Vans vs Airwalk Shoes | Which is Right for You?

Are you trying to decide between Vans and Airwalk shoes? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ll compare these two popular shoe brands to help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your feet and style.

We’ll look at everything from how comfy they are to how long they last, so you can make the best choice for your next pair of kicks.

Vans vs Airwalk Shoes

The main difference between Vans and Airwalk shoes is their history and reputation. Vans is known for skateboarding shoes that last a long time, while Airwalk makes comfy shoes that are often cheaper.

Vans shoes might take time to feel comfy, but Airwalk shoes usually feel good right away. Both brands have cool styles, but Vans is more famous for its classic look.

Now, let’s create a detailed comparison table for Vans vs Airwalk Shoes:

Feature	Vans	Airwalk
Price	Usually $50 to $80	Usually $30 to $60
Comfort	Takes time to break in	Comfortable from the start
Durability	Known for lasting a long time	May not last as long as Vans
Style	Classic, skater-inspired designs	More varied, modern designs
Best for	Skateboarding, casual wear	Casual wear, everyday comfort
Materials	Often canvas and suede	Mix of canvas and synthetic materials
Breathability	Good, especially canvas styles	Varies, some styles very breathable
Cushioning	Less cushioning, flatter feel	Often more cushioned
Size options	Offers some wide sizes	Usually no wide sizes
Customization	Can design your own on website	No official customization

In summary: Vans and Airwalk both make cool shoes, but they’re a bit different. Vans are great if you like skateboarding or want shoes that last a long time. They might take a while to feel comfy, though.

Airwalk shoes are usually cheaper and feel good right away. They have lots of fun styles too. Both brands make shoes that look good for everyday wear. The best choice depends on what you like and what feels good on your feet!

Also Read: Vans vs Adidas

What’s the Big Deal About Vans and Airwalk?

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why Vans and Airwalk are such big names in the shoe world.

Both brands have been around for a while and are known for making shoes that skaters, surfers, and other cool people love to wear.

They’re not just for sports though – lots of kids and grown-ups wear them every day because they look awesome and feel great.

How Do They Hold Up? Durability Face-Off

When you’re picking out shoes, you want to make sure they’ll last a long time, right? Let’s see how Vans and Airwalk compare when it comes to durability.

Vans: Built to Last

Vans shoes are famous for being tough. They’re made with strong materials that can handle a lot of wear and tear.

The soles are often thick and sturdy, which means they won’t wear down quickly even if you’re rough on your shoes. Many kids who skateboard love Vans because they can take the abuse of sliding on a skateboard and still look good.

Airwalk: Holding Their Own

Airwalk shoes are also pretty durable, but they might not be quite as tough as Vans. They use good materials too, but some people say they don’t last quite as long, especially if you’re really hard on your shoes.

But for everyday wear, Airwalk shoes can still hold up well and look good for a long time.

Can Your Feet Breathe? All About Shoe Breathing

You know that yucky feeling when your feet get all sweaty and hot? That’s why it’s important for shoes to let your feet breathe. Let’s see how Vans and Airwalk do in this department.

Vans: Cool and Breezy

Most Vans shoes are made with materials that let air flow through pretty well. They often use canvas, which is a light fabric that helps keep your feet from getting too sweaty.

Some Vans shoes even have little holes in them to let more air in, which is super cool (literally!).

Airwalk: Keeping Things Fresh

Airwalk also makes shoes that let your feet breathe, but it can depend on which style you choose.

Some Airwalk shoes use materials that are really good at letting air in and out, while others might be a bit warmer. If you’re worried about sweaty feet, look for Airwalk shoes made with lighter materials or mesh parts.

Bouncy or Flat? All About Cushioning

When you’re walking or running around all day, you want your shoes to feel soft and comfy, right? That’s where cushioning comes in. Let’s see how Vans and Airwalk stack up in the cushion department.

Vans: Skater-Style Cushioning

Vans shoes often have a flatter feel, which is great for skateboarding because it lets you feel the board better.

But don’t worry – they’re not uncomfortable! Many Vans shoes have special insoles that make them feel soft when you walk. Some of their newer shoes even have extra cushioning to make them super comfy for all-day wear.

Airwalk: Comfort for Days

Airwalk shoes often focus on making their shoes really comfortable with lots of cushioning.

Many of their shoes have thick, squishy soles that feel great when you’re walking or standing for a long time. If you like shoes that feel like you’re walking on clouds, you might really like some Airwalk styles.

Also Read: Vans vs Barefoot

Finding the Right Fit

Getting shoes that fit just right is super important. If they’re too big or too small, they can hurt your feet or make you trip. Let’s see how Vans and Airwalk handle shoe fitting.

Vans: True to Size

Most people find that Vans shoes fit true to size, which means if you usually wear a size 7, a size 7 in Vans will probably fit you well.

