The Untold Truth of Vans Shoes

[@modernbusinesschannel]

Do you wear Vans? Gotta be real, I’m rocking with Lakai these days... don’t hate me. -Nate

[@Orcastruck]

I'm here to early, wake me up when it's time

[@thecreatedvoid117]

Moved from Vans to Lakai recently. My feet are grateful.

[@tesone6783]

My skating shoes are vans

[@shaunreed8115]

Visually I like to look and the feel of vans on the board but they do not hold up for anything so I don't like them for that reason

[@aboutmybluestrips]

yeah but only the skate versions since they’re made better and are more comfortable than the normal ones

[@snowboardgeek9]

I grew up skateboarding (and still do sometimes), I've always used Vans. I ended up working there as a part time job to get me through school. Many older customers would come in and tell me they wore Vans since before I was born. I hope to pop into a Vans store in my 50's or 60's and tell some kids that too as they sell me a pair! 😊

[@DETSRC313]

You better!

[@anthonymichaelfox5094]

Don't that's so cringe and sad ngl

[@snowboardgeek9]

@@DETSRC313 bet 😂

[@snowboardgeek9]

@@anthonymichaelfox5094 nah they were all happy and wholesome, they made my day! I'm not saying in a literal sense to make dad jokes to kids when I'm old, but I'm just saying I hope the community and store front aspect of the brand doesn't just fade out as things move more online.

[@ianmethvin1958]

@@anthonymichaelfox5094 L comment

[@estern001]

I grew up in Orange County in the 1970's and 1980's. My dad used to take my sister and I to a fabric shop where we would find outrageous designs. We would take the fabric to the Vans factory and have our custom shoes made. Great memories. Thanks Vans!

[@elizabethramsey9295]

I heard they even made a pair from needlepoint embroidery! My daughter wore a pink pair to her senior prom😊

[@ivankornuta1921]

Vans got so big because of the versatility it has for all outfits

[@joyouschia8776]

fax

[@avancalledrupert5130]

Yea what else can you wear with board shorts , jeans or peaky blinders suit.

[@revdondee7429]

Been wearing and still wearing Vans since '74, pre waffle sole era. The originals had a deck shoe sole, similar to Topsiders, but a softer rubber. As skaters moved away from skating barefoot, before grip tape, the deck shoe sole provided traction as the skaters began progressing. I was hoping you would have mentioned the contract with Sony in San Diego, to provide footwear for every single employee. Yes, Sony TV's and stereos used to be made here.

[@israelfernandez5570]

EXACTLY! Paul's idea was a boat deck shoe. It turned out more suitable for sidewalk surfers

[@kevinbahri5251]

I used to wear Vans religiously until I got a pair of Adidas. It was then that I realized that I had been walking around with tissue boxes on my feet for years

[@MrMan-ol4ic]

Yes ....my wife and I and my daughter said the same thing. The new Adidas shoes are dam comfortable. Better made then Van's. And I have 5 pairs of vans. 2 pairs of adidas. 1 pair of Doc martens boots. But, those adidas are way more comfy!

[@Duran762]

Then you'd love crocs and birks lmao

[@TheChicanoMechainc]

Imma be honest I think every shoes that I wore was jsut not good I thought Nikes was good but it wasn’t I though vans skating soles and stuff like that where great but It jsut hurt my feet after walking but ig I should jsut get some Adidas

[@Khok_7]

@@TheChicanoMechainc look into barefoot shoes and it’ll explain that “pain” the vans give you

[@spht9ng]

@@Khok_7 you can't skate in barefoot shoes though. hopefully Asics new skate shoes are good. I haven't tried them but i'm very interested.

[@chrishollis2885]

Really great video. I’ve worked at vans for almost a year now, and I can tell you that there was so much in this video I didn’t even know, and I consider myself somewhat of an “expert” when teaching customers some of the history of vans. The biggest point you made that rings true to me is how vans will never change up on a customer, they remain authentic. Even from an employee standpoint, the customer experience is what makes vans stand apart from the rest.

[@modernbusinesschannel]

That’s awesome to hear! I read so many articles and combed through so much stuff for this video so that means so much!

[@DandyHippo]

Vans shoes are a joke. So uncomfy, and the laces on zahbas break when u take em from a box and try to tie em

[@Eandrews763]

I currently work at Vans and I’m gonna be honest, there’s certain parts of the company that still feel a little behind. Specifically with graphic designs on clothing. There’s always something a little off ngl.

