Vans vs Etnies Shoes

Today, we’re going to talk about two awesome shoe brands that you’ve probably seen around: Vans and Etnies.

If you’re trying to decide which ones to get, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down everything you need to know about these cool kicks, so you can pick the perfect pair for your feet.

Vans vs Etnies Shoes

The main difference between Vans and Etnies shoes is their origin and focus. Vans started as a casual shoe brand that became popular with skaters, while Etnies was created specifically for skateboarding.

Vans are known for their simple, classic styles and comfy fit. Etnies are more technical, with extra padding and special features for skating.

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

Feature	Vans	Etnies
History	Started in 1966 in California	Founded in 1986 by a pro skateboarder
Style	Classic, simple designs	More modern, technical look
Fit	Often wider, true to size	Usually snugger, may need to size up
Cushioning	Basic, comfortable	Advanced, lots of padding
Durability	Good for everyday wear	Extra tough for skateboarding
Materials	Mostly canvas, some suede and leather	Mix of suede, leather, and high-tech fabrics
Sole	Famous waffle pattern	Varied patterns for different skate needs
Breathability	Good, especially canvas models	Very good, with special materials
Weight	Generally lightweight	Can be a bit heavier due to extra features
Price	$50 – $95	$55 – $100

In summary: To sum it up, Vans are great all-around shoes that work for skating and everyday wear. They’re comfy, come in lots of colors, and have a classic look. Etnies are more focused on skateboarding, with extra features to help you skate better and protect your feet.

They’re super durable and have more advanced technology. Both brands make good shoes, so the best choice depends on what you want to use them for and what style you like best.

Also Read: Vans vs Fila

What’s the Deal with Vans and Etnies?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what makes these brands special. Vans and Etnies are both popular choices for skateboarders, but lots of people wear them just because they look cool too.

Vans: The OG Skate Shoe

Vans started way back in 1966 in California. They became super popular with skateboarders because their shoes had tough soles that gripped the skateboard well. Now, people all over the world wear Vans, whether they skate or not.

Etnies: The Skater-Owned Brand

Etnies came along a bit later, in 1986. What’s cool about Etnies is that it was started by a professional skateboarder. This means they really know what skaters need in a shoe.

Now that we know a bit about where these shoes come from, let’s see how they stack up against each other.

Durability: Which Shoe Can Take a Beating?

When you’re skating (or just running around with your friends), you need shoes that won’t fall apart. Let’s see how Vans and Etnies hold up.

Vans: Tough as Nails

Vans are known for being super durable. Their classic style, like the Vans Old Skool, has a sturdy canvas upper and a rubber sole that can handle a lot of wear and tear. The rubber on the sides (called the foxing tape) helps protect the shoe when you’re doing tricks on your skateboard.

Etnies: Built to Last

Etnies also makes durable shoes, especially their skate models. They use strong materials like suede and leather, which can take a lot of abuse. Some Etnies shoes have extra reinforcement in high-wear areas, which is great for skaters.

The Verdict on Durability: Both brands make tough shoes, but Vans might have a slight edge for everyday wear. If you’re a serious skater, though, Etnies’ extra reinforcements could be a game-changer.

Breathing Room: Keeping Your Feet Fresh

Nobody likes stinky, sweaty feet. Let’s see how these shoes help keep your feet cool and dry.

Vans: Classic Breathability

Most Vans shoes are made with canvas, which is pretty good at letting air flow. This means your feet can breathe, especially on hot days. Some newer Vans models even have special mesh areas for extra airflow.

Etnies: Tech for Your Toes

Etnies has put a lot of work into making their shoes breathable. Many of their models use materials like mesh and have little holes (called perforations) to let air in and out. Some Etnies shoes even have special linings that help wick away sweat.

Breathing Room Winner: It’s a close call, but Etnies might have the upper hand here with their focus on breathable tech.

Cushioning: Comfort for Your Soles

Whether you’re skating or just walking to school, you want shoes that feel good on your feet. Let’s look at how Vans and Etnies cushion your steps.

Vans: Simple Comfort

Vans keeps things pretty simple with their cushioning. Most of their shoes have a basic insole (the part inside the shoe that your foot rests on) that provides some cushioning. Some newer Vans models have added extra cushioning, especially in the heel area.

Etnies: Science in Your Shoes

Etnies goes all out with cushioning technology. Many of their shoes have special foam insoles that mold to your feet. Some models even have extra cushioning in the heel and under the ball of your foot, which can help absorb impact when you’re jumping or skating.

Cushioning Champion: Etnies takes the win here with their focus on advanced cushioning tech.

Also Read: Vans vs Crocs

How They Fit: Finding Your Perfect Pair

Getting the right fit is super important. Let’s see how Vans and Etnies measure up when it comes to finding your size.

