Vans have become so iconic that they are now considered an essential part of sportswear fashion. Vans are the go-to remedy for many footwear issues, whether you want to add versatility to your ensemble or stand out from the crowd. But the sad part is no good things come out freely. They need a big budget to become yours. For their distinctive and elegant look, vans are highly costly.
If you’re feeling it’s high time to ditch your trusty shoes and replace them with shoes similar to vans, we’ve got your back. I am here to present some alternatives that can make your every step happy along with your pocket. And more importantly, they won’t compromise your fashion and style.
Stay with me till the end. I am presenting 5 vans alternative from my experience. I hope the writing will find you a good choice for your feet.
These are our choice for the best vans alternatives:
- Sperry Men’s Striper CVO Boat Shoes
- Nike Men’s Air Force Sneaker
- Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes
- Adidas Men’s Y-3 Yuben Low Black/White EF2651
- Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker
Shoes similar to vans but cheaper:
1#. Sperry Men’s Striper CVO Boat Shoes
The first product to take place in this list is these gorgeous salt-washed striper boat shoes. These vans alternative come in a variety of colours and sizes. If you’re looking for a pair of vans that will go easy on your pocket, then this is the best choice for you.
But hold on, it’s not just the price that’s made this product worth buying. Keep reading to find out its best features.
This is the current price of these Sperry Men’s Striper CVO Boat Shoes available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Origin: An imported pair of shoes that have gone through quality testing.
- Material: These vans like shoes are made of rubber material and have non-marking rubber soles.
- Shaft height: Get your summertime sadness mood on with these low-top boat shoes that look like vans.
- Design: It has a versatile laceless construction, so you can go for a lace-up look. Pair it with a pair of shorts or trousers, and you’re good to go.
- Comfort: They’re lightweight and has a breathable canvas upper for that extra comfort. The included dual-density footbed provides all-day comfort.
- Durability: If you’re looking for a vans look alike that can offer you traction in all sorts of weather, then you have to add these pair of shoes to your cart.
This pair has to be in your shoe stack if you’re more into laidback looks and also thirst for casual shoes that you can slip with any outfit. The insoles, however, can’t be removed as they’re glued to the shoe for a firm grip. You can’t let go of this perfect pair just for this small issue, can you? But, if you’re not satisfied with these vans look alike shoes, then I’m sure you’ll like the next one
Click here to buy these Sperry Men’s Striper CVO Boat Shoes available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
2#. Nike Men’s Air Force Sneaker
Looking for a pair of shoes that’s both stylish and an alternative to vans? Well, today’s your lucky day. These sneakers are an amazing knockout of vans, and they’re pretty trendy among teens nowadays. Then again, if you’re a brand snob, I’m sure you won’t think twice before throwing your hands on this pair.
This is the current price of these Nike Men’s Air Force Sneaker available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Material: This high-quality textile shoe has rubber as its sole material and is finely crafted. Plus, the ‘soft but hard’ fabric used for the shoe makes it easy to fold and doesn’t even crease.
- Design: These shoes like vans come in a colour gamut and is the widely known go-to shoes. You can pair them with any outfit and still make it look classy!
- Comfort: As mentioned above, the rubber sole allows the footwear to keep friction with the ground. The two pivotal points in the forefeet and heel are present for multi-directional transitions.
- Closure: The shoes are far from the usual slip-ons and have a lace type closure. This ensures that your feet stay in place no matter how static or loose your movements are.
In case you’re wondering, it doesn’t take much time to break-in. 2-3 days are enough. However, even though they’re a bit on the expensive side, compared to the other vans alternative in this list, you’ll find out why this pair is highly recommended once you buy them for yourself.
Click here to buy these Nike Men’s Air Force Sneaker available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
3#. Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes
Nike is a brand of elegance and style. Are you a gym person? Looking for vans like shoes at a budget-friendly price? So here I am to bail you out from your dilemma.
Let’s find out what Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoe is offering us:
This is the current price of these Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Adaptability: Nike is versatile. You can fit it with every dress you wear. Its white color makes you elegant in your gymnasium. This shoe never compromises adaptability with anything. Even in white color, Nike will give you a vibrant look.
- Easy Cleaning: This Nike Men’s Gymnastics shoe has a very optimum design. With this optimum design, this shoe provides the facility of easy cleaning. Less amount of dirt gets stuck with the design. As a result, you get an easy cleaning with this shoe.
- Comfort: The punctured implants promote breathability, keeping the foot clean and dry at all times. They are the great shoe of comfort. You can use them without any kind of vibration and discomfort. It also resists blisters formation. Nike helps you to get a happy gym time.
- Durability: External layers are strategically placed on the leather and cloth upper for long-term durability and help. These vans look alike shoes can make your every hour better with its great service. The coating between the heel and upper sections of the shoes demonstrates their longevity.