[@robs.1868]

The women’s clothing is kinda terrible.

[@kuxan_]

same and i agree😂

[@Eandrews763]

@@robs.1868 Oh yeah. It's bad. I always buy from the men's or boy's when I do happen to see something I like.

[@hindsonracing]

What happened to the vans Lo Pros huh? they were the only good looking ones!

[@Philip_Taylor]

Yeah the clothes are not great which is why nobody wears them. And too expensive. I only see people wearing the backpacks which, I agree, are not good designs generally.

[@jaydecrossley6736]

I’m obsessed with vans I love everything about them I just can’t imagine a life without them to be honest they’re my go to shoe 6/7 days a week I’m in my vans 😍🤷🏼‍♀️

[@sedric405]

Same 🤙

[@joeymrngstr9427]

same here but with converse

[@Kapuzenpulli13]

Bought my first pair of checkerboard slip on at the sweet age of 17, now 16 years later I dont even remember which pair of checkerboard slip ons I am at anymore. I wish they would last a little longer but besides that, I love the simple style.

[@michaeljosephdimaano2802]

I don't skateboard. However, I definitely love their simple design.

[@stoggeholgersoon9588]

IF you did skate you will notice that vans sucks for skateboarding :) Sole will loose and griptape will eat up the lowbudget canvas shit.

[@rustycheese641]

@@stoggeholgersoon9588 nah if that happens to u bro then you skate like a friggin maniac ive been skating for almost a year now and my vans are almost as good as new

[@blackhawk6314]

@@stoggeholgersoon9588 mine fell apart soo quickly too.

[@GilletteSkater]

@@stoggeholgersoon9588 If you skate alot, then you know to buy the suede ones. sole loses grip on any shoe if you skate alot

[@bradyhartt]

as an ex skateboarder turned bike enthusiast, vans have for years and i'm sure will probably always be my shoe of choice.

[@thebikehippie6562]

I'd totally agree if I didn't love my 5/10s so much

[@biggestnibba]

the quality is trash tho

[@MarineBlueFade]

Couldn't afford them as a kid, now I have over 30 pairs and counting. Re-branding the classics was brilliant because these were the styles I envied growing up. As a drummer for my church, the waffle sole is perfect for gripping the pedals behind the set. Who knew? Where will Vans be in 20 years? They'll still be on my feet if I'm still breathing..

[@EddyReckless]

As a skater kid and hardcore/metal musician I loved the brand but actual prices are crazy, especially if you mess up your shoes fast with the skate grip so I said goodbye to vans, they become kinda luxury and not that good compared to other skate brands

[@amaro_0091]

ikr, my mom bought me half cabs for $180, i still skate them now but i just cant believe how fast they wore in days

[@carlosesteves00]

@@amaro_0091 that price is insane i have the 92 for 75€ 😂

[@amaro_0091]

@@carlosesteves00 sorry, i think it was $100 or $110 😂 i dont really know how much dollar costs here in argentina

[@lucy4666]

@@amaro_0091 yeah got my sk8 his for 170 bucks in Argentina. prices are crazy but I think they're worth it if u don't wear them every day (I know, that's sad)

[@siskothekid4620]

I’ve been wearing Vans since ‘85 cause I skate. That’s what they were always best for. Shoe Goo a leather patch on your ollie spot and you’re good to go. At first they were hard to find and only skaters and BMXers wore them, it used to be the badge of honour, you didn’t wear them if you don’t skate. Now EVERYONE wears them. Wish they weren’t so popular but I get it, business is business.

[@AveragePicker]

Yeah you really did have to put some effort into finding them. During a dry spell I ended up buying a pair of airwalks and loved them. After that I’d alternate between vans and air but yeah you could really keep a pair vans going with shoe goo and/or duct tape.

[@SaintInix]

My Pops used to get sponsored by Vans as a BMX racer when he was young. It would have been the early to mid-70's. He said he had stacks of Vans in his room at one point.

