Are Vans Good for Running?

Running is an exercise that entails speed movement using the feet. To carry out this exercise perfectly, it would be a smart idea to get a footwear of great comfort, balance, and support. Running shoes are designed to carry the full weight, balance, and comfortability of runners. So, are vans good for running?

Generally, vans are designed as shoes for skateboarding or snowboarding because of their sticky sole. But the van’s shoe line, over time, has improved by creating lightweight sneakers having rubber soles and breathable drapery fabric.

You’ll discover more information about this subject in the course of reading this write-up. Some of which are the prominent uses of vans, their benefits, caveats, etc. So, to learn more, keep reading this post.

Summary

• Van shoes were not originally made for running. Instead, they were made for skateboarding and snowboarding.
• Some collections of the van shoes like the Boom Boom Runner, The Van Mesh Iso 1.5, etc., can be improvised as running shoes.
• Asides from exercise, vans can be worn to and for different occasions.
• For a comfortable running activity with van shoes, use a long thick sock to keep your feet from getting bruises from lower ankle vans.
• Some van shoes can be used, but don’t use them for long-distance races and regular running activities.

Are Vans Good For Running?

Considering that vans are made of low cushioning, less breathable mesh materials, are non-flexible, and have very low heels. It can be difficult to go for a good run in vans.

The van shoe collection is carefully crafted with great quality materials. But many people are quite skeptical about which to use for the running exercise. So, are vans good for running? The following features will help you check and compare the vans with the real running shoe.

1. Less Cushioning

A perfect running shoe should be properly cushioned with good materials to hold the weight capacity impact by the user while running. Most van shoes have very less to no cushioning at all. Making it strenuous to run over a long period.

Also, vans do not have midsole cushioning, making it difficult to use daily for running because you can develop a leg injury. As an athlete, you can opt for other shoes such as running shoes for concrete floors instead of vans, as vans are not the ideal shoes for running.

2. Breathability

Vans are not made with breathable mesh materials. So, running in them can be very discomforting as your feet produce a lot of sweat from the running. Mesh materials help for air ventilation in the feet while running, making your feet less tiring from the run.

Sadly, not all van shores are breathable because they are mostly made with either suede or canvas, making it difficult to run in them for a prolonged time or causing offensive odor from your shoes and feet.

3. Flexibility

Any shoes used in running should be flexible enough to bend with your feet while in motion for proper support. Van shoes do not have the flexibility required in running, especially the van classics and Originals. The suede materials on the top of van shoes make them stiff, making it quite difficult to run by wearing them.

4. Heel

When considering a good sole for running, look out for the fitness of the ankle collar and heel counter of the shoes on your legs. If they can’t hold your heels in place while running or walking, they will keep slipping off the shoes.

Van shoes do not have that comfortable padding to provide your heel with comfort while running. These shoes provide poor heel counter support and they are stiff. Therefore using them often for running can cause unbearable blisters on your heels. Instead, opt for other options of running shoes.

If you want to use the van brand of shoes for running, there are a few listed below, as not all are very comfortable for running activities.

• Vans SLIP-ER 2
• Vans SK8-Hi

The van mentioned above types are just recommendations to improvise for running shoes.

Major Uses Of Vans

Looking back from when vans were initially manufactured, they were mainly for skateboarding and later opted for producing a snowboarding collection too.

• Vans for skateboarding: since van shoes have padded insoles tagged as POPCUSH, which is very important for great landing balance. Pro model vans shoes offer fantastic support through these insoles.
• Vans for snowboarding:  vans snowboarding boots are made with top-notch materials that beat other competitors in the market. Its V3 POPCUSH footbed provides comfort to users, and its waterproof feature provides heat coverage to the feet in the winter session.
• Vans for weight lifting: since vans are made of tough and flat soles, they can be worn for casual deadlifting and squats but not in competitive powerlifting because they might not be the best.

However, if you still need to get a vans shoe for running, consider the following advantages and disadvantages below:

Pros And Cons Of Vans For Running

Why Are Van Shoes So Popular?

