I've worn so many iterations of Vans shoes in my day. The black and white checkered slip-ons and the high top skate shoes have done me good since my middle school days, and admittedly, I still even have a few in my closet that I was sporting in the school hallways. Oh, nostalgia!
Though I’ve dipped my toes into other shoe styles like New Balance sneakers and Birkenstock sandals as of late, I still can’t deny the sheer timelessness of Vans – and they’ve come a long way from what they used to be.
Vans is still rockin’ with their classic silhouettes, but they also have some super exciting new ones like Mary Janes and loafers (I know, right?!). Some of the coolest Vans I’ve been eyeing also approach the ever-so trendy “It” girl shoe territory, much like the famed Adidas Sambas. 👀
Scroll on for 11 groundbreaking Vans designs that’ll absolutely influence your next shoe purchase!
A classic! An OG! I salute this shoe! I love this platformed iteration even more, too. You get an instant boost from the 34 mm thick rubber soles, and they're so easy to slip into with the elastic inserts on each side. These shoes are fitted with Vans' signature rubber waffle outsoles for added traction when you walk.
The Classic Slip-On Stackform Shoe is also available in black, white, and cream for $70.
These sneaks are named 'Old Skool' for a reason – they're a classic Vans staple! Of course, you've gotta have the recognizable contrasting side stripe. Like the first Vans listed, these get stylishly pumped up with thick platformed soles. The lace-up upper is made from a mix of durable suede and canvas that can withstand lots of wear and weathering.
These are shoppable in 5 more colorways for $80.
Let's hear it for these cute Vans loafers! I love that they're the proper style for the office, but are comfy enough for your commute. Vans touts these as the grown-up version of their original 90's creepers. They have a slip-on fit for ease, boast a slightly textured canvas upper, and sizable rubber soles for added traction.
The Style 53 Heavy Canvas Shoe is available in 4 other colors for $70.
Adidas Sambas, who?! These skate-inspired retro Vans boast an eye-catching color palette that easily rivals the currently cult favorite. The outer layer is made from fuzzy suede and leather accents. The v-shaped side stripe gives this pair instant brand recognition, too. The extended tongue with a bold "Off The Wall" graphic adds a nice curb appeal, if that's what you're shopping for.
Though playful in color, these sneakers are straightforward enough incorporate into everyday 'fits and they come in tons of color combos for $75.
I see you, Vans. I am obsessed with this more femme expression of their shoes! I remember the first Vans Mary Janes from the Vans x Lisa Says Gah! collaboration being sold out for ages, but now, there are countless colors to shop from. These sporty shoes flaunt a low profile, contrast stitching, a rubberized toe, and the classic Mary Janes strap with an adjustable gold buckle. They're classy yet casual, so you can style them any way you want, really!
There are 8 more colorways to shop from for just $60. I love to see that price. As they've been since my middle school days, Vans is affordable, but their quality and durability is simply unmatched.
Reminiscent of some famous Nike and New Balance designs, the Hylane Shoe is just dripping in old school aesthetic. The leather and synthetic upper is ultra-chunky and padded, taking inspiration from skating shoes. The lightly-treaded outsole flexes the Vans logo, but the side stripe and puffy tongue clue you into the brand immediately.
I love the bold look of this green among the white, but there are 4 additional colors to pick from for $90.
These Vans give a super fun and sunny pop of color, especially for summertime! A brighter take on their classic Authentic Shoe which was first introduced in 1966, this newer interpretation boasts round laces instead of flat ones, a thin canvas upper, and an exceptionally low-rise silhouette that's easy to wear with anything.
These come in tons more colors and patterns for just $60.
The leather upper on these slip-ons gives such a slick and sleek appearance. They're like and elevated version of the OG canvas slip-ons, and they're superbly easy to dress up or down based on your mood. These Vans are pretty flat in design, but are surrounded by comfortable padding around the ankle. They also have a nice cushy insole for added comfort.
As you can imagine, these come in tons of colors. They cost $65.
So sporty! These lace-up shoes with the "flying V" graphic recalls vintage Vans styles. In fact, they're inspired by an archival 80's silhouette originally designed for playing tennis! I adore that they're super colorful with lots of playful accents that have personality. These sneaks are fitted with Vans' ComfyCush™ footbed and outsole for extra softness. The logo is embossed on the thick soles and tongue.
There's a handful of colors to pick from for $90.
I love me some nuetrals with a pop of color! These low-laying shoes have contrasting fat, fuzzy laces that offer a breath of fresh air. The suede upper feels sophisticated without being out of place. Like the Authentic Shoe with a slimmer shape, these don't boast a ton of extra bells and whistles, so they're great for everyday wear.
You can find the Authentic Lowpro Shoe in 3 more colors for $60.
Get a major boost from these 34 mm chunky platforms! They are very skater-y, which could be a cool contrast to a more polished ensemble. These flaunt a suede upper, 3D side stripe, oversized laces, and a puffy tongue for a total throwback vibe. I enjoy the earthy color palette of these shoes, but you can find them in 4 more colorways for $90.
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Images via Vans.