[@RobbyBalboa-cj4ig]

Your dad is badass

[@khaccanhle1930]

We called Vans "stoner shoes" when I was a teen in 1995. Stoners that were fashion forward and had money to spend of course.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

My biggest beef with vans at the moment is that the Pro models have the durability of what the standards used to be which makes them 100 dollar shoes in my eyes which is wrong for a pair of vans in my eyes

[@aldomaresca9994]

I know right? Its hard to tell which is going to be durable though. Im riding kyle walkers and i genuinely love how they feel, i just made them a nice hot glue protective pad, and theyre holding pretty good, but the sole is wearing hella fast

[@AlexJoneses]

Skateboarding is a big part of my life, I do it for fun on my surfskate and to get to work and school and back on my electric board. Vans isn't just a style choice for me, although I sometimes go into the store just to admire all the shoes, their sk8 hi grip is so amazing that it genuinely improves my performance on a board, it let's me make harder turns, it let's me go 45mph down main street, and it's comfy and fresh as hell. No shoe has ever worked this welll for me other than vans, and when I die you can bet your ass I'll be buried wearing my sk8 his

[@Chivkenbbq]

Should of talked about the cabelleros history, how they use to cut them in half because it was more comfortable and then they made half cabs because of that

[@wilver6897]

It's very infuriating to see a channel like this with such high quality videos and not so many views

[@Yorker1998]

Got my first pair of Vans 3 years ago (I think) from my dad who was buying a pair for himself as well after his slip-on Sketchers fell apart. I must say they are the greatest pair of sneakers i've ever owned. Durable, simple, easy to take on and off, very cushiony, and just all around solid.

[@thefishwhisperer1416]

the largest issue vans developed was they stopped caring about skating and started caring too much about profit margins. Their newest iterations of the core classics lineup are functionally fashion shoes in terms of durability, protection, athletic performance, and general quality, and this is reflected in their size as a company. Outside their skate line, they don't even have arch support anymore, their soles are some of the thinnest in the skate shoe industry, their rubber turns brittle faster than I've had with any other shoes, their uppers have thin, cheap canvas and suede with the consistency of compressed pocket lint. They no longer care about skateboarding, or even making decent everyday shoes; as of now, suitability for skating and good build quality are an afterthought. Skateboarding was their springboard into popularity, their designs reflected the work they put into making good, quality athletic shoes. Now, They're just coasting off that reputation, their skate line is only a fraction of the shoes they produce, they don't even make skate shoes above size 13. They're not the Vans that was made popular for good quality skateboarding shoes, they're the mediocre fashion shoe brand that knows people will buy their cheaply made, uncomfortable, fragile shoes regardless of how quickly they wear out, or how uncomfortable they are. They know they have popularity and the "cool popular kid" factor going for them and now they're indifferent to the consumer market. All they see are complacent piggy banks who just buy mediocre products because they look good. And that's because that's all the market is now. Vans shouldn't be popular anymore, they don't care about the customers other than as cash cows. You can buy much better shoes for cheaper. Buy straye, buy lakai, buy etnies, emerica, almost any other shoe manufacturer who still cares about their build quality because they don't have the "cool" factor to coast off like vans, so they can't afford to churn out garbage to sell to the willing masses. Vans has the infection of popularity, and their build quality crumbled because of it. People don't care though, because to them, shoes getting holes and peeling apart in under a year from just walking is normal. Don't let corporations get away with this, buy the quality you deserve, spend your money on companies that deserve it for making quality products, not disposable fashion junk. You deserve far better as a consumer, mediocrity should never be rewarded with easy profits.

[@khaccanhle1930]

Familiar story. A company becomes famous in a certain market for a specific need. These people become trendsetters in the wider population, then the quality goes down as price goes up. Harley, The North Face, under armor, Nike, etc. All betrayed their original customer base for rich posers who wanna be "cool".

[@kermit30045]

Thanks for the recommendation went to the Straye website and ordered some. I hope they start making little kids sizes.

[@thefishwhisperer1416]

@@kermit30045 I've legit been looking for better quality vans alternatives for so long, I can give you a whole list: ES skateboarding Emerica Etnies DC shoes Osiris (not as good quality wise as DC but still an alternative) Nike SB (their more expensive shoes are better, usually dunk sb) Adidas skateboarding (same as above but especially busenitz) Straye Lakai Fallen footwear (dunno about their quality) Last Resort AB Globe (also know nothing about their quality) DVS (if you can find any) Airwalk (might be in the same boat as Vans now quality wise but haven't tried them) Supra (if you can find any, went out of business) I might remember more later but I've been looking for good quality skate shoes for a long while and most, if not all of these companies have shoes that blow most vans out of the water and for a much better price if you wait for a sale (especially etnies, emerica, and es), Vans really doesn't deserve the popularity they have with how genuinely pitiful quality most of their shoes are, especially for their price.

[@JB-1138]

I have Duane Peters brand skate shoes from 10 or 15 years ago. Still holding up.

