- Synthetic
5. Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor Sneakers
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options:23
- Outstanding Feature: Vulcanized rubber sole
The Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor Sneakers are versatile and fashionable. They have a simple and elegant, classic, old-school design. The iconic shoes were first designed in 1917 and continue to be a favorite among Converse shoe enthusiasts. They are available in 23 color options.
The upper is made of canvas, while the outsole is made of vulcanized rubber. As such, they are suitable as skateboarding shoes or for casual wear. The interior is lined up with textile lining for added comfort. For an easy and secure fit, they have a wide boot mouth and a lace-up closure.
The shaft measures approximately 0.25” for adequate ankle support. They also have ortholite insole cushions for adequate arch support.
Pros
- Iconic, timeless design
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper
- Adequate arch and ankle support
- Suitable as skateboarding shoes
- Can be worn as everyday casual footwear
Cons
- Not durable
- Low-cut Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers; The canvas upper has an All Star patch on the tongue; The white rubber sidewall and toe cap complete the timeless look
- Diamond outsole tread
- Iconic silhouette
- OrthoLite insole for comfort
6. Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options:25
- Outstanding Feature: Vulcanized rubber sole and slip-on design
The Lugz Men’s clipper sneakers are designed to offer exceptional comfort. They have a stylish slip-on design and make for great casual footwear. You can also wear them for skating.
The upper is made of 100% canvas, while the outsole is made of vulcanized rubber for excellent traction. The inner side of the upper is lined with breathable linen for comfort when wearing the shoes while ensuring adequate air circulation.
The collar is also well-cushioned for heel support and comfort. They have side gore panels that help them stretch easily for an easy put on and off. They have a flat heel that is approximately 1.22” high.
These shoes are available in a color option, so you have a wide range to choose from depending on your preference and styling needs. There is also a wide range of sizes, starting from size 6.5 to 16. The following half sizes are also available: 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5. However, the sizing runs small and narrow.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Excellent traction
- Breathable upper
- Easy to wear and remove
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Narrow and small sizing
- Canvas upper
- Cushioned insole for added comfort
- Classic slip-on style with side gore panels
- Breathable lining
- Vulcanized rubber outsole
7. Superga Unisex 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options:14
- Outstanding Feature: Vulcanized rubber sole and Italian design
Superga Unisex 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers have been a staple casual footwear among Italians since 1913. The brand has grown over the years to be a favorite for many people across the globe.
They are designed to be comfortable, stylish, and versatile. They can be worn to the city and the beach for daytime adventure as well as nighttime escapades. You can style them with full-length pants, cropped pants, shorts, skirts, or however else you like. They come in a plethora of colors to choose from to fit your styling needs,
The shoes’ upper is made of canvas and lined with 100% cotton on the inside to enhance comfort. Cotton is breathable and offers a cozy feel on your feet. The outsole is made of vulcanized gum rubber for excellent traction.
Their sizing starts at 5 for women and 3.5 for men up to size 11. The manufacturer notes that the sizing runs big, so you need to size down by half a size. The Superga 2750 classic sneakers have a lace-up design to enable you to adjust your fit. The eyelets are made of silver-tone rivets that make the design of the shoes even more elegant.
Pros
- Superior comfort
- Iconic Italian design
- Versatile
- Durable
- Elegant and fashionable
- Wide range of colors to choose from
Cons
- Bigger sizing
- Sneaker featuring lace-up vamp with silver-tone rivets and wrap-around outsole
- Logo tag at side;Vulcanised gum sole
- Superga sneakers tend to run slightly large. We recommend sizing down by 1/2 size.
8. Converse Unisex Adult Chuck Taylor All Star 2018 Seasonal High Top Sneaker
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options: Over 40
- Outstanding Feature: Iconic Converse star ankle patch, high top design
If you are looking for high-top style old skool sneakers, consider the Converse Unisex Adult Chuck Taylor All-Star 2018 High Top Sneakers. They have the classic Converse old skool design and feature the timeless world-renowned star ankle patch. They offer adequate foot, arch, and heel support.
The upper is made of canvas, while the outsole is made of rubber. The platform heel measures approximately 1-inch while the shaft extends about inches high. They have a lace-up design to enable you to easily put them on, remove them, and adjust for a snug fit. They have medial eyelets for enhanced airflow. On the inside is an Ortholite insole that provides adequate arch and foot cushioning.
They have UK sizes, so you need to convert to US sizing to get your correct shoe size. Some sizes are available in men and women sizes, while others are unisex.
Pros
- Light
- Flexible sole
- Iconic Converse design
- Come with Ortholite insoles
- Over 40 color options
Cons
- There are counterfeits on the market
- Some people find it difficult to establish the right size to buy
- Good looking and stylish
- Comfortable to wear
- Fits true to size
- 100% authentic
- Style# M9610
9. Hash Bubbie Women’s Slip-On Canvas Low Top Shoes
- Upper Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options:23
- Outstanding Feature: Wide range of colors to choose from
The Hash Bubbie Women’s Slip-On Canvas Low Top Shoes are comfortable, flexible, and stylish. They are versatile and can be worn with different clothes, including jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses. You can wear them to at home, for a hike, to run errands, to the office, or even a party. You can choose from 23 color and pattern options.
Aside from their slip-on design, these shoes are designed with elastic band side gore panels. The upper is made of flexible canvas, while the outsole is made of flexible rubber to ensure the shoes are lightweight and comfortable to wear even for extended periods. The soft, breathable padded insole further enhances the shoe’s comfort.
The platform is about 1” high, while the cuff is well cushioned for adequate support and comfort. They have standard sizing and are available in sizes 5,6,7,8,9,10, and 11. However, the manufacturer recommends that you go for a half a size smaller if you have a narrow fit. Refer to the Hash Bubbie’s women’s shoes sizing chart.