They come in lots of different widths too, so whether your feet are narrow or wide, you can usually find a pair that fits just right.

Airwalk: A Bit of Variety

Airwalk shoes can be a little trickier when it comes to finding the right fit. Some people say they run a little big, while others think they’re true to size.

It might depend on which style you choose. If you’re buying Airwalk shoes, it’s a good idea to try them on first or read reviews to see what other kids say about the sizing.

Staying Steady: All About Stability

When you’re running around or playing sports, you want shoes that keep your feet steady and help you balance. This is called stability. Let’s see how our two shoe brands do in this area.

Vans: Skater-Approved Stability

Vans shoes are designed with stability in mind, especially for skateboarding. They often have flat, wide soles that give you a good base to stand on.

This can help you feel more balanced whether you’re on a skateboard or just walking down the street.

Airwalk: Keeping You Grounded

Airwalk shoes also offer good stability, but in a slightly different way. Many of their shoes have thicker soles with special patterns on the bottom.

These patterns, called treads, can help grip the ground and keep you from slipping. This can be great for everyday activities or light sports.

Comfort is Key

We’ve talked about cushioning and fit, but let’s dive a little deeper into overall comfort. After all, you want shoes that feel good all day long, right?

Vans: Breaking In Nicely

When you first get a pair of Vans, they might feel a little stiff. But don’t worry! Many people say that Vans get more and more comfortable as you wear them.

After a little while, they can feel like they were made just for your feet. The canvas material molds to your foot shape, which is pretty cool.

Airwalk: Comfort from Day One

Airwalk shoes are often designed to be super comfortable right from the start. They usually use soft materials and have lots of padding inside.

This means you might not need to “break them in” as much as Vans. If you want shoes that feel great as soon as you put them on, Airwalk might be a good choice.

Quality Check: How Well Are They Made?

When you’re spending your money on shoes, you want to make sure you’re getting good quality, right? Let’s look at how well Vans and Airwalk shoes are put together.

Vans: Reputation for Quality

Vans has been making shoes for a long time, and they’re known for doing a good job. Their shoes are usually well-made, with strong stitching and good materials. This is one reason why they often last a long time, even if you wear them a lot.

Airwalk: Decent Quality at a Good Price

Airwalk shoes are generally well-made too, but some people think they’re not quite as high-quality as Vans.

However, Airwalk shoes are often less expensive, so you might feel like you’re getting a good deal. They still use good materials and should hold up well for everyday use.

Style Check: Looking Cool

Of course, you want your shoes to look awesome! Both Vans and Airwalk have lots of cool styles, but they each have their own look.

Vans: Classic Cool

Vans are famous for their classic, simple styles. They have shoes with patterns like checkerboard that never go out of style.

They also make lots of bright colors and even shoes where you can design your own look. If you like shoes that have been cool for a long time and probably always will be, you might love Vans.

Airwalk: Fun and Fresh

Airwalk shoes often have more modern, funky designs. They play around with different shapes and colors to make shoes that really stand out. If you like shoes that look unique and maybe a little more “out there,” Airwalk might be right up your alley.

Size Matters: Finding Your Perfect Fit

We talked a bit about fit earlier, but let’s dive a little deeper into sizing. Getting the right size is super important for comfort and for keeping your feet healthy.

Vans: Consistent Sizing

One good thing about Vans is that their sizes are pretty consistent. This means that once you know your size in Vans, you can usually order the same size in different styles and they’ll fit about the same. They also offer half sizes, which can help you get an even better fit.

Airwalk: Check the Size Chart

With Airwalk, it’s a good idea to look at the size chart for each style. Sometimes their sizes can be a little different from one shoe to another. They also offer half sizes in many styles. If you’re ordering online, make sure to measure your foot and compare it to their size chart to get the best fit.

Also Read: Vans vs Nike

What Are They Made Of? All About Materials

The stuff your shoes are made of can make a big difference in how they feel, how long they last, and how they look. Let’s check out what Vans and Airwalk use to make their shoes.

Vans: Canvas and Suede Classics

Vans are famous for using canvas in many of their shoes. Canvas is a tough fabric that’s also pretty light, which is why Vans are comfy but strong.

They also use suede in some shoes, which is a soft kind of leather that looks really cool. For the soles, Vans often use rubber that’s good for gripping your skateboard or the ground.

Airwalk: Mix and Match

Airwalk uses a variety of materials in their shoes. Like Vans, they use canvas in some styles. They also use synthetic materials (that’s stuff made by humans, not found in nature) that can be light and easy to clean.

Some Airwalk shoes use mesh, which is great for letting your feet breathe. Their soles are usually made of rubber too, but it might be a different kind than what Vans uses.

Light as a Feather? All About Weight

Nobody wants to feel like they’re lugging around heavy weights on their feet. Let’s see how Vans and Airwalk compare when it comes to how much their shoes weigh.