Vans: True to Size

Most people find that Vans fit true to size, which means if you usually wear a size 7, a size 7 in Vans will probably fit you well. Vans tend to have a wider fit, which is great if you have wider feet.

Etnies: Snug and Secure

Etnies shoes often fit a bit more snugly than Vans. This can be good for skating because it gives you more control. Some people find they need to go up half a size in Etnies compared to their usual size.

Fit Finder: If you like a roomier fit, Vans might be your best bet. If you prefer a snug fit, especially for skating, Etnies could be the way to go.

Stability: Keeping You on Your Feet

Whether you’re on a skateboard or just walking around, you want shoes that help you stay balanced. Let’s check out the stability of Vans and Etnies.

Vans: Flat and Steady

Vans are known for their flat soles, which give you a good feel for your skateboard. This flat design also makes them pretty stable for everyday walking. The waffle pattern on the bottom of Vans provides good grip on different surfaces.

Etnies: Skater-Approved Stability

Etnies designs their shoes with skaters in mind, so stability is a big focus. Many Etnies shoes have a cupsole design (where the sole wraps up around the sides of the shoe a bit) which can give extra stability. They also use different patterns on the soles to provide grip for various skating moves.

Stability Standout: For skating, Etnies might have an edge in stability. For everyday wear, both brands offer good stability.

Comfort: Happy Feet All Day Long

You want shoes that feel good from the moment you put them on until you take them off at night. Let’s see how comfy Vans and Etnies are.

Vans: Classic Comfort

Vans are known for being comfortable right out of the box. Their simple design means there’s not much to rub or pinch your feet. The canvas material is soft and flexible, which adds to the comfort.

Etnies: Tech-Enhanced Comfort

Etnies puts a lot of focus on making their shoes comfortable for skating and everyday wear. They often use softer materials around the ankle and tongue to prevent rubbing. The extra cushioning in Etnies shoes can make them super comfy for all-day wear.

Comfort King: Both brands are comfy, but Etnies might have a slight edge thanks to their extra cushioning and skater-focused design.

Quality: Built to Last

When you’re spending your money on shoes, you want them to be well-made. Let’s look at the quality of Vans and Etnies.

Vans: Tried and True

Vans has been making shoes for a long time, and they’ve got their process down pat. Their classic styles are known for being well-made and lasting a long time. The stitching on Vans is usually very good, which helps the shoes hold together.

Etnies: Skater-Tested Quality

Etnies puts their shoes through a lot of testing to make sure they can handle skateboarding. This means they often use stronger materials and pay extra attention to areas that get a lot of wear. The quality of Etnies shoes is generally very good, especially in their higher-end models.

Quality Quest: Both brands make quality shoes, but Etnies might have a slight advantage when it comes to skate-specific features.

Also Read: Vans vs Cariuma

Style: Looking Cool on and off the Board

Let’s face it, you want shoes that look good too! Vans and Etnies both have their own unique styles.

Vans: Iconic Looks

Vans is famous for their classic styles like the Old Skool, Authentic, and Sk8-Hi. These shoes have been popular for decades and come in tons of colors and patterns. Vans are great for creating a casual, laid-back look.

Etnies: Skater Chic

Etnies has a more modern, technical look to their shoes. They often have more padding and visible technology. Etnies also offers a range of styles from sleek and simple to bold and eye-catching.

Style Star: This one’s really up to your personal taste! Vans might be better if you like classic, versatile styles. Etnies could be your pick if you want a more modern, skate-inspired look.

Size Matters: Finding the Right Fit

Getting the right size is super important for comfort and performance. Here’s how Vans and Etnies handle sizing.

Vans: Consistent Sizing

Vans are pretty consistent with their sizing across different styles. They offer a good range of sizes, including half sizes, which can help you get the perfect fit.

Etnies: Performance Fit

Etnies sizes can vary a bit more between different models. They often recommend going up half a size from your usual size, especially for their skate shoes. Etnies also offers a good range of sizes.

Sizing Sensation: Vans might be easier to size if you’re buying online, but Etnies’ performance fit could be better if you’re serious about skating.

Material World: What Are These Shoes Made Of?

The materials used in your shoes can affect how they look, feel, and last. Let’s check out what Vans and Etnies use to make their kicks.

Vans: Classic Canvas and More

Vans is famous for using canvas in many of their shoes. Canvas is light, breathable, and easy to clean. They also use suede and leather in some models. The soles are usually made of rubber with Vans’ signature waffle pattern.

Etnies: High-Tech Materials

Etnies uses a variety of materials, including suede, leather, and synthetic fabrics. They often incorporate more technical materials like mesh for breathability and special foams for cushioning. Etnies soles are usually made of rubber, sometimes with added materials for extra grip or durability.