[@ezriquinn6706]

I've been wearing the same pair of skate-hi's almost everyday for the past 3 years and they are still going strong. 80$ for me to be shoed for 3+ years is a crazy good deal.

[@devonsykes2598]

The circles of the waffle grip is actually designed for a bmx pedal. That’s why they also have stayed the most successful big box company in bmx

[@chrishollis2885]

They also have a bmx line and collab with big bmx athletes all the time to make even better shoes designed for that

[@devonsykes2598]

@@chrishollis2885 no it’s not collabs those are vans athletes their signature shoes. The part I’m talking about is designed for a pedal

[@devonsykes2598]

@@chrishollis2885 I know currently it’s just Dennis. Dak, courage who have sig shoes still on the shelf

[@chrishollis2885]

@@devonsykes2598 They collaborated with Cult, and I work at a vans outlet so I’m constantly seeing vans with different bmx’ers from different times trickle in the store. I’m not sure about current signature shoes since I don’t work full price or do bmx but thank you for letting me know that 😊

[@devonsykes2598]

@@chrishollis2885 the collab with vans is a partnership cult and vans have made bike parts shoes and clothes for 5-7 years

[@Ndrewyy]

So excited to see another post, I was so disappointed when I saw you only have a few videos. Even tho I’m not even a skateboarder I love your videos and they are entertaining and give me a feel of what I could have if I lived my life with no fear.

[@modernbusinesschannel]

That means a LOT, thank you! Yeah, unfortunately my channel is still pretty new, and videos take a bit for me to make.. But this is my full time project now (so happy). So expect lots of new videos this year, and beyond :) hope you have a great one!

[@heisenberg8764]

@@modernbusinesschannel quality over quantity u got my subscription

[@Wasnt-1]

@@modernbusinesschannel pleass do tech companies aswell GOD bless

[@Msallfit]

When they filed for bankruptcy after all of that when they were trying to get back on their feet my grandfather (a bank owner) gave vans a lone to jump start vans back up due to his love for the shoes.

[@PeepGamePopoff]

Oh reeree

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

my uncle gave Bill Gates a loan to start Microsoft

[@Bulsky]

and where was the dragonin this story?

[@JuancoPRoFlow]

🤣

[@TheWizardGamez]

vans are like converse. you already know what your going to buy. you could go blind today, but will never foget the iconic shape

[@KCDWolf]

KZbin is scary, I just bought some new vans and when I get home I gets this video on my feed...😅

[@wakazuzu]

Because your phone in your pocket was passively listening while you were at the store and sending your information to Google.

[@Philip_Taylor]

I love Vans shoes. They are great for wide feet and the popcush insole SAVES my life because without such high shock resistance I would suffer constant pain from having bad knees. I've worn them for 20+ years and the all black ones are my work shoes.

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

I wore vans as a kid when they were USA made. So tough! I put them through hell. Sadly they fall apart much faster now.

[@carlosdeleon6472]

I would like to add you completely forgot to mention, in the mid 2000s Vans were extremely popular through the west coast especially in Northern California due the Hyphy movement. The pack -Vans .

[@thecreatedvoid117]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the INSANE spike in Vans sales because of Squid Game last year.

[@Themacchuck]

Never any talk of how important Vans were to the BMX community.

[@rhinestonecowboy_]

Because no one gives a shit about the BMX community

[@hectorruiz3181]

Y'all take up too much space at skateparks .

[@Sdfclassicbmx]

Yes Bmx kept vans alive in the 1980’s and into the 1990’s. I not a fan of Vans these days.

[@AlexJoneses]

The shoes I'm wearing now haven't changed design since the seventies, and that is pretty cool in my book

[@trapadvisor]

I remember my dad stuck with this brand and converse even as they fell off in popularity. He just likes cheap shoes though and I can’t blame him. So now he mainly buys them second hand and on sale.

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

Converse were 🔥🔥🔥when i was young

[@jakehenricks8934]

I’ve worn vans for over 20 years thanks to my rad parents. I’ve got slippers, snowboard boots, non slips, worn through 20 pairs of old schools and eras and slip ons. Solid shoe. My son who’s a toddler has already had 4 pairs. Maybe one day I’ll be rad too.

[@Acid_Ash]

The thing I love about Vans is they rarely fall apart on me. I still wear the pair I bought 5 years ago. Plus the custom designs are always on point and the are incredibly comfortable

[@bretspangler8717]

I am 64 and have had Vans all my life, I love the custom versions you can really make a pair all your own!

