VANS ULTRARANGE SHOWDOWN | EXO vs Rapidweld vs VR3

SHOP THE ULTRARANGE EXO: fave.co/3PK4iup
READ ULTRARANGE EXO REVIEW: thatfitfriend.com/vans-ultrar...
READ ULTRARANGE VR3 REVIEW: thatfitfriend.com/vans-ultrar...
The Vans UltraRange shoes have continued to grow in popularity due to their comfort for daily wear, working out, and appearance.
As someone who's tested the Vans UltraRange EXO, VR3, and Rapidweld in many different contexts I've built out areas where each shoe performs best. If you've been confused about which Vans UltraRange shoe to go with this video is for you.
In my Vans UltraRange showdown, I'll cover all the differences you should know between the EXO, VR3, and Rapidweld.
0:00 4 Key Differences
4:17 Performance Comparison
7:36 Price Breakdown
8:26 Sizing & Fit
9:13 Weight, Drop, and Insole
9:58 Construction Assessment
12:23 Final Thoughts
If I had to pick one of these shoes as a "best of all worlds" model, I'd go with the Vans UltraRange EXO.
It's a strong performer for pretty much everything and they look good. Their only downfall is their long-term upper durability.
The Rapidweld and VR3 are both pretty good shoes, but it more specifically depends on the context of your foot anatomy and performance asks.
If you have additional questions about these Vans UltraRange shoes, drop a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
#vans #vansshoes #vansultrarange
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[@thatfitfriend]

Have your eye on the Vans UltraRange EXO? These are my fave of these 3! Shop them below. Shop This Shoe: fave.co/3PK4iup The above is an affiliate link; if you buy through that link, I may receive a small commission on the sale. I buy ALL of the products featured on this channel and an affiliate link is NOT a sponsored link. I don't take money from companies and the commissions from affiliates help me buy more products and produce more content. At TF2, you have my promise that every review is performed independently and companies have no idea I'm reviewing their gear until it goes live Either way, use the link or don't! I just want to make sure you find the best workout shoes for your individual needs and wants. Reach out if you ever have additional questions!

[@zeloblues]

Tenho as duas versões, Ultrarange Rapidweld e Exo. A Rapidweld tem a forma MUITO PEQUENA, é a proposta do tênis, vestir o pé igual uma meia, então tem que pegar pelo menos um número a mais no tamanho. Por isso tem tantas reclamações de rasgos na lateral, ele é estreito, tem que pegar o tamanho certo. É um tênis muito leve, confortável e respirável, muito bom. A versão Exo também é muito boa, bem mais resistente porque o material não é aquela tela mesh, parece ser meio impermeável, então o tênis também não é tão respirável, esquenta um pouco o pé. E não tem esse problema de tamanho, ele é mais largo, com ele eu uso meu tamanho habitual.

[@ashcar7585]

I started wearing my ultra range vans to play slow pitch softball in. Very light and the bottom sole is much like a turf shoe so I get the grip I need! Great versatile shoe

[@PaulHo]

I got a pair of the original UltraRange when they came out and loved how lightweight they are and the gussetted tongue. The laces were awkwardly really short though, especially coming from the comical Chucks.

[@kinascribble]

Fantastic breakdown and comparison. This is exactly the type of video I'm always looking for when comparing similar shoes/products. ❤

[@thatfitfriend]

Ayyy, glad it helped!

[@333mammaw]

Absolutely agree. This is better than anything from the company itself.

[@josefrancoach]

Needed this video. Thank you!

[@thatfitfriend]

Ayyy 🤝🤝

[@biaedoug]

Great review!!! Straight to the point, thanks for sharing!!!

[@thatfitfriend]

Ay, glad it helped!

[@mogiehope8056]

Just bought the EXO recently. I love the support, and how light they are. I have to go in non paved areas, for animal rescue. I’ll see how they hold up. Screaming deal at Dick’s warehouse, fifty bucks!!

