15 Best Vans Shoes for Men (Review) in 2020

We’re kicking it off with a classic, the shoe that’s out in over twenty-five styles, and the ultimate foot buddy to pop some flair in your day. One way or another, checkerboard designs have always resurfaced, and of the multiple options, these had to be our favorite. Their trademark slip-on shoes remove the fuzzy mess of frayed strings, while offering a nice comfortable fit. Vans are known for their waffle outsole, which adds a bit of traction, and gives you a nice bit of bounce in your step whenever you’re kicking up dust. The canvas construction makes it simple to clean, while the vulcanized fabric keeps this shoe moving even when you think it’s going to quit. Durable and hot as hell, the checkerboard slip-ons take the cake.

We couldn’t, in good conscience, not put the shoes of our childhood up on the list. The Unisex Old Skool Classic Skate was the original Vans shoe (and original shoe period) that began the stripe trend along exterior sole. It defined a generation, and gave skaters just enough breathing room to stay cool, but tight enough not to interfere with their moves. If you’re up for some nostalgia, you can check out just about any punk music video from the 90’s and see this pair on multiple musical icons. Apart from the signature look, you get the waffle outsole for durability, which was super important for traction on the top of a board, and a rubber sole for durability. Vans utilizes a vulcanized construction method to keep this durable and flexible, making it the only shoe you’ll need. Be sure to also check out our list of the best Etnies shoes for men for more great items like this.

Down for a bit of low-profile footwear? Up close, they’re signature Vans, giving you some representation of your favorite sneaker brand in North America. When you get under the tongue, they’re a superior build to many knock-offs that try to spot the same style. Made of durable canvas and dense rubber, Bearcat Vans Shoes won’t wear down on you anytime soon; Vans is about style and quality, or if you’re an avid GH reader, function and flair. They added a touch of suede up top to give you a textured look, and that unique Vans feeling – you know, the one you can recall right now on the tops of your feet.

You don’t much more of an elitist name, and completely immaculate shoe than when you go with Vans. Even the name gives you chills, and the pristine kicks (along with 2,300 customers who fell in love with these shoes), all agree: they’re a posh look that Vans has built part of their empire on. Sporting the low-cut look, this signature set of sneakers gives you ample support along your arch, while providing a comfortable heel rest that keeps fatigue at bay. Vans are notoriously lightweight and thinner shoes, which is why they only use the highest quality materials to prove that thin doesn’t mean fragile. It doesn’t matter where you’re goin, who you’re with, or how you get there; all that matter is that you take Vans Authentic along for the ride to dress to impress.

The unisex skate shoe never went out of style. Vans brought the perfect hybrid between skate and bass practice, emboldening these shoes with their signature midsole line, and flattering stitch shape to give your feet length, while the rubber outsoles give you a touch of height. If you’ve ever been ultra rough on your shoes, you can appreciate metal eyelets that keep your laces exactly where they’re supposed to be; you’ve got it covered with Low-Top Lace-Up Skate Shoes. Alternatively, you’re able to buy with confidence; nearly every single purchase review of these shoes state that you get the size you picked. In a world where buying online is convenient, but ultimately risky, Vans took the guesswork out of the equation.

Skating is still alive, but if it’s been a while since you retired your board, Atwood can help yuo get back in the action. You get thirty-one different style and color combinations to choose from, making this one of the most universally designed shoe models that Vans has ever come out with. The low-top style and synthetic sole make for a stylish look, and a nearly naked feel, while still providing you with the durable protection offered by the canvas construction. No skate shoe would be complete without Vans custom waffle outsole grip, keeping you stuck to the board like velcro, and offering a touch of slip resistance for your daily commute. If you’re all about casual Fridays at the office, it’s time to show your coworkers your true colors.

Okay, this is where it gets tricky. I own these shoes, and absolutely love them. This pair has lasted for a little over three years so far, without too much wear-and-tear. Like the Atwoods, you’re able to select any of thirty-one different styles and colors, making Men’s Sk8-Hi™ Classics a truly versatile shoe. High-tops are just the way to go, especially when you’re trying to look professional, but still want to show who you really are. Vans threw their signature waffle design along the bottom, making these excellent for skating and parkour, while the solid construction keeps them nice and sturdy; not a stitching out of place. Vans are an investment in your style – are you ready to make the commitment?