[@petermaardananders6803]

Hi im Dutch, know about Vans from about 1980. My sis was working at Rodolpho's Amsterdam Skateshop who as far as I know were the 1stt importers of Vans. I got into Rollerskating and started to work for Rodolpho's on Saturdays.Later I worked full time for about 6 years. I have owned at least 30 pairs, sold thousands pairs, ordered thousands custom pairs seen hundreds of thousands boxes of em stacked on pallets ready to be transported true The Netherlands and beond. Atm I dont own any Vans, but many do. I had em when you were the 'odd man out'( remember the sakterock band?????) wearing Vans, nowdays Vans are just another brand of sneakers. Thanks for the video👍

[@ndaprelude92]

I own 47 pairs of Vans! Have been wearing them since I was a kid and I am 50 now! They are truly a go to shoe for comfort and convenience. They are a dress up or down kinda shoe! They will always be my go to! My only issue with Vans is that they continue to cater to a young adult crowd when it comes to the women’s clothing. I am a XL in mens shirts but hate that they are my only option! So when I buy my girlie design Vans, I am unable to buy the matching shirt or anything else because they don’t have anything in women’s bigger than an XL that fits like a shmedium! I still roller skate and skateboard and they need to venture out for the plus sizes! They will not regret it!

[@GuerrillaGorilla023]

"Increased durability" As somebody who has been primarily wearing Vans for 20 years I can say durability is not their strong suit, at least not in the modern era. It only takes a few weeks for a brand new pair to start looking beat up and that's without skating. Most durable shoe I ever owned was probably a Nike 6.0 Best shoe for all round board control would have to go to Adidas. But I think Vans still makes a solid all round shoe even if most of them are not as comfortable as they were in the half-cab days I love the boots they put out over the last few years, they're comfortable as hell (even if I cooked them in one night moshing at a Flatbush Zombies concert). The attempt at a running shoe wasn't bad either but the bottom of the shoe wore out pretty fast for me.... and I don't even run.

[@drat6664]

I've had many pair of vans and i can say glue is total shit, as you mentioned they get destroyed in 3 weeks without skating..

[@zeffmalchazeen3429]

my mother always told me my feet are like grinders. It wrecks the heel area of any shoe I own. I don't even skate. I bought a vans shoe in 2016 and the heel area and the sole came off a year later. I managed to repair it but it shrunk due to the stitches. Then I bought a Nike SB with a removable sole pad. I still use the Nike one almost 3 years. The newer Vans shoes have removable sole pads.

[@scout3058]

I had a pair of the early 80s Vans high tops. I eventually ditched them for 1986 Vision Street Wear black high tops (with the ollie pad and urban camo sole). I wore Visions until 1991, when I couldn't find any after coming home from Desert Storm.

[@creatrixZBD]

I have an original pair of Black Fly's in their original box sitting right here in front of me. The tissue paper disintegrated long ago, and the box looks a bit battered, but the shoes are unworn and in perfect condition. Super cool shoe, never could afford a pair when I was a grommet

[@scout3058]

@@creatrixZBD Very cool!

[@FabioSuave]

i absolutely love vans, particularly old skool's. I have over 30 pairs, half of those coming within this past year just because i've been loving so many of the ones they come out with. This shoe is unquestionably S tier. For the universal style, affordability, and comfort; it's almost a no-brainer to make Vans your shoe of choice whether you skate or not.

[@chewinhard4456]

If you say vans are comfortable you haven’t worn many shoes. They are not comfortable!

[@FabioSuave]

@@chewinhard4456 sounds like your feet suck

[@josebaez7116]

I’m no skater, surfer, or anything of the sort. I love my Vans Wards. I have them in multiple colors! When a pair wears out, I buy the same color to replace it.

[@michaelfinlay1412]

My first pair of vans were black and white vans wards, the only major damage I have on them is one of the laces exploded on me and the ankle padding at the back is heavily creased lol I still have them and wear them sometimes 1 year later (I’m new to the party but really enjoy the style and comfort, no padding but plenty of (not too much) support for my needs and has incredible grip) Some people go from vans/converse to foam brick shoes, I went the other way

[@GrinReaper804]

Thought this was going to be a video trashing on vans which is the only brand of shoes I've ever worn but landed up being very insightful. They look good, "affordable" and last alot longer than alot of other brands. I hit a like and subscribed Edit: regarding your final question I think they will fall off a lil.. vans are mostly a very simplistic design where modern shoes are going very "futuristic" and looks like they took a bunch of material and slammed it all together to make a crazy expensive shoe that doesn't even look decent

[@iian_taylor]

You are killing it. Videos are always entertaining and well told.