[@kamankay]

Thanks for sharing. Great review

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you!

[@Kingoftheslams2020]

Great review! This helped me pick out a pair of fresh VR3s today! They also let me know that a new ultra range model will be dropping on the 16th of this month.. 👀👀 looking forward to hearing your thoughts !

[@thatfitfriend]

Ay love hearing that! Thank you 🤝

[@kuriyamatidusflossy]

wonderful detailed video I'm going for ultra range exo...thank you for your help 👍

[@thatfitfriend]

Stoked it helped!

[@brandonlucas15]

Great video! Good information

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you!

[@yourroyalh]

Just bought the exo from my trip in Japan off a recommendation from a friend who used them on a trip to Italy

[@JennSunMoonStars]

I love this review! I have both Rapidweld & EXO and considering the VR3. Out of the two i have, EXO is my favorite. It's super lightweight, but VERY durable. The insole doesn't allow my foot to slip around like the Rapidweld. The Rapidweld is a bit more snug on the foot and the insole feels more slippery. I would say both shoes have good grip on the ground. As for arch support, I have high arches and EXO is fine for me, I have no issues with the arch support because it does offer enough, at least for me! You did amazing on this review. Thank you for the details. This is very informative!

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you for checking it out! 🤝

[@jxj7020]

Rapid weld

[@drm-]

I use the the EXO for disc golf. I have a wider foot and it allows me comfort while having plenty of grip. They also have a more natural feel than my trail running shoes.

[@vincentroyoshea2315]

Are they non slip ?

[@drm-]

@@vincentroyoshea2315 I wouldn’t call them no slip but they do have short lugs that help with traction on different types of ground.

[@bee_marshall]

Classic vans with their aggressive toe taper. I would love it if they came out with a model similar to the Altra. I don't have wide feet, but I prefer a big toe box so my toes can splay and not be squished.

[@thatfitfriend]

I agree 10000% here. Would be awesome to have

[@bettylyttle3545]

Hello. I've worn my Vans Rapidweld and EXO shoes to Walt Disney World for the past three years. We walk 10+ miles a day, most of which I'm pushing an adult sized teen in a wheelchair. I splurged and bought a pair of On Cloud sneakers for my last trip. They cost me $160. Any the end of the day, my Ultra Range's served me well and better.

[@thatfitfriend]

On are overrated and overpriced in most contexts, honestly

[@D-Breezy94]

Hey Jake, lol so proud of you Bro!!! Lol the grind is unreal! I was wondering if the VR3 comes in size 14

[@thatfitfriend]

Haha, thank you! They do not, stop at 13!

[@PaulHo]

Goddamn

[@yogabyaakaash]

Great video! 👍 how would you compare the EXO with Old Skool for strictly training ?

[@thatfitfriend]

EXO is a lot more "functional". Old Skool is stronger for heavier static lifting! Thank you

[@GoufinAround_]

I have a slightly narrow foot and the taper of shoes makes a big difference. In Jordan retros, like the 1 or 3 for example, I can go a half size down to 10.5, I tried on the ultrarange shoes in a vans store and they did not really work for me. The Exo had a decent fit, but the toe is very pointy for me. I also tried the vr3 and I didn't like the construction at all. If you need any level of security from the upper of your shoe, don't get the vr3 at all. Like Jake says in the video, the sizing is really weird between the the different models

[@thatfitfriend]

Vans is dropping the ball with their inconsistency with them, tbh. Would love an EXO with more upper volume and wider forefoot!

[@tajthekidd999]

I’m thinking about a black pair

[@potatomaster1358]

Rapidwelds were so narrow they gave me ingrowns right away. But the vr3 are so much wider

[@go2damoon555]

Great vid. Which of these would you recommend for someone who works on their feet all day?

[@thatfitfriend]

I'd go VR3 or UltraRange EXO! Thank you!