Vans: Light and Right

Most Vans shoes are pretty light, especially the classic canvas styles. This is great because it means your feet don’t get tired as quickly when you’re walking around all day. Even their chunkier styles aren’t usually too heavy.

Airwalk: Depends on the Style

Airwalk shoes can vary more in weight. Some of their simpler styles are nice and light, kind of like Vans. But some of their shoes with thicker soles or more padding might be a bit heavier. If you’re concerned about weight, look for Airwalk styles that are similar to their classic sneakers.

Bend and Flex: All About Flexibility

You want your shoes to move with your feet, right? That’s where flexibility comes in. Let’s see how bendy and stretchy Vans and Airwalk shoes can be.

Vans: Moving with You

Vans shoes, especially the canvas ones, are usually pretty flexible. This means they bend easily with your foot as you walk, run, or skate. The rubber soles are designed to be bendy too, which is great for skateboarding tricks or just everyday comfort.

Airwalk: Flex Appeal

Many Airwalk shoes are flexible too, but it can depend on the style. Their simpler sneakers often bend and move well with your foot. Some of their chunkier styles with thicker soles might be a little stiffer, but they usually loosen up as you wear them.

Also Read: Vans vs Air Force 1

Splish Splash: Water Resistance

Sometimes you might get caught in the rain or step in a puddle. How do Vans and Airwalk handle a little water?

Vans: Not Exactly Waterproof

Most Vans shoes aren’t really made to keep water out. The canvas material can soak up water pretty easily. But there’s good news – Vans does make some water-resistant styles if you look for them. These special shoes have been treated to help keep your feet dry in light rain.

Airwalk: Similar Story

Like Vans, most regular Airwalk shoes aren’t great at keeping water out. But they do have some styles that are better in wet conditions. Look for Airwalk shoes that say they’re water-resistant if you’re worried about rain or puddles.

The Bottom Line: All About Soles

The soles of your shoes are super important. They protect your feet, provide grip, and can make a big difference in comfort. Let’s take a closer look at the soles of Vans and Airwalk shoes.

Vans: Waffle Grip

Vans are famous for their waffle soles. These soles have a special pattern that looks like a waffle and provides really good grip. This is great for skateboarding, but it’s also good for everyday walking and running around. Vans soles are usually made of tough rubber that lasts a long time.

Airwalk: Variety in Soles

Airwalk uses different kinds of soles depending on the shoe style. Some have flat soles that are a bit like Vans, while others have chunkier soles with deeper treads. The material is usually rubber, but it might be a different kind than what Vans uses. Some Airwalk soles are designed for better grip on slippery surfaces.

What Do Other Kids Think? User Reviews

It’s always good to know what other people think about shoes before you buy them. We’ve collected some reviews from kids like you who have worn Vans and Airwalk shoes. Check out this table to see what they had to say:

Brand	User Review	Rating
Vans	“Super comfy after breaking in. Love the style!”	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vans	“Great for skateboarding, but wear out kind of fast.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vans	“Fits true to size and looks cool with everything.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airwalk	“Really comfortable right away. Lots of fun colors.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airwalk	“Good price, but didn’t last as long as I hoped.”	⭐⭐⭐
Airwalk	“Super light and comfy. Great for walking around all day.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐

How Much Do They Cost?

Of course, price is important when you’re choosing shoes. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay for Vans and Airwalk shoes:

Brand	Price Range
Vans	$50 – $80
Airwalk	$30 – $60

Remember, these are just average prices. You might find some styles that cost more or less, especially if there’s a sale!

Pros and Cons

Brand	Pros ✅	Cons ⚠️
Vans	Last a long time	Can be uncomfortable at first
	Great for skateboarding	Usually more expensive than Airwalk
	Classic style that many people like	Not as cushioned for long walks
	Lots of colors and patterns to choose from	Not very good in wet weather
	You can design your own on their website	Might be too flat for some people
Airwalk	Usually cheaper than Vans	Might not last as long as Vans
	Comfortable right when you put them on	Not as good for skateboarding
	Lots of cushioning for comfy walking	Fewer classic styles
	Many fun and colorful designs	Not as many size options
	Good for everyday wear	Can’t customize them on a website

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground talking about Vans and Airwalk shoes! Both brands have their strong points, and which one is best for you really depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose Vans if:

• You love classic, skateboard-inspired style
• You want shoes that are known for lasting a long time
• You like shoes that get more comfortable as you wear them
• You’re into skateboarding or just love that skater look

Choose Airwalk if:

• You want shoes that are comfortable right from the start
• You’re looking for more affordable options
• You like trying out fun, unique designs
• You want shoes with lots of cushioning for all-day comfort

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel good in your shoes. Try on both brands if you can, and go with the ones that feel the best on your feet and make you feel awesome when you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions