Are Vans Good For Lifting? [Must Read]

People with a tight budget often wonder- are Vans good for lifting? As a matter of fact, they are. I can’t say they’re the best in the market, but a pair of Vans will do fine for most weightlifting workouts. 

However, there are also a few lifting you can’t do wearing Vans. That’s why this issue needs a little more detailing. Keep reading to see what a pair of Vans can do for you. 

 

 

Are Vans Good For Lifting?

Vans shoes come with robust and flat soles, which is convenient for weightlifting. However, some lifting like deadlifts and squats are friendlier with a pair of Vans. Some exercises may not blend well with Vans. We’ll get to that later. 

For now, let’s see why Vans is a suitable selection for lifting. 

Affordable 

Vans are comparatively reasonable in price. If you’re searching for something in your budget range, they can be an intelligent choice. Besides, they work better than running shoes.

Lifting shoes are pretty expensive. So, by getting a pair of Vans, you’re saving money and being smart at the same time. Vans are the way to go if you don’t weightlift frequently and don’t want to spend a lot of money on your lifting shoes. 

Versatile 

There are both high-top and low-top shoes available with Vans. These shoes come with different specialties. For example, a high-top shoe can help you maintain the perfect body posture when you’re lifting weights. 

In comparison, low-top shoes are more suitable when you want to keep your ankle free for superior flexibility. Depending on your exercise type, you can go for either shoe type for your convenience. 

Durable 

You may already know that the first time Vans were introduced, they were intended for skateboarding. This requires landing on the ground with force, which means Vans are robust enough to endure that. 

That being said, if you use a pair of Vans for lifting weights, they’ll work the same way and last a lot longer than ordinary shoes. 

Breathable 

The premium materials used in producing Vans make them incredibly breathable. Plain-woven fabric is used for making Vans. It ensures that your feet stay in place even when doing flexible exercises and lets your feet breathe through the fabric.

That’s why the inside of the shoes don’t get heated up that much, allowing you to stay comfortable while exercising. 

Non-Slip Sole

The sole works wonder for lifters because of Van’s anti-slip feature. Vans offer excellent stability for squats and deadlifts. So, for these particular lifting exercises, Vans can prove to be an intelligent choice. 

Even though there are better options for weightlifting, Vans is better if you are searching for an affordable option. 

Zero-Drop

Vans are zero-drop shoes. If you don’t know what a zero-drop feature is, the shoe doesn’t have any drop on its sole from toe to heel. It’s an excellent feature for stability.

Lifting requires superior stability that Vans can offer with its zero-drop feature. Besides, the low arch support can serve you better if you want your exercise to be more intense. 

When Should You Not Wear Vans?

Even though Vans can be comfortable for deadlifts and squats, some exercises require different types of shoes. 

The first exercise to avoid when wearing Vans is lunges. When you bend your toe during lunges, it can be difficult for you if you’re Vans. Besides, the shoe isn’t designed to endure such bending, so you’re basically shortening its lifespan. 

Calf exercises also involve some moves where you need to bend your toes. Try to avoid wearing Vans while performing calf exercises for the same reason as lunges. 

Some agility exercises may require you to stand on your toes. In addition, they include moving quickly using your toes. Vans can be significantly inconvenient for these exercises. Using a pair of running shoes for these exercises will result in a lot better outcome. 

Even though cardio workouts and running don’t come under lifting exercises, you should know that it’s not a good idea to use Vans for these. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are Vans true to size? 

Vans shoes are indeed true to size, unlike many other brands. However, you won’t find any half sizes in Vans. That can cause a slight inconvenience for people who like their shoes to be super fit. My recommendation here is to always go for the upper size if you wear a half size. 

For instance, if you generally wear six and a half size shoe, you should go for a size seven when getting a pair from Vans. This way, you can ensure that your shoes don’t get too tight for you when you’re lifting. 

Q. Is it better to weightlift barefoot or wearing Vans?

There is nothing better than being barefoot when you’re weightlifting. You can get the highest outcome of your exercise if you are barefoot. However, not all gyms will allow you to exercise barefoot. 

In this case, you can either go for shoes made explicitly for lifting or a pair of Vans. However, if you feel uncomfortable wearing Vans, it might be a good idea to invest in a pair of new shoes for lifting. 

Q. How long do Vans shoes last? 

There’s no definite time duration of a shoe’s longevity. It mostly depends on how rigorously you’re using a pair. However, for Vans shoes, the estimated duration is about two years. You can also lengthen this period by taking good care of the pair. 

Q. Why are lifting shoes expensive? 

When a pair of shoes is made for any specific purpose, they are naturally a bit pricey. The reason is that they require some unique features that ordinary shoes don’t have. Besides, the materials used for making are premium in quality, making your weightlifting easier and more effective. 

That’s why lifting shoes tend to be more expensive than others. You get what you pay for. 

Q. Are lifting shoes worth it?

It depends. If your lifting is limited to deadlifts and squatting, there’s no reason to invest in a pair of expensive shoes. Vans works too. However, if you’re more versatile with your exercise, a pair of lifting shoes may not be the worst idea. 

The frequency of your lifting is also a deciding factor here. If you’re involved in regular, intense exercising, lifting shoes can make your sessions comparatively more effortless and effective. On the contrary, if you’re not a regular exerciser, you can skip on those fancy lifting shoes.

Of course, if you simply want a pair and you can afford them, you should get a pair without any second thoughts. 

Final Words

So, are vans good for lifting? They are somewhat good. There are better options, but some weightlifting exercises will do excellent with a pair of Vans. 

If you’re a bit tight on budget and don’t want to experiment by investing in lifting shoes, Vans is the one to go for. Nonetheless, while some exercises like squats and deadlifts may do fine with Vans, some may not. 

Make sure that you don’t endanger yourself only because you don’t know enough about suitable shoes. Know your shoes before you enter the gym with the first pair you find.