I’m wearing Vans BMX shoes for many years and have tested many different models, so I decided to create this best-of list for you.
I’ve been asked SO MANY times:
Are Vans Shoes Good For BMX?
Yes, Vans are perfect for BMX riding, and it doesn’t matter which style of riding you prefer the most. (They work for everything.)
My personal favorite are slip-ons, but the rest are equally quality and durable.
Note: Vans were a bit more on the soft side in the past (at least from my experience), but with the new BMX-specific sole, they improved on that.
Even the Skate versions are much better now than they were a decade or two ago.
This post covers:
What’s also really cool is that Vans is regularly teaming up with its BMX riders, releasing signature colorways.
Grab a waffle and go shred!
For more shoe options, check out my best BMX shoes collection.
4 Best Vans Shoes For BMX
Here’s the entire list of the best Vans.
1. Vans BMX Old Skool Shoes
With a BMX specific sole and a rad peach/marshmallow colorway for Vans Pro Angie Marino, the BMX Old Skool Shoes are perfect for BMX.
These shoes are the low-top lace-up shoe in the Vans BMX shoe lineup and feature most of the tech Vans has for their BMX line.
The BMX wafflecup delivers the best combination of pedal feel, support, and durability.
With this, the duracap, and the classic Vans gum rubber compound, these are worthy shoes to look into.
Price: $85.00 (may vary)
2. Vans BMX Slip-On Shoes (My favorite!)
Here we have the BMX slip-on Shoes from Vans. These are slip-on shoes with Vans’ shoe tech, specifically for BMX.
There are quite a few people in BMX who enjoy riding in slip-on shoes, but before these, there wasn’t a slip-on made for BMX. The standout feature on these is the BMX Wafflecup.
This is the same sole used in Vans other BMX-specific shoes, so seeing it implemented in a slip-on is pretty awesome!
There are also quite a few signature colorways for different Vans team riders.
I prefer these over any other Vans shoes because I like the simplicity but at the same time how tough they are.
My best Vans BMX slip-on alternative is the Skate Pro slip-on from Vans (I actually find it looking even better – but it’s not as long-lasting).
Price: $70.00 (may vary)
3. Vans BMX Style 114 Shoes
The Vans Style 114 shoes perfectly reassemble style and comfort.
They aren’t too bulky but still offer enough protection for the insane shredding you are after.
Also, with the special BMX Wafflecup sole, these will last you for a while.
Moreover, the shoe features a 10oz canvas, durable suede and TecTuff leather to make it extra durable.
Additionally, Vans’ Popcush footbeds significantly reduce the annoying heel bruises. (I haven’t experienced one in SO long.)
If you dig a shoe in mid-height, the 114 style is the perfect option for you!
Price: $90.00 (may vary)
4. Vans BMX SK8-Hi Shoes
The BMX Sk8-Hi Shoes are the high-top shoe in the Vans BMX shoe line up.
These shoes have all of the features of Vans other BMX specific shoes all put into a high top shoe.
These are also the shoes of choice for Scotty Cranmer, as he has had several signature colorways in this model, including his current colorway.
If you’re looking for the Vans BMX Wafflecup, but with a high-top, for more ankle protection, the BMX Sk8-Hi shoe is definitely worth a look.
Price: $90.00 (may vary)
How To Pick The Perfect Vans BMX Shoes?
It really all depends on the style of riding you do.
If you’re more into style and flow, then you’re good to go with Vans slip-ons.
However, you’ll see many pros riding slip-ons and they do a ton of tailwhips and other tricks. If you’re confident in yourself, then go for it.
Yes, including Garrett Reynolds!
My advice: I don’t recommend picking a slip-on shoe if you’re a beginner, because you want that extra protection.
I don’t even want to imagine how much damage I’d do to myself, starting with slip-ons, so I didn’t.
For more protection, pick at least the Old Skool or the Style 114 version.
However, you can go one step further, adding more ankle protection and support with the BMX SK8-Hi shoes. You’ll see Dakota Roche riding in these a lot.
Keep your feet safe with Vans BMX shoes!
FAQs About Vans BMX Shoes
Are Vans good for BMX riding?
Yes. Vans BMX shoes are built with reinforced soles, better pedal grip, and extra durability compared to regular Vans.
What’s the difference between Vans BMX shoes & regular Vans?
BMX versions use Vans’ WAFFLECUP™ BMX outsole and DURACAP™ reinforcements, making them grippier, stiffer, and longer-lasting for riding.
Can you wear Vans BMX shoes casually?
Yes. They look like classic Vans, so you can ride in them and wear them off the bike as everyday shoes.
Do Vans BMX shoes last long?
They last much longer than regular Vans for BMX use. Plus, they are much safer and protective, so it’s less likely for you to hurt your feet.
What Vans model is best for BMX?
Popular Vans choices include the BMX Old Skool, BMX Slip-On, and the BMX SK8-Hi, depending on whether you prefer low, slip-on, or high-top support.
Are Vans BMX shoes good for MTB?
Yes, Vans BMX shoes can work great for MTB since they have epic pedal grip and tough soles.
