By Rehan Iqbal
Many individuals from all walks of life enjoy the look and feel of a well-crafted pair of shoes. They’re about more than just tying an outfit together, though. You might purchase a pair of shoes with an eye on how they’ll perform while you’re on the job. So are Vans non slip - Yes! The 4 shoes listed below are non slip, but not all the Vans styles are.
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Professionals from many fields buy shoes that are slip-resistant. They use them to keep from losing their footing while in the midst of strenuous activities. Vans are a brand that is certainly popular with everyone from skateboarders to line cooks. Are they non-slip, though?
Let’s tackle that question right now.
So, are they Non-Slip?
If you’re looking for shoes that are specifically non-slip or slip-resistant, then you’re in luck, Daddy-O. If you check out the Vans website, you’ll see four pairs with outsoles made from vulcanized rubber, that are specifically given that designation.
The diamond and rhombus tread pattern helps channel liquids away from the shoe helping you stay on your feet without slipping up. But one con to the shoes is that they do not have an ASTM certification for slip resistance. Let’s run through the 4 non slip Vans styles..
Non-Slip Vans Styles
1. Vans Made for the Makers Old Skool UC Shoe
This is a rugged shoe for tough jobs. The Old Skool UC Shoe model comes in basic black and is ideal for a tattoo artist, barber, etc. They have both slip-resistant outsoles and lugged vulcanized insoles. They also have an upper portion made up of suede and canvas that repels any dirt and liquids you might encounter.
2. Vans Made for the Makers Slip-On UC Shoe
The Slip-On UC Shoe is another addition to the Made for the Makers line, and it’s a little easier on the wallet, as styles for women and men are both priced at $80. A painter or sculptor working in a studio all day would do well with a pair of these. They have the same non-slip outsoles and those lugged, vulcanized insoles that are typical of the Made for the Makers line. They also have UltraCush sock liners that give you maximum comfort.
3. Vans Made for the Makers Authentic UC Shoe
The Authentic UC Shoe, another Made for the Makers model, has similar features to the other two we’ve mentioned. The main difference between this one and the Slip-On version is that this model comes with laces. If you’d prefer laces versus the slipper-like slip-on model, this is probably your best bet. You’ll notice that the price point is identical to the Slip-On UC Shoe.
4. Vans Made for the Makers SK8-HI Reissue UC Shoe
Coming in at a slightly higher price point is the SK8-HI Reissue. This is a formidable-looking shoe that features laces and textured molding on the sides that you won’t see with the other three models we’ve mentioned. These shoes would serve you perfectly well in the restaurant industry or working in a warehouse. They would also be acceptable for anyone going out for a rousing day of snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Which Professions Like Vans the Most?
There’s no shortage of industries where Vans are the footwear of choice. You can find them on the feet of healthcare workers, fast food workers, and many others in and around the food service industry.
They are marketed mainly as shoes for individuals who are up on their feet for long, grueling shifts. Anyone working in a warehouse would be hard-pressed to find a better option. Vans feature comfortable cushioning that’s ideal if you’re walking, standing in one place for hours at a time, or whether your feet are constantly coming into contact with hard, unforgiving cement floors.
Are There Other Varieties of Vans that Have Good Traction?
Some readers might wonder about other models from the Vans company that are not specifically designated non-slip but still have some decent traction. There is one other option that fits the bill nicely.
You might go for a stylish pair of slip-on Checkered Vans. You get the iconic checkerboard pattern that Sean Penn’s infamous stoner character used as part of his wardrobe in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This model also has waffle-style indentations on the bottom. While not advertised as slip-resistant, you should get excellent traction with a pair of these.
Can You Do Anything to Make Checkered Vans More Slip-Resistant?
Say you buy a pair of Checkered Vans, and you want to make them more slip-resistant. There are multiple ways to give your Checkered Vans more of a non-slip effect. You can also try these techniques with other pairs of Vans if you don’t feel that the ones you selected are giving you enough traction. Traction spray is one inexpensive way to provide yourself with some extra grip strength.
You can check out various non-slip traction sprays on Amazon, or some athletic stores carry them as well. These sprays are made of chemicals that won’t dissolve in water. You can spray this substance directly onto the soles of your Vans. Apply the spray liberally, and then use a clean cloth and wipe away any excess.
Are There Any Other Ways to Make Your Vans Non-Slip?
If you bought a pair of Vans that were not given the non-slip designation, you have another option for getting more traction with them. You can use hairspray. It sounds crazy, but this technique has been proven to work.
Spray some hairspray onto a cloth, and then rub the cloth along your shoe’s soles. Hairsprays contain solvents that provide traction, and this is a cheap way to get the desired effect if you’ve bought some Vans that were not designed for slip-free work and play.
You can use a nailfiler or sandpaper to scuff up the soles of the shoe. This can provide adequate traction. But my advise would be to get the non slip Vans styles instead of trying these half baked DIY methods!
Are Vans Slip-Resistant Shoes as Good as Skechers Slip-Resistant Ones?
You might also be aware that Vans and Skechers are always in competition with each other. Each company markets itself to the same demographics. If you’re trying to choose between one of the slip-resistant Vans models we’ve mentioned or one from Skechers, which is the better option?
If you look at customer reviews, most individuals who want a reliable, slip-resistant work shoe appear to favor Vans over Skechers. The prevailing belief is that Skechers is more of leisure brand. They’re fashionable and reasonably-priced, but even ones like the Nampa-Groton Food Service Shoe SR can’t stand up to the toughness of the Vans Made for the Makers line. Though the prices are comparable, most consumers seem to believe that you’re better off going with Vans.
Are Vans the Right Choice for Your Situation?
Vans combine style with comfort. They’re practical but also iconic. The four we mentioned from the Made for the Makers line are the only ones specifically referred to as non-slip by the company. However, we’ve detailed how you can make one of the other models slip-resistant with some hairspray or traction spray.
All that remains is to ask yourself whether you’re cool enough to sport a pair of Vans to your job or the local skate park. If you are, a nice pair or wrap-around Ray Bans should complete the look.
Are Vans the Slip-Resistant on All Types of Surfaces?
Van non-slip shoes are a good choice for people who work in environments where slip hazards are common. This can be in warehouse, hospital or restaurant floors. They are slip resistance on a variety of surfaces such as -
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