Top 5 Best Vans Skate Shoes 2024 For Unbeatable Performance

The first pair of skate shoes I bought was a total waste of money because they lacked the comfort and support I needed. After a bit of research, I got to know about Vans skate shoes. From that point, I was inclined to try as many models as possible.

From my experience as a user, I think the SK8 Reissue and SK8 High-Top are among the best Vans skate shoes out there. These shoes are highly comfortable, breathable, and durable.

I have made a list of the top 5 best Vans skate shoes in 2024 so that you can choose easily. Let me share that with you.

My Best Vans Skateboarding Shoe Reviews

From the wide range of skate shoes in the Vans lineup, I picked the following 5 skate shoes that will ensure top-notch performance and trendy style. Check them out.

1. Vans Unisex SK8-Hi Reissue Skate Shoes

Key Features

Price: Check on Amazon

Insole: Among the skate shoes I have used to date, these shoes have one of the most comfortable insoles. The cushioning is not too thick nor too thin, but the way it hugs my feet is outstanding.

Midsole: The midsole is moderately thick to absorb the impact from the ground. So, your heels and toes will remain safe while performing tricks. I didn’t get any bruises while wearing these skate shoes.

Outsole: The outsole is made of vulcanized rubber, so it is sturdy and impact-resistant. It has the signature waffle pattern of Vans, which is effective for impact absorption. The support of the sole is also notable.

Tongue and Collar: As these aren’t high-top skate shoes, the padding is super important. Luckily, the shoes have thick padding at the collar area. The tongue has a lighter padding, but it was perfectly fine for me. Overall, the protection around your feet is nice.

Upper: You have multiple upper options with these shoes. I picked the canvas upper, which was lightweight and easily washable. The seams on the upper give the shoes a stylish look.

Fit: I wear the size 9.5, and these shoes are true to size. These shoes have a total of 35 size options for men and women. So you can easily find your desired size.

Breathability and Durability: The canvas shoes were highly breathable. Stitches and bondings between layers were also praiseworthy. I have been using this pair for a few months, and they seem to be fairly durable.

Pros

• Comfortable insole
• Protective midsole and outsole
• Great support
• Lightweight
• Multiple upper, size, and color options

Cons

• Less solid colors
• Foxing tape joints are visible

2. Vans SK8-Hi Unisex Casual High-Top Skate Shoes

Key Information

Price: Check on Amazon

Insole: Like the previous skate shoes from Vans, these shoes also have a very comfortable insole. The insole is so plush that I can wear these shoes all day long without having any irritation in my feet.

Midsole: The midsole is pretty similar to the regular SK8 shoes I talked about earlier. These are just high-top versions without any noticeable change in the midsole. You can expect a decent amount of protection from these shoes.

See also: What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Skate Shoes?

Outsole: The outsole has a waffle design that is great for weight distribution. So, these vulcanized shoes will spread the impact evenly throughout the sole and ensure you feel the least impact.

Tongue and Collar: Even though I don’t prefer high-top shoes because they restrict the shaft movement, these shoes are great for beginner skateboarders. With the padded collar area of these high-top shoes, your ankles will be safer. The tongue area is lightly padded to keep your feet protected.

Upper: These shoes come with a suede upper. Due to the special treatment, the upper is water-repellant. So your feet will stay dry. But washing these shoes can be a bit of an issue due to the suede upper, so you need to be more careful.

Fit: Like the regular SK8 shoes, these shoes were also true to size. I ordered the 9.5, and the fit was absolutely amazing. The lace-up closure keeps the shoes snugly fit with your feet.

Breathability and Durability: Even though suede tends to be a bit less breathable, I didn’t find any issues. And the durability is also satisfactory. Without any doubt, this pair is one of the best Vans skate shoes pair.

Pros

• Stylish designs
• High-top protects ankles
• Impact resistance is great
• Water-repellant
• Lightweight and durable

Cons

• Limits ankle mobility
• The midsole could be thicker

3. Vans Unisex Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes

Key Information

Price: Check on Amazon

Insole: These shoes probably had the thickest cushioning among the Vans skate shoes I tested. But the comfort didn’t seem to be aligned with the thick cushioning. Instead, my feet felt a bit suffocated inside the shoes. But as far as protection is concerned, these shoes are excellent.

Midsole: The midsole of these shoes is also thicker than the previous two shoes. So, you can expect superior impact protection.

Outsole: With a thick vulcanized rubber outsole, these shoes seemed perfect for uneven terrains. I used these shoes on the stairs and didn’t even feel a bump. But the thicker sole reduces the board feel.

Tongue and Collar: I love these classic shoes because of their moderate padding in the tongue and collar area. Due to this padding, the shoes are comfortable and supportive. But that doesn’t hinder ankle mobility.

Upper: These shoes are made with synthetic material. So they are easy to clean. And the stitching on the upper gives these shoes that timeless look I fall for. And the lace-up closure enhances the classic look of these shoes. I like solid uppers, but you have a lot of different color and pattern options to choose from.

Fit: The fit of these skate shoes was just perfect. I ordered the size 9.5, and they were true to size. A good thing about these shoes is they have more size options than other models.

Breathability and Durability: Due to the synthetic upper, you may feel that breathability is low. But that isn’t a deal breaker because the shoes are highly durable. They can withstand heavy impacts and still perform just fine.

Pros

• Vast design and color options
• Thick cushioning
• Durable rubber outsole
• Padded tongue and collar
• Easy to clean

Cons

• A lot heavier than other skate shoes
• Less breathable

4. Vans Boy’s & Girl’s Old Skool Pre-School Skate Shoe

Key Information

Price: Check on Amazon

Insole: As this pair of shoes is designed for kids, the cushioning of the insole is super comfy. Your little kids or toddlers will feel highly comfortable with these fluffy insoles.

Midsole: The midsole has a medium thickness to keep the show lightweight and protective at the same time. If your kids use these shoes to learn skateboarding, you can be relaxed about their feet protection.

Outsole: Like most other Vans shoes, these shoes have a vulcanized rubber outsole to provide impact protection and durability. At the same time, the shoes provide the support your kids need. I tried to flex the outsole, but it was quite sturdy.

Tongue and Collar: As the feet of your toddlers or little kids are more sensitive to abrasion, they need thick padding in skate shoes. These pre-school shoes have the right amount of padding in the tongue and collar area. The padding helps children move comfortably without getting their feet bruised.

Upper: These shoes have canvas and suede upper. The upper feels soft to the touch, but it is quite sturdy. Due to the canvas upper, the shoes are easily washable. It is necessary for kids’ shoes because they get dirty much quicker.

Fit: The fit was exactly what I was looking for. My little boy wore the size 3 Little Kid, and it was true to size. The collar and tongue area were snugly fit.

Breathability and Durability: Canvas provides great breathability, so these shoes are very suitable for summer. Even though the durability isn’t anything extraordinary, I will say it is decent.

Pros

• Comfortable and protective
• Provides ample support
• Easy to clean
• Sturdy outsole
• Lots of size options for kids

Cons

• Durability could be better
• Kids’s shoes need more color options

5. Vans Men’s Free Time and Sportwear Slipper

Key Information

Price: Check on Amazon

Insole: These slip-on shoes have a thinner insole than other skate shoes. So, you might find the cushioning a bit less comfortable than the models I talked about earlier. But the elastic inserts somewhat cover the lackings.

Midsole: With a thin midsole, these shoes are great if you want a good board feel. But, the protection will be compromised due to the low thickness of the midsole.

Outsole: The outsole is made of vulcanized rubber and has a decent thickness. Besides providing great support, it is also slip-resistant. So you can perform various tricks with more confidence.

See also: What Kind of Shoes Are Best for Longboarding?

Tongue and Collar: As these shoes are flatter than the previous models, the distance between the collar and tongue area is greater. So, the padding seems to be thinner. When you touch the padding and feel the thickness, it feels just right.

Upper: These shoes come with a suede upper. Most models are of solid color, but you will find some patterns too. Cleaning the suede upper is a bit tricky, so you must be careful about it.

Fit: Even though there are fewer size options here, the sizes were true to fit. I chose the size 9.5, and it perfectly fits me. There is no gap between the inner wall and my feet, which gives me more confidence in movement.

Breathability and Durability: These shoes have less stitching on the upper than other models. But don’t let it misguide about the durability. The shoes are fairly durable, as I have been using my pair for over six months without signs of wear. The breathability is also decent.

Pros

• Sleek design
• No lace-up closure for easier use
• Sturdy rubber outsole
• Decent padding in the tongue and collar
• Very durable

Cons

• Fewer color options
• Less cushioning

FAQs Regarding Vans Skate Shoes

You might have these following questions in mind. Check the answers below.

Are Vans skate shoes good for beginners?

Of course. Vans skate shoes come with enough cushioning and support. So, beginners can practice for longer periods. And they feel more confident with enhanced support.

Do all Vans shoes work well for skateboarding, or do they have specific skate shoe models?

Vans has a vast lineup of shoes, but all of the shoes don’t work well for skateboarding. You need to purchase skate shoes that are specifically built for this purpose.

What sets Vans skate shoes apart from other brands?

Vans focuses on the creative culture worldwide to provide unique skate shoes for the youth. Besides, Vans shoes have a superior build quality with great comfort. Strong brand value also sets Vans apart from other brands.

Are Vans Pro Skate Shoes worth the investment for experienced skateboarders?

Yes. Vans Pro skate shoes are designed to give maximum flexibility to experienced skateboarders. These shoes are also highly durable, so investing in Vans Pro skate shoes is a good idea.

Do they offer a wide range of sizes, including half sizes?

Yes. You will find many different sizes for every shoe model. All the half sizes, i.e., the size between two consecutive size options, are also available to make the Vans shoes a great fit for you.

Are there any iconic Vans skate shoe models that every skater should know about?

Of course. Among the iconic models of Vans skate shoes, Old Skool, Era, SK8, and Classic Slip-On models are especially noteworthy. Every skater should try these shoes at least once.

Are Vans shoes true to size, or should I size up/down?

One of the reasons behind the popularity of Vans skate shoes is they are true to size. So, you don’t need to size up or down for Vans skate shoes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right skate shoes greatly impacts your skateboarding performance. Besides, comfort, breathability, and durability are also important for these shoes because they have to withstand a lot of abuse. Vans skate shoes meet all the criteria that skateboarders might have.

But as Vans has a wide range of skate shoes, I picked the top 5 best Vans skate shoes for your convenience. These shoes have great cushioning, protective soles, padded sides, and everything else you need for comfortable skateboarding. Among the models, the SK8 Reissue and SK8 High-Top are my top choices. You can also give them a shot.

But as Vans has a wide range of skate shoes, I picked the top 5 best Vans skate shoes for your convenience. These shoes have great cushioning, protective soles, padded sides, and everything else you need for comfortable skateboarding. Among the models, the SK8 Reissue and SK8 High-Top are my top choices. You can also give them a shot.