You can never go wrong with all-black, especially when it comes to the perfect comfort sneaker like the Dockets. This blend of suede and leather give you a comfortable look, and an even nicer interior. If they were any softer, it would be like wearing slippers outside. One beautiful thing about this design, is that no matter how wide your feet are, they fit right in thanks to the comfortable construction. Instead of the regular rubber, you’ll be rocking gum rubber soles for additional shock absorption and impact control. Built for style more than for sport, the Dockets are a way to represent Vans, and add a new design element to your unique style.

Remember when they came out with these little beauties? While they’re not issued for parkour, they’re excellent for it, as well as skating. Kyle Walker’s only official shoe comes from Vans, sporting some seriously unique features that you won’t see on any competitor’s shoes. From the UltraCrush HD impact absorption technology, right on down to the DURACAP reinforcement, this is one shoe that’s destined to outlive us all. You’re going to rock whatever the hell you’re wearing, and flaunt one of the most attractive and concise designs ever put out by Vans. You get a comfortable rubber sole and suede exterior, giving you comfort and grace with every step you take.

If you thought we were winding down to the less exciting pairs on this list, it’s time to think again. We chose to cover fifteen, because ten wouldn’t. Chukka Low has a blend of fabric and synthetic material for the construction, while also sporting a padded tongue and accompanying padded collar to give you the most comfortable sneaker you’ve ever worn. You even get an UltraCrush footbed to provide additional cushioning, making it a ripe pair to pick for skating and parkour. Vans tossed their signature waffle outsole onto this bad boy, while keeping inlign with the slimming shape to add definition to your feet. As one of the least expensive pairs of Vans on the market, they focused on comfort and style, and really drove the poin thome.

As one of their newer models, the Chima Pro 2” Sneakers haven’t been reviewed by many, but after personally testing these out, I really didn’t want to take them off. These median-priced shoes come with the signature waffle outsole, but really bring it in nice and heavy on the design element. These shoes come with inverted lace and tongue colors, giving you a completely zen, yin and yang aesthetic. Blending these into the appropriate clothes has a certain power to it, turning your look into a cohesive, well thought-out style. With the slimming white stripes along the exterior, as well as the ultra comfortable rubber insoles, you get the Vans quality you’ve come to know and love, and a look that practically nobody is rocking yet. Are you a trendsetter, or not?

Sick of the signature look? Head into the more unknown side of Vans with a totally flipped design aspect that will quickly become one of your favorites in the lineup. With a raised edge around the tongue, you get an entirely different dimensional attribute to the norm. Three laces on each side, plus the accompanying laces running through the eyelets give you a flattering appearance, especially when put in contrast with the midsole stripe. They look good, feel better, and last even longer – these skate shoes come made of tough canvas and heavy leather, making it a little bit heavier than a standard Vans classic cut, while providing fortified durability. The elements have nothing on the Chauffeur SF skate shoes.

There are some sneakers that are just built for function, but the Half Cabs were designed for those of you who prefer style above all else. Inexpensive and durable beyond compare, the Half Cabs focus on bold style, and tone down on the fancy footwork with stripes and slimming stitch lines. You get a solid white rubber midsole base, contrasting against the midnight blue canvas and snow white laces. Keep them tightly-tied, or let loose and leave the top two metal eyelets completely open. The choice is yours, but the notoriety isn’t; if you’re strutting your stuff in the Half Cabs, you can be sure to gain some positive attention.

Putting the spotlight on a few pairs of fashion sneakers just felt right, especially after rocking the Chukka Midtop sneakers like a champ. These suede exterior shoes seriously go along with just about anything in your closet, and amplify the suave effects of your slickest set of attire. With a comfortable rubber sole and self-tie closure, they’re as functional and comfortable as they are bad-ass. We’re big fans of the ebony-and-grey blend, though you can swap it out from the brown gum set if you’d prefer. Intricate stitching and metal eyelets add another layer of depth to these, but you’re going to add the finishing touch when you slip it on.

Last but not least, we have a new player to the game that’s fresh off the presses. The Alomar Suede Indo shoes come in spruce yellow, mimicking the style of Timberland’s famous boots, but in a cost-effective shoe (seriously, you’re spending a couple of Andrew Jackson’s here, at most). We were stoked to try a new product sporting all of the excellent Vans brand classics: a rubber sole, sturdy suede construction, and a style that adds depth to your personal unique look. You’re looking for custom elements to make yourself noticed? You got ‘em.