Material Master: If you like classic, simple materials, Vans might be your pick. If you’re into more technical, performance-focused materials, Etnies could be the way to go.

Weight: Light on Your Feet

Nobody wants to feel like they’re wearing bricks on their feet. Let’s see how heavy Vans and Etnies are.

Vans: Lightweight Classics

Most Vans shoes are pretty light, thanks to their simple design and materials like canvas. Even their chunkier styles, like the Sk8-Hi, aren’t too heavy.

Etnies: Balancing Act

Etnies shoes can vary more in weight. Their simpler styles are often quite light, but some of their more padded, technical skate shoes can be a bit heavier due to extra cushioning and support features.

Weight Winner: For everyday wear, Vans might have a slight edge in the lightweight category. For skating, the extra features in Etnies shoes might be worth a little extra weight.

Flexibility: Bend It Like a Pro

Flexible shoes can be more comfortable and give you better board feel when skating. Let’s see how bendy Vans and Etnies are.

Vans: Easy Does It

Vans shoes, especially the canvas ones, are usually pretty flexible right out of the box. This makes them comfortable for walking and gives good board feel for skating.

Etnies: Breaking In

Etnies shoes might be a bit stiffer at first, especially their more padded models. But they usually break in quickly and become more flexible with wear. Some Etnies models are designed to be more flexible in certain areas for better skating performance.

Flexibility Faceoff: Vans might be more flexible to start with, but Etnies can offer targeted flexibility for skating once they’re broken in.

Water Resistance: Splash Protection

While neither Vans nor Etnies are waterproof shoes, it’s good to know how they handle a bit of water.

Vans: Quick to Dry

Canvas Vans aren’t very water-resistant, but they do dry pretty quickly. Some leather or suede Vans models might resist water a bit better.

Etnies: Some Protection

Some Etnies models have water-resistant coatings or materials that can help keep your feet dry in light rain. However, they’re not fully waterproof.

Water Warrior: Etnies might have a slight edge here with their water-resistant options, but neither brand is great for very wet conditions.

Sole Searching: What’s on the Bottom?

The sole of your shoe is super important for grip and durability. Let’s check out what Vans and Etnies put on the bottom of their shoes.

Vans: Waffle Wonder

Vans is famous for their waffle sole pattern. This design gives good grip on your skateboard and on various surfaces. The rubber Vans uses is generally quite durable.

Etnies: Grip and Grind

Etnies uses different sole patterns for different types of skating. Many of their soles are designed to give extra grip in specific areas. They often use durable rubber compounds that can stand up to the wear and tear of skating.

Sole Superstar: For general use, Vans’ classic waffle sole is hard to beat. For specific skating needs, Etnies’ specialized soles might give you an edge.

Also Read: Vans vs Blazers

User Reviews: What Do Other Kids Think?

It’s always good to hear what other people think about these shoes. Here’s a quick look at some user reviews:

Brand	Model	Rating	Comments
Vans	Old Skool	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Super comfy and look great with everything!”
Vans	Authentic	⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Classic style, but not much cushioning.”
Etnies	Marana	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Best skate shoe I’ve ever had. Lasts forever!”
Etnies	Jameson 2 Eco	⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Really comfortable, but took a while to break in.”

Price Check: What’s Your Budget?

How much these shoes cost can be a big factor in choosing which ones to get. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay:

Brand	Type	Price Range
Vans	Classic styles	$50 – $70
Vans	Pro skate models	$65 – $95
Etnies	Basic models	$55 – $75
Etnies	Pro skate models	$70 – $100

Remember, prices can vary depending on where you buy the shoes and if they’re on sale.

Pros and Cons

Brand	Pros ✅	Cons ⚠️
Vans	Comfy right away	Not as tough for serious skating
	Lots of cool styles	Less cushioning in some models
	Good for wide feet	Not very waterresistant
	Easy to find in stores	Can wear out quickly if you skate a lot
	Work well for everyday wear	Fewer hightech features
Etnies	Super tough for skating	Might feel stiff at first
	Lots of cushioning	Can be a bit more expensive
	Special features for skaters	Might be too snug for wide feet
	Some waterresistant options	Fewer classic, simple styles
	Good breathability	Can be heavier than Vans

Conclusion

So, after all that, which shoe should you choose? Well, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose Vans if:

• You love classic, simple styles
• You want shoes that are comfy right away
• You like a wider fit
• You’re looking for everyday shoes that can handle some skating

Go for Etnies if:

• You’re serious about skateboarding
• You want shoes with lots of cushioning and support
• You like a snugger fit
• You’re into more modern, technical-looking shoes

Remember, both Vans and Etnies make great shoes. The best choice is the one that feels good on your feet and matches your style. Why not try on both and see which one you like better?

Frequently Asked Questions