These fashionable sneakers are undoubtedly good for your casual use. So you can buy this as your daily shoe alternative to vans. Nike is a perfect substitute for shoes like vans.
Click here to buy these Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes available at Amazon(affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
4#. Adidas Men’s Y-3 Yuben Low Black/White EF2651
Yohji Yamamoto’s iconic collaboration with Adidas has introduced his couture’s chic, streamlined elegance to sportswear. The Adidas Y-3’s classic floor-length makes it an excellent choice for vans. They’re another of those shoes that look like vans. If you are a van lover, you will definitely like this shoe. Let’s find out more features:
This is the current price of these Adidas Men’s Y-3 available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Design: The unique design of this shoe fits with every outfit. Consider it a more glamorous edition of what you’ve most likely been carrying. They’re also excellent walk shoes. Low neck design creates an extra fashionable look. I just love the signature of Yohji Yamamoto is embroidered on the side of the shoe.
- Adaptability: Vans are distinguished by the fact that they can be used for a variety of purposes. If you want to be like them, you can look for a pair of shoes that can be worn in various situations. This shoe has only available in black. Feeling sad? Let me tell you the most excellent thing. The combination of black upper and white sole creates an elegant look with every outfit.
- Material: Material is an important factor that brings comfort and durability. The upper portion is made of canvas, same as vans, which creates the main attraction of this shoe. So you will get a van like feel after wearing the shoe. And the white rubber sole makes the shoe more durable and robust. The collar of the shoe is made of leather, bringing you comfort in every wear.
- Solace: Adidas never compromises the comfort of the wearer. These Adidas shoes are very roomy from the inside, so you won’t have to think about your ease. This is a good option if you want shoes that don’t feel constricting inside and help you prevent sores. And the white rubber sole resists friction of the heel with the ground.
I must say it’s a perfect alternative to vans. You can use it with your daily outfit and causal work. One pair of Adidas can make your every step happy for sure.
Click here to buy these Adidas Men’s Y-3 available at Amazon(affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Handy Hints: If you interested to know more guides about vans shoes, visit our other article about Do Vans Come In Wide?
5#. Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker
Adidas is a name of the classy brand to all of us. Its comfortability always makes us ready to wear at any time we need. This shoe is perfect for regular use and casual work.
Let’s dig in for more features.
This is the current price of these Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Conceptual model: These vans look-alike shoes of Adidas are famous for their design. It is an everyday shoe of unique style. These shoes are stunning, in my opinion. I must say another word that they’re fashionable and look great in any type of dress. These shoes have a low-key Adidas look, thanks to the Trefoil symbol.
- Heavy-Duty Components: In the term of components of making this shoe is a pure vans alternative. With the slim and mild design, one pair of Adidas is very much spacious from the inside. Its rubber sole resists fiction with the ground. The upper portion is designed with high-quality material that makes the shoes more appealing to everybody.
- Comfortability: Honestly speaking, I didn’t expect the shoe to be this comfortable. It fits perfectly and gives comfort in every wear. And another amazing fact is this shoe is very light in weight so you won’t feel any burden.
- Durability: The smooth and abrasion-resistant upper portion of these shoes is a plus. As a result, dealing with them is easy. It is known as a skate shoe. But with a sad heart, I am telling that this shoe has disappointed me in skating as its condition deteriorated after 2-3 sessions of skating. If you can use them as your everyday shoe, then durability won’t create an issue here.
Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker is a true example of the style, elegance, and versatility. It has different colors to fit you with every dress. It won’t depress you like your daily company.
Click here to buy these Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker available at Amazon(affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
How Should I Determine The Size Of My Shoes?
When you’re purchasing shoes directly from the showroom, you can try different styles and sizes of the shoe. But the same thing becomes difficult in online shopping. A poorly fitted shoe can cause severe ankle pain, abrasions, bruises on toes, and difficulty in walking.
To pamper your feet, you’ve to be very precise about your shoe size. But how can you determine your shoe size accurately? A podiatrist can get your accurate shoe size. But you can use the following simple trick to determine your shoe size accurately at home.
Required tools:
- Two white paper
- A pencil
- A ruler
Procedure:
- Firstly, place one of your feet on the white paper.
- Trace the outline of your foot with a pencil.
- Put dots on the two ends of the maximum diameter of the tracing. That is one in front of the big toe and another on the end of the heel.
- Determine the distance between the two points using a ruler in centimeters.
- Repeat the same process for another foot.
Precautions:
- Support the white paper with a paperweight to avoid displacement.
- Hold the pencil vertically for accuracy.
Anatomically the size of both your feet is not the same. So, while ordering shoes online, it’s safe to go for a size larger than your feet.
