Before it took American skate culture to the next level, the Van Doren Rubber Company was founded in 1966 as a small Californian shoe manufacturer. Known for contemporary and youthful lifestyles, Vans has expanded to offer both low and high-top trainers you'll wear all the time. Whether you prefer the label's Authentic canvas pairs or favour its classic skate slip-ons instead, expect every pair to come complete with vulcanized soles that don't just offer maximum grip, but also guarantees comfort and durability all day.
The Men’s Vans Sneakers Buying Guide
Before it took American skate culture to the next level, the Van Doren Rubber Company was founded in 1966 as a small Californian shoe manufacturer. Known for contemporary and youthful lifestyles, Vans has expanded to offer both low and high-top sneakers you'll wear all the time. Whether you prefer the label's Authentic canvas pairs or favor its classic skate slip-ons instead, expect every pair to come complete with vulcanized soles that don't just offer maximum grip, but also guarantees comfort and durability all day.
Hailing from Southern California, Vans has become an icon in skate culture. Set up by Paul Van Doren in 1966, the brand developed the low-top lace-up. It was quickly recognised for its laid-back style and its durability, living up to the knocks and scrapes on the skate park. The iconic shoe is now a sub-culture in its own right, with the brand making collaborations with cartoons, comic books and sporting heroes. Recently men’s Vans sneakers rediscovered their roots with the Old Skool collection, launching the old favorite skate shoe with new and improved details. Ahead, take a look at our men’s Vans sneaker buying guide, which will help you narrow down the styles that work best for you and find your right size.
The Most Wanted Men’s Vans Sneakers
Vans Authentic Lo Pro Sneakers
With a slim silhouette, the Authentic Lo Pro is easy to wear with everyday outfits. The canvas upper is punctuated with the Vans flag label and metal eyelets. It sits on the classic vulcanized micro waffle rubber outsole.
Vans Sk8 Hi Sneakers
The first high-top skate shoe, the Sk8 Hi Sneaker has a high padded collar with stitched detailing. The suede upper is complete with a contrast wave applique. The Vans ‘Off the Wall’ logo sits on the tongue as a sign of authority.
Vans Anaheim Factory Old Skool Sneakers
Paying tribute to the first Vans factory in Anaheim, the Anaheim Factory Old Skool 36 DX sneaker features original details. It’s been upgraded with OrthoLite sock liners for added comfort. Throwback details include glossed foxing tape and drill lining.
The Men’s Vans Sneakers Sizing Guide
Men’s Vans sneakers fit true to size, so there’s no need to size up or size down. Vans sneakers use US sizing. You can use the chart below to find how this corresponds with your usual UK or EU size.
For example, if you’d usually wear a UK size 7, choose a US size 8 in Vans sneakers.
| UK | EU | US MEN | US WOMEN | CM (FOOT LENGTH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,5 | 34,5 | 3,5 | 5 | 21,5 |
| 3 | 35 | 4 | 5,5 | 22 |
| 3,5 | 36 | 4,5 | 6 | 22,5 |
| 4 | 36,5 | 5 | 6,5 | 23 |
| 4,5 | 37 | 5,5 | 7 | 23,5 |
| 5 | 38 | 6 | 7,5 | 24 |
| 5,5 | 38,5 | 6,5 | 8 | 24,5 |
| 6 | 39 | 7 | 8,5 | 25 |
| 6,5 | 40 | 7,5 | 9 | 25,5 |
| 7 | 40,5 | 8 | 9,5 | 26 |
| 7,5 | 41 | 8,5 | 10 | 26,5 |
How To Care For Vans Sneakers
It’s not recommended that you clean your Vans sneakers in the washing machine. Instead, you can spot clean or deep clean them at home using the following methods.
To refresh the white insides of your Vans sneakers, make a paste of baking soda and mild detergent. Use a toothbrush to work the mixture into the fabric and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse your sneakers and let them air dry.
You can bleach the outer rubber strip to keep your style looking fresh. Before starting, use masking tape around the edge of the upper to avoid staining the fabric. Then, rub white vinegar or lemon juice along the white rubber. Wipe clean after a few minutes.
Suede styles can be cleaned using a soft bristled brush. To remove stains, try dabbing white vinegar gently one affected areas. For a deeper clean, use a specialist suede cleaner. For leather styles, use a cleaner like Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel, air dry and follow up with a protector spray. If your sneakers are crafted from canvas, brush the first off and then hand wash with warm soapy water. Remove excess water with a towel before leaving your shoes to air dry.
FAQ
- Are Vans sneakers comfortable?
Vans have developed their own midsoles and liners to ensure each sneaker is comfortable, whether you’re skating or wearing day to day. The ComfyCush collection features a padded midsole that is breathable to allow airflow around the foot. Styles like the Old Skool 36 DX have ULTRACUSH™ sockliners that provide light cushioning from toe to heel.
- Are Vans vegan?
Some men’s Vans sneakers are vegan friendly. Most vegan styles can be found in the Classic Collection like the Classic Authentic or the Classic Slip on. Canvas styles are vegan, crafted from cotton. The rubber used to manufacture the soles of each shoe is also vegan, made without the use of honey.
- What are Vans made from?
Vans strives to make its wears sustainable. It sources its canvas from the Better Cotton Initiative, which is plant-based, natural and durable enough to live up to everyday. Leather used for leather and suede styles is certified by the Leather Working Group. This helps Vans to track and reduce its carbon footprint. Each style is then finished with the iconic waffle sole, which is made from natural rubber.