[@AB-sy4gx]

I have over 10 pair of vans, some dating back to high school. I now am blessed to make a good living and still wear my vans proudly. Got me through high school at my brokest. Forever grateful. 🙏🏽

[@sams66toronado]

Love refreshing my feed to see a fresh vid from you, keep up the crazy hard work

[@Makkle4000]

I have a Vans shirt I still wear from 15 years ago when I was in middle school, shirt is GOATed

[@RabidFace]

Thank you for this video. The reason I have stayed true with DVS since my first pair in the early 2000s is DVS stayed true to their styles as well. But as I got older and stopped skating, I wanted lower profile shoes and DVS made a couple styles up untill recently. When my current couple pairs get passed their prime, to Vans I go because the couple pairs I have are Vans-esc and they no longer make them.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Wore Vans in early 1970s. Very popular during high school days in Ventura County.

[@splatterbrained]

12:00 honestly what makes me come back to em, isn't because they stay true, because the quality dipped ever since it was outsourced overseas, but I am loyal because I've been wearing them since I was a teenager and they still handle well compared to other brands I've worn before. Their pro models however hold up super well in terms of top quality whereas the other models tend to fall apart far easily.

[@cosmospidahl535]

The new pro half cabs fell apart on me after a few months of walking (not even skating) but I think they were a little small because the pro Cush insoles makes for more of a squeeze in the interior of the shoe. Prolly won’t get another park but I wanna try the sk8 hi pros or the authentics and just size up maybe.

[@manchuk1d]

Vans have become a classic like Converse.... a type of shoe that will go with pretty much almost any outfit and the many different colors they put out allows people to have a matching color outfit or funky style, Slip-ons all the way for me!

[@KingFluffs]

Those shoes fall apart by the time you've walked out the front door and gotten off your driveway. They probably used to be of far better quality though.

[@maitrehg]

I only wears Vans and Converse. The classics ones. Looks great and so comfy.

[@tyoung2141]

Took a while for me to sign up (65 y.o. in Aug), 8 months after taking up longboarding figured out my keen sandles didnt belong on my board, Vans Skate Shoes do. Vans covers the 64+ demo market with me. I have no business doing it but am working on my heelside slide.

[@philosophia3561]

Good Job on this short doc, it was very interesting to watch and learn about these shoes that I grew up in and at 44yrs old still rocking them. As a matter of fact im wearing vans at this moment.. lol. Thanks for keeping me entertained for 13min and 13sec.. Lucky #13😉👍🏼

[@rushthezeppelin]

In the late 90s early 00s I was a teenage skateboarder and I was always about the latest and greatest most technical shoe like Globe, DC, DVS, etc. Just a few weeks ago I picked up skateboarding again after 12 years away and I decided to just keep things nice and simple and grab some good old Vans (originally got the classic but quickly realized I wanted some ankle protection and grabbed the Sk8 Hi) and man these things are great, comfy, not super pricey, skate great in the bowls where I'm almost exclusively skating and they look pretty darn nice. My only problem now is that concrete is way harder than I remember and I'm basically armoring up with every bit of padding I can get lol.

[@fuffoon]

Vans are surprisingly poor quality for their popularity and price. My kids went through their Vans stage and but the Vans degraged quickly. Not a shoe for utility. I buy knock-off styles for myself that are solid.

[@babsstrijkert5365]

they were great when they were still 'emo skater shoes'. now they're popular. But, blessing in disguise, your kids could use more archsupport anyways ;)

[@NuclearAbyss]

definitely a true last statement. i go to vans because i like their shoes and look, if i wanted something different i would got to Nike, DC etc..

[@iangrumpypirate568donovan3]

I remember a long period from 80’s to 2000’s if someone was wearing vans you knew they were a skater or fellow bmx rider.

[@djcrackademiks1191]

Yep

[@shadowpuppet8192]

When I was in middle school, Vans skater shoes were a life saver for me. I had such small feet and surprisingly wide toes, it was really hard for me to find shoes that would fit comfortably. Then Vans started exploding, I convinced my mom to buy me a pair. And they were a game changer.