[@gustavoacuna3958]

Hey Jake, great review men! Do you think I can use the rapidweld or the EXO putting my insole over the existing one? I have my doubts about comfort with them...

[@thatfitfriend]

Ahhhh, I would tread lightly with that. You may not have enough volume! Any chance you can try on in store first? And thank you!

[@iribagnis]

Great video! Any suggestions on what socks to wear with the VR3? It really hurts the back of my ankle after an hour long walk :( Never had that problem with the Exo, I thoughts VR3s would be way more comfortable but they're not

[@thatfitfriend]

I rock the Motee and zconia socks from Amazon! Cheap and get the job done

[@thettenhausen]

For me the EXO are pretty uncomfortable in the toe box, and the tongue also has this weird thick... patch in the middle where the holes are. This presses on the foot and is overall not a great experience. Additionally they are just not as airy feeling as the Rapidweld and therefore much warmer in the summer. The VR3 on the other hand are just plain too narrow, I had to return those as I couldn't wear them at all (length was fine, so not a sizing issue). Too bad the Rapidweld are discontinued in Europe, so now Vans are only a fall/winter/spring brand for me. Meh.

[@JackyHorror]

Exo are the best allround shoe ever! From work-gym-casual this shoe cover all great!

[@thatfitfriend]

Love em, too!

[@trixie9867]

wow - love it love it - obsess

[@guilhermegarrido7659]

Nice content

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you, friend!

[@user-xi2oc4oo5z]

Test out the neos!

[@krakatoasundra]

really great review!! do you really like these? i would never buy these ever. for me, Sk8 Hi, Sk8 Lo, Slip-on, Vintage, Old Skool and Half Cab.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yep, the Sk8 models are meh for me these days

[@gjamo1]

Any plans to review the UltraRange EXO Hi Gore-Tex MTE 2?

[@thatfitfriend]

Potentially! I had a pair of the boots last year and will re-up this year and make a point to review them once the weather gets colder here in Colorado!

[@chud2070]

This was a pretty damn good review. Thanks!

[@thatfitfriend]

Happy it helped!

[@Latissimus65]

Not training related but ive been looking for a white casual shoe that i can wear with shorts and jeans. Do you think EXO could be a good and semi-stylish option for that? Typical plain leather/canvas shoes from stylish brands tend to be too slim/narrow. Stan smiths are popular but seem a little too bulky.

[@thatfitfriend]

IMO, yes! I love the EXO look and the white shoe with black stripe is *chef’s kiss*

[@user-pr3jm9jx1f]

Would the VR3 or Rapid Weld be the best for work shoes? I tried on the Exo yesterday and i noticed that they changed the toe box and it feels kinda weird to me. The sole also feels a bit uncomfortable, but i think it has the best grip out of the three

[@thatfitfriend]

Eh, idt you'll like those models either because they're equally as narrow/low profile. The VR3 has the most spacious upper so it may be worth a try but it's not by much.

[@eliovisita]

Which one is better for traveling? I walk A LOT with my heavy camera backpack, I love vans styles, I don’t like hokas or ON

[@thatfitfriend]

I'd go UltraRange EXO!

[@floher999]

Do you think the VR3s will work for running or walking a lot? Im not sure if this use case is considered in the ones you mention (daily use and working out)

[@thatfitfriend]

Walking, yes, running, not really.

[@brokenlegz]

Thanks for the video. Seems they’re more different than I thought. Exo for me! Is the sizing like vans hi top sizing? Or is it like adidas sizing. 12 I’m good in with adidas, vans hi top 12 is soooo long and kinda narrow.

[@thatfitfriend]

I’d actually go 12.5 in exo. They run a smidge short for most feet and that’s a safe call, imo

[@brokenlegz]

@@thatfitfriend I just did the vans measure your foot thing. It’s 28cm and they recommend a size 10 🤔 now I’m even more confused

[@pirimpettaru]

Great Review. Colour of the VR3?

