Are Vans Good Hiking Shoes

Are Vans Good Hiking Shoes? (Better Alternatives)

Are you thinking of investing in a pair of good hiking boots and have Vans shoes as an option in your mind? Whether Vans shoes and sandals make a good pair for long-distance hikes is the main issue. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the same.

What is Vans Shoes?

Vans originally made shoes out of canvas and an anti-slip rubber sole. Skateboarders found the pair useful owing to its tough construction and good sole. It became the best shoes for skateboarding.

Due to the popularity of Van shoes in the market, people started wondering if they could also use a pair for hiking purposes. Even though these shoes are very tough and sturdy with a good grip they do not meet all the criteria that make a good pair of hiking shoes.

There are a few factors that determine a great pair of shoes for hikers. Let us discuss what those factors are and why Vans is not recommended.

What are the things that make Vans footwear a bad choice for hiking?

1. Missing Comfort

One of the most important things you should keep in mind is the level of comfort in a shoe. Hiking shoes look very rugged but are designed to provide good cushioning to your feet. A good pair will usually have thick and soft insoles to protect your soles and be able to absorb shocks also providing arch support to your feet to prevent exhaustion in your feet when you walk long distances. They should make your feet feel secure but not cramped and have good breathability.

Vans soles have good grip but they are flat, making it uncomfortable for serious and rigorous hiking.

2. Less Protection

Proper hiking shoes should provide total protection to the feet. You are bound to come across rough terrains while hiking. The soles should be thick enough to protect your feet from sharp objects on the ground. It is also important to make sure that the top of your foot is also well guarded. Otherwise, injuries to the toes can be very painful. There should be a tiny gap between your toes and the tip of your shoe. Additionally hiking boots provide more protection to the ankle than ankle-length shoes. You are less likely to suffer from sprains as they keep your ankle straight and covered.

Vans soles are thick but the top material is not ideal. It is not designed to ensure enough protection to the top and front of your feet.

3. Unreliable Durability

A good pair of hiking shoes should last long. These shoes are expensive and not easy to replace frequently.

Materials such as canvas do not last long for a rugged activity such as hiking. Good hiking materials for hiking would be leather or synthetic. Synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon are good options for a long-lasting pair.

Make sure that whichever material you use, should be able to withstand harsh conditions and rough use.

Vans shoes are great for skateboarding but will not last too long if used for hikes. It is not built for rough conditions.

4. Inadequate Grip

Just like trucks need tires with excellent grip in order to operate on any kind of terrain be it wet, gravelly, broken, the soles of hiking shoes should be made to provide total grip to your feet. The soles should be made of a deep tread pattern with a rubber composite. Hard rubber is more durable than soft rubber but soft rubber provides better also it may not last very long.

Most often hiking boots or shoes are designed to provide excellent grip. Even though there’s no one kind of sole that can fulfill all factors, choose one that comes the closest to a good package.

Although Vans have a good thick sole, it is not meant for tough terrain conditions.

What are the alternate brands you could look up that make good shoes hiking?

Are Vans Waterproof?

Are Vans Waterproof

The answer is no; Vans are not waterproof. Canvas and/or suede are commonly found on the uppers of classic Vans (the main body of the shoe).

Cotton is the most common fiber used to weave canvas (sometimes linen). Cotton is one of the best materials for soaking up water because it can absorb up to 27 times its own weight.

In damp weather, footwear with a canvas upper will soak up water and take a long time to dry.

Day walks may be fine, but multi-day hikes requiring overnight camping may not. There are particular suede treatments that can be used to keep suede from becoming water-resistant.

Should You Hike In Vans With Socks On?

Should You Hike In Vans With Socks On

Sore feet are usually the result of hiking without socks. Socks for hiking are made to be soft and breathable, to drain moisture away from the skin, and to dry rapidly.

Walking in the outdoors calls for socks made of breathable, moisture-wicking Merino wool. Since cotton is so good at soaking up water, it’s not a good choice for hiking socks. Using cotton socks on a hike will quickly result in soggy, uncomfortable feet.