[@babsstrijkert5365]

yeah they were awesome. all my vans have held up for years. except for the ones I bought a year ago. they were literally falling apart apart after a few months. Vans was about quality and now it's about quantity. Vans done and lost me and really should change their name to 'Cheapskates' imho. I actually switched to Nike af1 cause I need my soles to actually stay attached.

[@bennett138]

My 1st skate shoe was a pair of half Cabs in 1995. I still own a pair of Cabs to this day. In 06 I was on tour with my band, we stayed in Ocean Beach San Diego. The van was so hot, I kept the back door cracked... well I woke up to no shoes, some homeless guy must of took them. I was super broke and walked shoeless over to the surf shop right near the pier. The dude working was super cool, he let me call my Dad who was back in Connecticut and was cool enough to let my Pops give him his credit card number over the phone. That's the 1st time ever owning a pair of blue Classics cuz they were the cheapest... I think they were $36 at the time. I just threw them away not too long ago cuz there was pretty much nothing left of them. I love Van's and always will.. Warped tour 98 will forever be a epic time in my teen years, Deftones, Blink 182, Hatebreed, CIV, Eminem... I know I saw a bunch of others but it's all I can remember seeing thanks to devil's cabbage. Thank you Vans

[@-cloudscapes-]

I always wear them but only the ones with removable insoles. I just love how they look.

[@geeneou5]

In the last 30 years, I’ve gone from Vans to Converse to Airwalk to Vans to DC and back to Vans. Vans has always been been the staple in the SoCal and skateboarding lifestyle

[@thegrabbindragon9834]

I mean...I can’t blame vans for trying to expand to different category of sports because those year would be a great years to start it . Rather try something than not do it and regret it .

[@shannono8397]

I loved my OG Chuka Boots (90's) in Royal Purple velvet, still sad when my mom threw them away because they were so worn. Vans for life :)

[@michelleparsons8775]

I have 3 adult sons . All but one wore these exclusively when they were younger. My 22 year old has worn no other sneaker since he was 9.

[@yarnycat_crochet]

My son has worn vans his entire life, and now we are buying them for the next generation. They are so durable and if you skate they last longer than normal shoes do. He wears the black and white old skool and only those. It’s worth the money. 😊

[@DreamstoRealityAutomotiveTV]

I’m 49. I have three different styles of vans that I’ve purchased over the last 20 years. Pretty amazing that the shoes that only one skate shop carried are now in every store at the big malls. I kinda don’t want them anymore.

[@welfiblablabla]

I love Vans because they are one of only a few brands where I can blindly buy shoes and know my weirdly shaped feet fit perfectly. ATM I'm rocking blue Old schools

[@zevoid369]

There's literally a lot of students in my school wearing vans,but they don't even skate

[@SlowRider72]

I wish that Vans would bring back the early 2000's skate shoes like the Churchill and the Graph. Those shoes were super stylish and comfortable!

[@dankingjr.2088]

I remember in the early 80s you could custom order your own color combos and it was the peak of cool. Good shoes too.

[@ryanbeach191]

Still can..

[@apelsinuke]

i'm not a skater, so my choice is converse. i like that rubber toe cover and the brand's logo (star). never had vans because, i just don't like how they look (on me)

[@scodude12]

Best history ever - I bought the my first edition of vans early 70. Bought at a surf store and had to drive 14 hrs to get them. Also know VanDuren - he was on my uncles wrestling team and had an opportunity to hang out with steve his brother and Tony Alva in Seoul. Insane brand and glad they remain OG

[@DilyHD]

Bumblebee: -Nice Shoes Optimus Optimus: -Thanks Bumblebee, they're Vans

[@phantomred4300]

I've been here since your world industry's video just wana say great work bro this is some of the best content on yt

[@CodyDoesIt]

Skate high all black white line and gum bottom lets go! I have had 50 pairs of Vans in the last 20 years of my life. My 3 year old has 8 pairs already and my daughter will wear Vans!

[@as-zm8pt]

In Malaysian yes I realize that Vans are went downhill in 2005, because there was a warehouse named Royal Sporting House, selling Vans TNT clearance as low as 12 dollar, many of consumer are not considering to buy it but I take that chances and getting one. Because it design are really slim but I really like that design during that time. Many prefer Osiris, ES, Etnies, Globe, while I am trying to promoting it well when skating. Very proud to wear that shoes and it was the best ever skate shoes that I ever used.