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you! These are "vintage white"

[@nim641]

Could you do a review on Giesswein merino wool barefoot shoes pls?

[@thatfitfriend]

I can add it to the list!

[@Canal1517]

Thank you for this video! I need shoes for a week of sightseeing in the Big Apple. I need soft support for my heels, do you think this is a good option?

[@thatfitfriend]

These can be dope! Go UltraRange EXO!

[@Canal1517]

@@thatfitfriendThank you, Jake!!

[@Canal1517]

@@thatfitfriend I just wanted to come back to say you were right, Jake! They're ultra comfortable!!! Thanks again!

[@thatfitfriend]

@@Canal1517 ayyy let’s go! Love to hear that

[@John-dk3wj]

Are you going to review the avancus shoes

[@thatfitfriend]

I legit have a pair with me in my backpack in Boston (traveling this weekend) and plan to tug and shoot a first impressions in them tomorrow! Perfect timing

[@krakatoasundra]

really great review. u kinda forgot to test it for skateboarding and BMX.

[@thatfitfriend]

These aren’t made for that. I ripped my EXO with one Ollie lol

[@coopertodd28]

For a trainer who takes 10-20000 steps some days, which one of these would be the best investment long term if any?

[@thatfitfriend]

UltraRange EXO for sure!

[@sergiorodrigodasilva225]

@thatfitfried hey guys, could someone give me a suggestion please? I just bought the ultrarange rapidweld for $109,29 without knowing there was the Exo model (+$20), by looking at the pictures and watching this great video, I have the impression that the Exo has a better durability than the rapidweld. In terms of DURABILITY only, would it better to pay the difference and get the Exo?

[@thatfitfriend]

Ehhhh, I think you'd be fine with either, tbh. I wouldn't stress it too much especially if youk plan to wear them more casually!

[@krakatoasundra]

ya, there are not for me. Sk8 hi or Sk8 low. The slip-on. Half-cab. Vintage.

[@PedroXL1]

Are they a good deal for playing tennis? Im looking for one with good performance in hard courts and clay courts

[@thatfitfriend]

Eh, may not be the best. I'd get a good pair of court shoes if that's your main ask, tbh. Specific will always win out in specific contexts!

[@alonsotravezanbarrenechea4383]

And those who say ultracush 3d lite?

[@victorherrero4790]

I usually buy ON brand tennis shoes cuz they are confortable but expensive. But I wanna try Vans....are they confortable enough for walking and daily wear!?

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah, definitely are, imo!

[@PhiyackYuh]

Hello, what size do you recommend if youre at 8.5? Vans website dont offer 8.5. It goes by full sizes. Would size 9 be too much room for general walk and training? Thanks

[@thatfitfriend]

Yep! 9 is save imo

[@PhiyackYuh]

@@thatfitfriend thank you Jake!

[@babysardines]

Im guessing that the EXO would be the best for climbing stuff, like metal pipes, slippery roofs ect.. is that true?

[@thatfitfriend]

It would be the best of three, in theory, yes, but I hesitate in doing so because I can't say I've worn them on a lot of slippery roofs, LOL

[@DeepInsideTA]

I have the Rapidweld and they’re so comfortable. I have bought the exo and take the same size, they look more tighter and they also got me bubbles on the heel 😢 vr3 are comfortable like the Rapidweld? Moreover, rapidweld do not find them on the market anymore. They dismissed them?

[@thatfitfriend]

VR3 run narrow which is a knock on their performance, honestly. Ugh...they might have! Vans is constantly tweaking their line-up. What if you sized up the EXO?

[@DeepInsideTA]

@@thatfitfriend I try to size up the exo.. so before I have to sell the wrong size 😅 Rapidweld gave me the best comfort but they’re out of market 😢

[@Poppyblockhead]

@@DeepInsideTAthey’re not off the market. I just found like 10 retailers online.