Some of the reasons van shoes are popular include their diverse color and designs, great quality materials, and stylish and classic looks. Let’s discuss the most common reasons why van shoes are so popular in detail.

They Come In Different Colors And Designs

Most times, one might want to play with colors in a particular outfit depending on what you want, the occasion, and the style you want to portray. Having these colorful pairs of vans comes in handy.

Vans have different collections of brilliant color pairs designed in patterns ranging from denim, checkerboard, and patchwork. Vans recently launched a new collection with the MUSEUM of MODERN ART (MoMA), offering very creative designs for every personality.

They Are Stylish

Aside from using vans for skating, snowboarding, and running, vans can also be worn for school and work events. They can easily be styled with suits, gowns, or uniforms.

Vans have a large variety of product line for every event. Ranging from their high tops and low tops to the different patterns and colors. Vans have you covered.

Great Quality

Vans uses good quality products for all their collections, making them durable. The leathers and canvas used for the uppers and the Vans signature waffle soles make them long-lasting, not to talk of the well-padded ankles in the Ski8-Hi collection that gives great comfort to the feet. Some of their collections, like the Duracap, Ultracush, and Sick Stick, come with the latest technology to provide all the comfort your feet need.

They Are Classics

When you think of shoes with a great sense of class, vans should be on the list. Vans have a very clean finishing, simple yet exotic class. Some collections like the Old skool, Authentic, and Era are so classic, fitting perfectly like a sandal yet covered with a sneaker.

How Long Do Vans Last For Running

Vans are said to last for two years. But with proper care and great maintenance, your vans can last over this duration of time.

If you apply proper maintenance culture and don’t overuse them, they will last for a longer time. Follow these guidelines to know how to make vans last longer for running:

• Store in a dry environment: Vans should be stored in dried places as a moist or cold environment isn’t favorable to its materials. Endeavor not to expose your vans to water always, i.e., do not wash it daily: the leather or suede would deteriorate in no time.
• Use shoe horns: If your vans are too tight, opt for a shoehorn to wear your shoes with ease instead of dragging or continuously pulling your shoes with your hands. The harder you struggle with your shoes, the weaker it becomes. Get a shoe horn to make your vans last longer.
• Do not overwear it: Wearing your vans every day and every time would only make them lose durability. Wear them responsibly. Once or twice a week or month, to prolong its lifespan. Ensure to always air dry it under the sun after every use.
• Invest in quality vans: If you want durability, do not go for inferior qualities of vans. Spend money to get vans of high quality for longer durability. Quality van shoes will last longer with proper maintenance.
• Regular cleaning: Cleaning your vans regularly will help them last longer. But, do not wash your vans; rather, clean them carefully using a soft damp cloth to remove all the dirt in the shoes. Do not scrub it using a hard brush or jean fabric. Use only soft materials to clean it for durability.

Some reasons why vans do not last long for running

There is some reason why vans might not last long, and they include:

• Regular exposure to water: do not expose your vas to water because water reduces the duration of the leather or suede on the upper.
• Wearing it daily is not proper: Get other shoes to help your vans last longer. Regular use of a van shoe makes it lose quality over a very short frame of time.
• Exposing vans to moisture: Make sure to always air dry them after every use to avoid an offensive smell. Store vans in very dry areas.
• Inadequate cleaning can make vans lose their color and fade: Try to clean it regularly to keep it ever new.

How To Make Your Vans More Comfortable

1. Wear long and thick socks if you don’t want to hurt your heel to make your vans more comfortable
2. Use insole for comfort
3. Add a shoe boost
4. Try using petroleum jelly to lessen the discomfort you might be feeling.

Which Are The Best Vans Shoes For Running?

The following may be the best vans for running:

• UltraRange
• Boom Boom Runner
• The van Mesh Iso 1.5
• OG Runner

Bottom Line

This article has expressed a lot about van shoes. Telling you the pros and cons and many details you need to know about using a van for running. So, considering all the information, you have read from this article above, now you know it very well: are vans good for running?

Those listed van shoes above are only suggestions for the best van shoes for running and not real facts. So you might opt for a proper running shoe instead.