Pros
- Super comfortable and soft
- Breathable
- Simple, elegant design
- Versatile
- Flexible sole
- Lightweight
- Easy slip-on design
- Removable insoles
- Wide range of colors to choose from
Cons
- Some people have a challenge determining their correct size.
- 【Size Tips】：The Slip on Shoes are designed for USA womens ,If you can check the size before ordering, maybe you will get a more fit and comfortable shoes.If you have wide feet, choose a normal size. If your feet are narrow in width, choose a smaller size.If the foot is half a size, please choose a smaller size, for example, 7.5 size can choose 7 size,
- 【Easy Slip On Wear】：Slip on canvas sneakers simply easily slip on design.Material isn’t too tight around the foot but is tight enough that it feels secure on your foot.
- 【Comfortable and Breathable】 :Women's Slip on shoes with soft padded insole let you feel easy and not tire for long time walking ,and breathable canvas upper keep your feet dry .
- 【Suitable Occasion】 :Classics white and black colors, easy to paired with casual clothes ,jeans ,shorts ,skirts etc. Good choice for office working ,at home ,shopping or attend party ,hiking and traveling ect.
- 【Hash Bubbie Services 】：About the Slip on Shoes，We hope that every customer has a wonderful experience. You can email us your thoughts at any time. We always value customer opinions and solve all problems. With your help,We can improve and better service those who like us.
10. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Faxon Low Sneaker
- Upper Material: 96% canvas and 4% polyurethane
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Color Options:28
- Outstanding Feature: English street style design
The Faxon adds an up-street style to the classic canvas sneakers. They combine the time-honored East Coast Ivy League casual style with English refinement. Polo has a reputation for being classic, sophisticated, and authentic, and these shoes are no different. They are versatile and make excellent vacation shoes. They are comfortable to walk around in, even for extended periods.
The upper is made of 96% canvas and 4% polyurethane. They feature a lace-up design with metal eyelets. Polos easily recognizable by the embroidered logo at the quarter-panel and a stripe on the midsole. The rubber outsole is stamped with the word “Polo” at the bottom.
These shoes are available in 28 color options. They are specially sized for men. Their sizes start at 7.5 up to 15. Half-size options include 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5. The sizing runs larger for people with narrow feet
Pros
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Made to meet Polo iconic standards
- Canvas shoes with street style
- Comfortable to walk in even for extended periods
- Wide range of colors to choose from
Cons
- Innersole is not cushioned
- Require 1-2 weeks to break
- Lace-up sneaker with metal eyelets featuring stripe at midsole and embroidered logo at quarterpanel
- Designed with quality and comfortable in mind
- Perfect fit and stylish for any occasion
- Durable for all seasons
11. Bruno Marc Men’s Fashion Sneakers
- Upper Material: Textile
- Sole material: polyvinyl chloride
- Color Options:10
- Outstanding Feature: English street style design
The Bruno Marc Men’s sneakers are a fashion statement. They are designed to offer comfort, casual footwear versatility, and a secure fit.
The Oxford-style sneakers feature a textile upper and a polyvinyl chloride serrated tread pattern to ensure they are non-skid. They have a lace-up system for a secure fit. The upper interior has a breathable textile lining. They also feature a cushioned latex footbed for comfort and foot support. They have a stitch detailing on the side, which makes the shoe’s elegance stand out.
They are available in sizes 6.5 to 12 with options for half sizes between sizes 6 and 10. They mostly fit true to size, but people with narrower feet might need to go half a size smaller.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Offer adequate arch support
- Stylish and classy casual footwear
- Wide range of colors to choose from
Cons
- Not durable
- Lightweight, soft and comfortable design
- Flexible PVC outsole and cushioned latex insole for extra comfort
- Stitching details and contrast material vamp
- Classic lace up design with fabric upper
- Heel height: 0.5 inch (approx), platform measures: 0.5 inch (approx)
Conclusion
There is an unlimited range of Van alternatives. Some are cheaper, others sell within the same price range, yet others are pricier. The right choice of Vans alternatives comes down to your preference and the intended purpose of shoes.
If you want a Vans alternative for skating shoes, ensure they offer adequate ankle support and excellent traction. Those whose outsoles are made of vulcanized rubber are the best option. For everyday wear, choose according to your style and preference.
Pay attention to the sizing guide of your choice of shoes and whether they fit true to size or the fit runs smaller or bigger.
Vans Alternatives FAQs
Are Vans Better than Converse?
Both Vans and Converse are iconic footwear brands. They offer a wide range of shoes in high top and low top designs and multiple colors and patterns. Both brands of shoes sell within the same price range.
Vans started in 1966 and specialized in skateboarding shoes. Over the years, their range of skateboarding shoes has grown to be loved as fashionable casual footwear.
On the other hand, Converse was started in 1908 as a brand of basketball shoes. Converse shoes have now become mainstream casual footwear.
Generally, Vans are more durable than Converse. They mostly stand out for their vulcanized rubber, which provides excellent traction whether you skateboarding, wearing them in slippery environments, hiking, or everyday wear. However, some people with flat feet may find the shoes lacking in arch support.
Converse does not provide adequate traction. Like Vans, they do not provide adequate foot and arch support. They also need replacing often.
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between Converse and Vans, consider the intended purposes. Both are versatile casual wear. Vans are better suited for skateboarding and wearing on slippery surfaces.
Which Are the Top Shoe Brands Alternatives for Vans?
Some of the top brands that manufacture and sell a similar range of shoes as Vans includes:
- Puma
- Converse
- Adidas
- Nike
- Superga
- Hush Bubbie