[@pipozZz]

I wanted to love my pair of EXOs because they're super lightweight and the ultra cush is super comfortable but I hate them for extended use. I start feeling the narrow toe box and the shoe feels too tight on top. I would not describe them as durable because the midsole foam is overly exposed and the reverse waffle pattern rubber is too thin. The foam on the heel wore out immediately from just driving in them. I would not buy these again.

[@thatfitfriend]

Feels that and totally hear where you're coming from. Those are my gripes with them, too, in long-term wear cases/fit. If Vans gave these a full rubber waffle tread and widened the toe box with more volume we'd be cooking with gas!

[@Juanjo191]

Any of these would work for a rainy day? You know walking under the rain and walking over puddles

[@thatfitfriend]

Eh, if I were to go for one of them I'd go UltraRange EXO, but even then they're not going to be super water resistant!

[@Juanjo191]

@@thatfitfriend oh ok, it doesn’t make a huge difference honestly, I’m still getting them lol I really like the design. Thanks for the answer 👍🏼

[@thatfitfriend]

@@Juanjo191 Welcome!

[@evanmcguire9043]

Im just looking for some cool vans that don't hurt my feets.

[@tajthekidd999]

I don’t know if it’s me, but whenever I wear vans the tongue decides to move to the right side. 😭

[@thatfitfriend]

Nah, it's a lot of folks - it's the lack of gusset and loop on some models

[@Salondoradoeventos]

this or adidas dropset 2?

[@thatfitfriend]

Dropset 2! A little more optimized for training

[@swiss_2k]

This is the second review, in which the EXO has a hole in it. Great durability? What am I missing?

[@thatfitfriend]

Toe box has issues. Upper materials can be meh

[@martinlazzari6681]

Las rapidweld son made in brazil?

[@guillermomartinrios6919]

Si, al menos las que yo tengo estan hechas en Brazil

[@allanfernandez6334]

They work for CrossFit?

[@thatfitfriend]

Ehhh, I’d pass on them for that!

[@freeman6416]

The rapidweld is the best looking

[@gundalvlgalvling4584]

I think my foot is to wide for any of them

[@thatfitfriend]

Wouldn't be super surprising since they can run a bit narrower

[@DanielSanchez-wv2lg]

I made a huge mistake and bought exo I wanted rapidweld

[@thatfitfriend]

Both are great, no mistakes!

[@DanielSanchez-wv2lg]

@@thatfitfriend thanks for answering i am now getting more comfortable with the exo, i find it to be better for running and walking long distances seems pretty durable ,and helps me maintain a good food angle, but for parkour the rapidweld with that extra bit of movement i like it the best for parkour where i need a more wierd range of motion and to really sometimes bend my feet in wierd ways

[@dadvswildpodcast]

Love these shoes (Exo) but the Toe Box is terrible! Wearing 12+ hrs in a day, my small toe is aching like a MF. I think 8ish hrs of casual wear is the limit for these. If these are your workout shoes, I salute you.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah, I feel that. Constant gripe I have with Vans...just offer a dang wide option, LOL. If the EXO widened that toe box and reworked the material where the toe creases it would be UNREAL.

[@alberta3157]

I think i can understand why you showed the VR3 only for 3 seconds at all your video, man that was enough to see how ugly it is

[@thatfitfriend]

Haha, it's super hit or miss especially when compared to its better peers, imo.

[@FilipeGontijo]

Vr3 SUCKS with no Back support

[@thatfitfriend]

Flimsier heel for sure

[@jaytcold1757]

The first generation of UltraRange's where really good. Comfy, soft, breathable. The EXO's are trash. The EXO's are very stiff and very narrow. Don't bother with the EXO's.

[@thatfitfriend]

Hot take! I do wish they’d make a wide iteration

[@Cadv-gw1xt]

Any thoughts on the Tracksmith Eliot runner?

[@thatfitfriend]

I’ve never used them so I can’t speak to their performance!