The best hiking socks are produced from Merino wool, so if you’re going to hike in Vans or any other type of shoe, make sure you’re wearing those instead.

Characteristics Of A Good Hiking Shoe

  • Breathability: Breathability is critical; otherwise, you risk developing blisters on your feet.
  • Durability: Because hiking is an extended activity, hiking shoes should be sturdy.
  • Traction: Traction is critical in hiking shoes because it ensures a secure grip.
  • Arch support: When it comes to hiking, it’s all about providing superior support and grip.
  • Lightweight: Since you do not want to carry more weight when trekking, hiking shoes are lightweight.

Top 3 Better Alternatives Than Vans For Hiking

1. Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots

This is a popular pair amongst hikers. Its features are sturdy and designed well to make sure you are provided with maximum overall comfort.

Due to the use of the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, these shoes are highly breathable and waterproof. It provides good protection from all weather conditions and the sole has excellent grip even on ice. The toe box has adequate space, the arch and ankle support is decent and the heel is well cupped. They are also ultra-light making it easier to walk in.

Pros

  • Good for rough terrains
  • Keeps feet warm in cold
  • Sturdy material

Cons

  • Gore-Tex membrane may break down
  • May need reproofing

Where to purchase Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots?

You can purchase the Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots here on Amazon.

2. La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes

Users of La Sportiva GTX Hiking Shoes are highly satisfied with the product. These shoes are a good investment and are worth every dollar.

They come with maximum utility and are very durable. Having abrasion resistance mesh on the upper side of the shoes allows them to last longer and Nano Cell 2.0 structure ensures maximum breathability.

A GORE -Tex Surround along with Nano Cell 2.0 works as aeration channels around the footbed and midsole region. Its waterproofing is well functional and has good moisture control capacity.

Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System provides excellent grip and traction.

These shoes are rugged and provide the warmth of a boot, and being among the top boots they are as comfortable as wearing shoes. Although the sole is stiff and warm the shoes have good breathability and do not collect moisture.

Overall this pair is durable, protective, lightweight, comfortable, supportive, and is very good for rough terrains. It is also stylish to round up the package.

Pros

  • A versatile choice
  • Agile
  • Recommendable comfort

Cons

  • Highly priced
  • Less durable

Where to purchase La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes?

You can purchase the La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes here on Amazon.

3. Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots

Users of La Sportiva GTX Hiking Shoes are highly satisfied with the product. These shoes are a good investment and are worth every dollar.

They come with maximum utility and are very durable. Having abrasion resistance mesh on the upper side of the shoes allows them to last longer and Nano Cell 2.0 structure ensures maximum breathability.

A GORE -Tex Surround along with Nano Cell 2.0 works as aeration channels around the footbed and midsole region. Its waterproofing is well functional and has good moisture control capacity.

Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System provides excellent grip and traction.

These shoes are rugged and provide the warmth of a boot, and being among the top boots they are as comfortable as wearing shoes. Although the sole is stiff and warm the shoes have good breathability and do not collect moisture.

Overall this pair is durable, protective, lightweight, comfortable, supportive, and is very good for rough terrains. It is also stylish to round up the package.

Pros

  • A versatile choice
  • Agile
  • Recommendable comfort

Cons

  • Highly priced
  • Less durable

Where to purchase Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots?

You can purchase the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots here on Amazon.

Conclusion: Should You Buy Vans For Hiking?

If you wondering whether you should invest in Vans for hiking, you can be assured that it would not be worth the penny. Vans hiking features are compromised and are not even really meant for rugged activities. The material is not at all apt for long-distance walks or hikes. Your feet would not be well supported or protected and you are likely to feel huge discomfort after some time of walking.

Choosing one between Merrell’s MOAB 2, La Sportiva GTX Hiking Shoes, and Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots is a better move. They are designed to take on rigorous terrains and keep your feet happy.

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