Are Vans Bad For Your Feet?

Vans have a huge reputation in the shoe industry for their comfy footwear. Are vans bad for your feet? Are vans really worthy of the hype? Hopefully, they are not worse than your regular footwear. 

Vans are the first choice of many as they are sturdy as well as stylish. But some individuals avoid vans due to their poor arch support. However, arch support is not an absolute necessity. Instead, it’s like a ‘Cherry on top’ for enhanced comfort. Some also criticize vans for their flat soles. But flat sneakers are quite trendy. Moreover, not all vans are flat. You will find many new van models with high tops and designs.

So, vans won’t really ruin your feet if you use them several times a week. Are you still not satisfied? Let’s go for an in-depth view now! 

What Are Vans?

Van Shoes first appeared in the footwear industry in 1966 with Paul Van Doren and his partners. They are super popular for their casual as well as skateboarding designs. Over the years, Vans has expanded its product range from various shoe styles to apparel & accessories. 

Vans come with different models for various activities like – classic Slip-On, Authentic, Era, Old Skool, and Sk8-Hi. They typically feature a low-profile silhouette, canvas, and a rubber sole. Their waffle tread pattern ensures an enhanced grip.

Other than skateboarding, Vans have transcended as a fashion staple in many subcultures and mainstream fashion. In fact, it’s the first choice of customers for its distinctive style, comfort, and durability.

Are Vans Bad For Your Feet?  

Just like any other shoe, the impact of Vans on your feet can vary widely depending on several factors. It includes – individual foot anatomy, fit, and usage patterns. 

Let’s check the potential effects of Vans on your feet now!

Arch Support

Many individuals out there complain about Van’s poor arch support. 

Van is a brand with a wide range of shoes and a variety of styles. They are basically equivalent to converse. Yes, most of their shoes offer a low-arched, flat & sleek design. 

So, it’s the best choice for people with flat feet. However, poor arched shoes may seem too damaging for some other peeps. 

Remember, arch support is beneficial to health, but it’s not an absolute necessity. You won’t hurt your feet if you use vans several times a week. 

Do you need extra arch support? Go for accessory inserts and make your day-to-day life more comfortable. 

Cushioning & Shock Absorption

Do you wear athletic or running shoes regularly? If yes, you may not like vans much. After all, Vans are notorious for their thin soles and insufficient cushioning.

Due to the substantially low cushioning, vans are not that great for shock absorption. We won’t really recommend vans for activities that involve repetitive impact, such as running. 

Are you looking for high-impact sports shoes? If yes, go for models that are specifically designed for those purposes.

Fit and Sizing

You must wear well-fitted sneakers to keep your feet healthy. There must be enough toe space as well. If the vans are ill-fitted, it can even lead to discomfort, blisters, and other issues. 

Activity & Usage

Vans were primarily designed for skateboarders. So, you can expect enough durability and grip. However, they don’t come with specialized support for prolonged walking, standing, running, or hiking. 

Why Do Vans Get So Much Criticism? 

Vans have a huge fan base. But you will come across van haters as well. However, it’s quite unfair to criticize the whole brand for some significant models. 

Yes, vans are not the best ones to keep your feet healthy. But they are indeed a great addition to your wardrobe. After all, vans are super stylish and grippy. In fact, compared to other popular brands, vans are much better.

However, if you have significant foot issues, it would be best to consult with a podiatrist. You can also try a pair of insoles for enhanced support & cushioning. 

Do Vans Mold Your Feet? 

Just like any other slippers, vans may mold over time as well. 

They don’t stretch up significantly. At first, the slippers may feel too tight due to the elastic wedges. But their canvas frame will loosen up a bit over time. Thus, you will get used to it gradually. You can also wear thick socks to speed up the process.

Are you not sure about the fittings? If yes, it’s best to buy from an offline store. There are also many online retailers that offer free returns. 

Are Vans Good For Plantar Fasciitis? 

Plantar fasciitis is basically an inflammation of the fascia around the calcareous or heel bone. It feels like a stabbing pain in the sole of the feet.

According to the famous podiatrist Dr. Carla Gamez – your shoes should have adequate mid-arch support. You will feel uncomfy if the shoes are too wide or too small. Shoes with deep heel counters are also helpful in Plantar Fasciitis.

As you already know, vans have a very low arch support. The heel counter is shallow, and the sole is pretty thin. So, we won’t really recommend vans for plantar fasciitis patients. 

How To Wear Vans Without Hurting Your Feet? Check Our Premium Tips & Tricks Now!

Are you suffering through painful heel rubbing and blisters? It’s really a common issue among vans users. That’s because vans usually manufacture standard-sized shoes for typical foot shapes. 

If your heels are too narrow, there will be an air gap between your skin and the shoe heel. As a result, bad pressure contact will occur, leading to slipping, rubbing, and blisters.

So, how to wear van slip-on shoes without hurting your feet?

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your heels before wearing the shoes. This technique is not 100% effective for most people. 
• Use adhesive heel pads with your vans. They can effectively protect the lower part of the heel. However, your Achilles tendon may be in continuous friction with the shoe’s heel counter.
• Using insoles is a pretty common solution. But it’s not enough to protect your Achilles tendon from the shoe collar. 
• We personally prefer extra thick tube socks to protect your feet. They are super durable.
• Padded sock liners are the best solution to prevent heel rubbing and blisters. They act 10 times better than others in minimizing heel air gaps.

FAQs

Why do Vans hurt my feet? 

• Vans feature a low arch support. So it might seem too uncomfy for some users.
• They didn’t provide sufficient cushioning for high-impact activities like hiking or running.
• Vans may cause blistering if it doesn’t fit with your heels properly. 

Are van shoes bad for flat feet? 

Vans come with sleek, thin sole design and low arch support. So, we won’t really recommend vans for already flat feet individuals. Instead, they require shoes with maximum arch support for minimum foot pronation.

Is it better to wear vans with or without socks?

We recommend wearing socks with vans. They can protect your feet from unwanted friction and blisters. Socks can also prevent unwanted foot odor and fungus.

Final Verdict 

Are vans bad for your feet? Honestly, vans are not the best option for foot health. They don’t feature sufficient cushioning and arch support. However, using vans several times a week won’t worsen your feet. 

At most times, we are more concerned about style than foot health. That’s why, like other popular brands, Vans focus more on style. They are pretty comfy as well as durable. If you are into skateboarding, you will definitely love its grip. Moreover, you will also find several van models which offer better fitting and support. Thus, they are indeed a great addition to your wardrobe.