Are Vans Shoes Good For Cycling? The Answer May Surprise You
From their skateboarding roots to the world of cycling, Vans shoes have been gaining popularity as a viable option for biking.
Are Vans really good for cycling?
With their unique design and features, it’s important to look at both the pros and cons of wearing Vans sneakers when cycling.
In this article, we’ll explore whether Vans can be used as cycling shoes and if they can compete with dedicated biking shoes.
The Good, Bad, And Ugly Of Wearing Vans For Cycling
One main advantage of Vans shoes is that the flat soles and rubber outsoles provided great grip when pedaling, which can help prevent slipping while riding your bike.
The shoes were also comfortable and easy to break in, making them ideal for casual rides.
Many people find Vans stylish enough to wear even after their ride is done.
On the other hand, there are some challenges with wearing Vans when cycling.
For starters, they don’t provide nearly as much support as dedicated mountain biking shoes.
That means they won’t help you stay planted on your pedals during rough terrain or pump tracks.
They also aren’t designed with stiff soles which can be beneficial when tackling wet conditions or long rides.
Without the extra grip from cycling shoes, riders are more likely to slip off the pedals which can lead to serious falls and injuries.
Cycling footwear is designed with specific features that protect your feet from fatigue-causing pressure points and provides adequate arch support that prevents overstretched calf muscles while pedaling.
Wearing regular shoes while cycling will put you at risk of jamming your toes or causing pain as your foot slides inside the shoe as you pedal down the road.
Can I Use Vans For Cycling?
Vans may not be the first shoes that come to mind when thinking about cycling, but they can certainly provide an alternative for those who want to ride with style.
While Vans are not specifically designed for cycling, they can be used as flat MTB shoes.
They come in a variety of styles and colors so you can match your style with the rest of your outfit no matter what activity you’ll be doing.
Vans may not provide the same level of grip and stickiness that specialized cycling shoes have, but for those looking for a lightweight kickabout on the bike, then Vans could be a decent option to consider.
The biggest advantage to using these shoes is their light weight and ease of transport compared to some heavier models of dedicated cycling footwear.
This makes them great for commuting or longer rides since they aren’t as cumbersome or heavy to carry around with you on the bike.
You also don’t need to worry about them catching on to anything while you’re pedaling away.
However, since their soles are usually quite flexible it puts more pressure on your feet, so ensure that the fit is right before heading out on the road or trail.
Are Vans Shoes Strong Enough For Frequent Biking Use?
As someone who has used Vans shoes for biking for over a year, I can attest to their durability.
Despite being designed primarily as casual footwear, the rubber soles and tough canvas uppers can withstand frequent use on the bike.
I’ve taken them out in wet conditions and put them through some rough terrain with no major signs of wear and tear.
The sole is great for flat pedals and provides enough grip that you don’t slip around during hard efforts.
While they may not be as grippy as a dedicated mountain biking shoe, they still provide enough traction to keep your feet securely planted on the pedals.
Are MTB Flat Shoes Better Than Vans?
Mtb flat pedal shoes are an essential piece of equipment for many cyclists.
They offer several advantages over vans when it comes to biking.
Mtb shoes provide superior grip and traction on the pedals due to their more aggressive tread pattern, which is ideal for off-road cycling or riding in muddy conditions.
Moreover, they tend to have stiffer soles with better arch support than other types of shoes, allowing for greater power transfer from your foot to the bike’s drivetrain and ultimately providing a smoother ride experience.
Modify Your Vans Shoes For Biking
Modifying Vans shoes for biking can be an easy and cost-effective way to get the perfect fit for your cycling needs.
One way to do this is to add grip by applying grip tape or shoe pads onto the soles of your Vans shoes.
This can help prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals, especially during wet and muddy rides.
Additionally, you can also install cleats in your Vans shoes yourself using pedal adapters.
Doing so will improve power transfer and efficiency while providing a better grip on the pedals.