Why Vans Are Bad For Your Feet?
Though people put vans as a part of their casual outfits, vans were first launched as skateboarding shoes. Its simple outlook, weather-friendly material, and exotic style encouraged people to use vans beyond skateboarding shoes.
Sadly, these shoes aren’t so supportive of long-term usage. The reasons are:
1. Absence of Arch Support
Vans shoes have zero-to-no arch support. That means people with flat feet cannot walk properly wearing this footwear. Ultimately it tempers with the balance as it can’t limit excess pronation of the feet.
2. Unsupportive Flat Sole
When you’re wearing flat sole shoes throughout the day, you’ll feel pain in your Achilles tendon. The flat sole cannot support your weight and increases pressure on the calcaneus bone.
In addition, the skin on the ankle undergoes vigorous rubbing against the collar of the shoe resulting in blisters, abrasions, and slight to no bleeding.
3. Shock Absorption Capability
Some vans lack a heel pad. Such shoes cannot manage shock during running, jogging, or even in walking. So, it’s common to feel joint pain wearing such shoes for a long time.
4. Stress Fracture
Unsupportive shoes can be deadly for people with feet deformities. It weakens the feet’s muscles and causes stress fracture. The fractured calcaneus can’t bear the weight of the body.
This reduces stability while walking.
Things to Consider When Buying Vans Alternative
To bring out the maximum from your shoes similar to vans, you have to consider some factors. Only then will you get your desirable pair of shoes.
1. Design
There’re many models of Vans in the market, like- high neck shoes, low neck shoes, with or without a pattern, laces, etc. Similar models are also available in Nike, ADIDAS, and other renowned brands.
2. Washable or not
You can wash your Vans shoe with mild detergent and lukewarm water. As the most suitable alternative to vans, the shoe must also be washable with water, detergent, or soap when they get mud on them.
This makes them more suitable to wear in any season and any weather.
3. Constructive material
Normally vans are made of suede and canvas. That’s why they’re durable and long-lasting. There’re no definite rules about the material of the Vans’ alternative. You can go with any material that you feel more comfortable wearing.
4. Supportive sole
Though Vans are infamous for want of supportive sole, not all models of Vans lack a comfortable and cushioning sole. When you’re searching for a Vans alternative, you can keep the point in mind.
Or you can buy a sole separately and remove the existing sole from the Vans alternative. But this is a lot of work and requires more money, time, and energy.
5. Perfect fitting
All Vans shoes are true to size. That means you can exactly order the size you normally wear. This might not be the same with the Vans alternative. You can either go for a size larger or inquiry about the size from the brand’s website.
6. Adequate arch support
Another drawback of Vans shoes is that they don’t provide adequate arch support. With proper arch support, you won’t feel any pain after a long day wearing the shoe. Not necessarily, vans alternative should also have the same drawback.
This is a must-to-consider point for people with feet deformity.
7. Versatility
If you take a glance at their website, you’re sure to find low-top, high-top, lace-up, multiple-colored shoes. They vary in terms of pattern and color. You should also look for the same in Vans alternative.
8. Cost
Most of the footwear from Vans is expensive. As an alternative, you can check other renowned brands’ shoes with almost similar designs and patterns. You might get a comfortable pair in your budget.
FAQ about shoes that look like vans but aren’t
1#. Can I remove the rubber sole of these shoes?
Though rubber sole acts as an effective shock absorber, it disintegrates with time and becomes brittle. So, you can remove the rubber sole from your shoes and resole it with a leather sole.
2#. How long it might take to break into a pair of shoes?
In general, you can break into a pair of new shoes within 3 to 4 weeks. But vans are earlier in this case. 5-8 wearing are enough to break into a pair of vans.
3#. Are vans and converse similar?
Vans is an American footwear manufacturing company launching skateboarding shoes. Whereas, conserve, being an American footwear company, started with basketball shoes. Vans debuted before conserve in the year 1966. They’re more long-lasting than conserve.
4#. Do vans damage your feet?
Not all the models of vans are bad for your feet. But some vans lack supportive sole and arch support. They’re incapable of bearing extra weight and damages the Achilles tendon.
Our verdict on shoes that look like vans but aren’t
If you’re looking for something trendy and stylish to go with your outfit or a flexible pair of shoes, these vans-inspired shoes are a great option. If you’d like to pick the finest of all, you should concentrate on their basic features. You can take help from my writings to find the best shoes similar to vans for you.
Meet Bryen, a true aficionado in the world of fashion, with a special knack for footwear. From an early age, Bryen’s passion for style and shoes was undeniable. He’s dedicated his life to becoming a footwear and fashion expert, immersing himself in trends, craftsmanship, and the cultural nuances of fashion.