[@TheRogueAdventurers]

Started skating last year, and I bought some vans hightop bmx shoes as I needed more arch support. However they fell apart within a couple months, and I wasn't using them for tricks, just walking around and crusing

[@colomboy86]

Have a pair of the black slip-ons which were/are finally starting to break down (had them for years now...), and even before watching this, I knew they're a company I can trust...as basically mentioned toward the end of the video...which is why I went with purchasing yet another pair of Vans. ❤️ Sure there's other brands like DC, etc, but there's something to be said IMO about the simplicity of Vans. For me, I like the fact that even though you can feel the ground underneath you (especially when they've been worn in a fair amount) they still stand up to whatever you through at em. Heck, I wear them while playing drums for my band...hence the above comment on being able to feel the ground, etc. I don't see myself going for a similar shoe any time soon.

[@ReconMan8654]

Great video! Very informative. I live in Vans Pro Slips, and if you wanna real treat, order a kustom pair. They do an amazing job. Half of my current 12-pair Pro Slips rotation is kustoms. They are bangin’!

[@doramilaje9750]

Born in 73….. been wearing Vans ♥️

[@CrypticApathy]

How do you mention vans without bringing up Airwalks. They were literally the competition for them for a good period of time.

[@BillFromHalifax]

Back in the 90s Airwalk was more along the lines of Nike but for skaters. At least that's how I remember it. But i always had Champion shoes back then. 🤣🤣

[@PeepGamePopoff]

Everyone forgets airwalk was literally the reason for a lot of us getting into skateboarding

[@CrypticApathy]

@@PeepGamePopoff I live in florida, Air walk was the blend of Skating and grundge scene. Im 39 To give you the idea of the time frame for me. In the florida scene. You either had airewalks or vans as the popular shoe in the "scene"

[@ifeanyikennedy1047]

I never rocked a Vans but a good number of my friends did. In 2010 - 2011 it exploded in university campuses in Nigeria.

[@spekenbonen72]

Best sneakers I have worn in my 50 year life. They fit (from the first moment you wear them) if you buy the correct size, they last (Nike's soles just vanish in a year, Converse dissintegrate within a year as well). The only other shoe that lasts (me) as long are Asics, but I'm not a runner....

[@Seesar1]

This is such a dope channel idea. I been trying to look for videos like this on certain brands like gym shark and bang recently

[@norcalpublicwatch9314]

Bought my first pair of Vans at the Roadium swap meet in the middle to late 60s , Torrance Ca. Been wearing them ever sense

[@harrylazard805]

I got a couple pairs of their canvas "surf shoe" about ten years ago. I regret when these wear out entirely because I think they stopped making them. Comfortable and looks good to me.....

[@carlosvejar3938]

I love Vans, I have been wearing Vans since 1983 and I just introduced my kids to Vans. Great brand

[@HiloBoiz808]

65 years old,grew up skating and surfing,still surf.I have 3 pairs of foot wear, rubber slippas,work boots and a pair of vans.If i do decide to buy a pair of shoes gonna get Clarks.

[@WC_Beer_Reviews]

I bought my first pair of checkered slip-ons because of seeing them in the Slipknot video for before I forget back in 2003. Their grip on concrete is amazing!

[@wolowolowolo]

I've been a fan since 1982, in the 90s they changed the models and I continued using the old school of the 80s... today young people tell me that I want to be fashionable like them, I tell them that Vans is not a fashion for me It is a lifestyle... if they go out of style I will continue using them...

[@DarthInfernusify]

I worked for the vans distribution center for 4 years. Every year I worked there it was busier than the last. All shows returned get donated to charities If they are in good condition( like new). See

[@ShawnxEdge]

After wearing Vans since I was 15 (I’m 47 now) I switched to Nike SB because my feet are jacked from wearing Vans all those years. There’s no “break in” period with Nike SB Chrons and when they do break in they feel as comfortable as wearing socks. I’ve never had that experience with Vans. The first month of wearing a new pair of Vans is murder on my feet and since I no longer skate as regularly as I did as a kid it takes even longer to break them in. I felt like a trader switching to Nike but if you look back at the pages of Skateboarder Magazine from the 70’s, Nike was popular with skateboarders even though Nike didn’t directly support skateboarding like they do now. You know where to send the check Nike! Lol

[@jrbudoybudoy]

I'm more of a Jordan type of guy but I do have a Slip on that I use when I don't want to wear Jordans. They're comfy as hell.

[@andyetheridge]

Had pairs of these for years, got a pair still boxed that i just refuse to wear because they look that good