Vans may lack cushioning in the soles, making for an uncomfortable ride during extended trips.
To combat this, add specialized insoles for biking for additional support and comfort.
This can help protect your feet from hotspots and other injuries. With this in mind, you can enjoy a much smoother ride on your bike.
To remedy the lack of air circulation inside Vans shoes, you can add mesh panels or cut-outs to the uppers.
This will ensure better airflow, while also limiting the amount of sweat your feet build-up, keeping them cool and comfortable.
Vans shoes typically feature classic laces, but they can come undone or get tangled in the bike chain.
To prevent this issue, you can switch out the laces for elastic or Velcro straps. They’ll stay in place, and you can adjust them on the go with no issue.
Making simple adjustments like these can greatly improve your experience while cycling in Vans shoes.
Can Vans Shoes Compete With Specialized Biking Shoes?
Vans have been popular among bike riders for many years and they can certainly provide some protection while riding.
However, if you want the best performance possible on your bicycle, dedicated biking shoes have superior advantages.
Dedicated biking shoes offer a range of features that vans simply cannot compete with.
For example, these types of shoes often come with stiffer soles designed specifically for pedaling efficiency as well as cleats that attach directly to pedals for greater power transfer from the leg to the pedal stroke.
They also usually feature breathable material and reinforced toe boxes to protect against impacts during crashes or landings from jumps.
While Vans don’t offer many of the specialized features found in dedicated biking shoes, they do have their advantages.
For one, Vans are much more affordable than cycling shoes and come in a variety of stylish designs that won’t look out of place on casual rides.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference and riding style.
If you’re looking for serious performance and comfort when cycling, then a pair of dedicated cycling shoes from brands like Pearl Izumi is probably your best bet.
But if you’re just planning on taking casual rides around town or hitting up some easy trails, then a pair of modified Vans will do the job just fine.
Are Vans More Affordable Than MTB Shoes?
When it comes to cycling, Vans shoes are not the first choice that comes to mind.
However, their cost versus Mtb shoes might make them a more viable option for some cyclists.
Here are how the prices of Vans Shoes compare with those of Mtb Shoes:
- The average price of Vans shoes ranges from $50 to $80, depending on the style and type.
- In comparison, basic MTB shoes can cost up to $100 or even $200 for high-end models.
Depending on your budget and needs, either could be an appropriate option – so do your research before making any decisions.
Are Vans Good For BMX Biking?
Vans are a great choice for BMX bikers looking for grip, comfort, and protection.
This popular style of shoe lasts between 6 and 10 months of aggressive wear which still makes them a great budgetary option.
To get the most out of your Vans when biking, opt for a lace-up low-top style.
This offers a superior grip, keeping you connected to the pedals with each stunt or turn.
Additionally, it will not obstruct your tricks as can happen if you go with their hi-top models that provide more ankle support.
One thing to note is that while Vans give good protection initially, serious crashes can cause them to tear up quickly and easily.
If you want an affordable shoe that provides a good grip and some protection against scrapes and scratches then Vans are an excellent option when it comes to BMX biking.
A Good Alternative For Casual Cyclists
Vans shoes can be a decent alternative for biking, depending on your needs.
For those who are just starting or want to try it as a recreational hobby, Vans offers the perfect combination of comfort and style.
For most casual cyclists, Vans make an excellent choice since they’re comfortable enough to wear all day without any issues related to arch support or overall foot fatigue.
Plus, their prices tend to be much lower than specialized MTB shoes so budget-conscious riders don’t have to worry about breaking the bank either.
My Verdict
I think that Vans shoes are great for recreationists.
It’s affordable and durable enough for casual and lightweight mountain biking.
They offer superior grip, making it less clumsy to maneuver your bike.
Vans have a flat sole that is ideal for bike pedals and is going to stay put so you won’t slip or have to adjust the peddles constantly.
This can be especially helpful if you’re planning on doing tricks or going up hills as you will have better control of your pedals giving you better balance when performing stunts or steep inclines.
