Are you one of those people who loves the style of Vans sneakers but find them to be so uncomfortable that you have to take them off after only a few minutes? If so, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make your favorite pair as comfortable as they are stylish!
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to break into a pair of vans quickly and easily (and painlessly!) so that you can enjoy sporting the look for hours on end. Keep reading for all our tips and tricks on how to make vans comfortable – once we’re done here, those shoes won’t even feel like new anymore!
Why Are My Vans Uncomfortable?
Vans are a popular and stylish choice of shoes, but they can also be uncomfortable when not taken care of properly. The reason for this is that Vans are designed to be lightweight and low profile, which means there’s less cushioning between your foot and the ground.
This lack of cushioning can cause your feet to feel tired over time, as well as create hotspots or blisters due to friction against the shoe material. Additionally, some Vans models have laces up the front that can cut into your skin if they’re too tight or place pressure on certain areas of your foot.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair! There are several things you can do in order to make your Vans more comfortable. Start by taking a look at the shoe’s construction and material – canvas or leather. If it’s canvas, you may want to consider adding an extra insole for added padding. Leather models typically require some breaking in before they become more comfortable, so wear them around for a few hours every day until they start to feel better on your feet.
Next, check the laces on your Vans shoes – are they too tight? If they are, try loosening them up slightly so that they don’t cause any pressure points on your feet. Similarly, ensure that you have enough room around the toes and sides of the shoe; if these areas are too tight, it can cause unnecessary friction and discomfort.
10 Methods How to Make Vans Comfortable
1. Add Gel Insoles:
Gel insoles can provide additional cushioning and support to the footbed of your vans, making them more comfortable for extended periods of wear. They also help absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue. To add gel insoles to your vans, first, remove the existing insole and replace it with the gel one.
Make sure that the gel insole is securely in place and that no air pockets are left beneath it. While you’re at it, you might also want to consider using an antifungal spray on the insoles to help prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi that can cause odor and infection.
2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks:
Moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters, making your vans more comfortable to wear, especially during hot or sweaty conditions. Consider investing in a few pairs of moisture-wicking socks for longer trips or days when you plan to do a lot of walking.
If you’re in a pinch, cotton socks can also help keep feet dry. To make your vans even more comfortable, you can also wear thicker socks to provide added cushioning. While this may require a little more force when slipping your foot in, it can help make your vans feel cozier.
3. Adjust Laces Properly:
Properly adjusting the laces of your vans can help achieve a snug fit, preventing discomfort from loose or tight shoes. Experiment with different lacing techniques to find the one that works best for your feet. Consider tight lacing, which requires crisscrossing the laces from the bottom up and then jumping over every other pair of eyelets to provide a secure fit.
Alternatively, you may use the laddering technique, which involves crisscrossing at every eyelet for an unfaltering grip. To keep the laces out of your way, you can also try skipping two to four eyelets and then crisscrossing the laces.
4. Break Them In:
Like any pair of shoes, vans may require some time to break in. Wear them for short periods initially and gradually increase the duration to allow them to mold to the shape of your feet for increased comfort. Also, try different surfaces, such as grass and gravel, to help break them in.
While they may not be as comfortable as running shoes, you can use these tips to make them work for your needs. To add extra cushion, you can use insoles or even try something creative like adding foam padding inside. Try to find insoles or foam that won’t damage the shoes, as this could reduce their life expectancy.
5. Use Shoe Stretchers:
Shoe stretchers can help expand the width or length of your vans, providing more room for your feet if they feel cramped or tight. The stretchers also help to shape and break in the material, making them much more comfortable. There are different sizes of shoe stretchers available, so make sure you purchase one that fits your vans correctly.
Though it may take a few uses before your shoes feel comfortable, the results will be worth it. While you are stretching your vans, it is important to add some sort of padding inside the shoe, such as foam. This will help to keep your feet comfortable and the stretcher from damaging your foot.
6. Apply Moleskin or Padding:
If you experience rubbing or hotspots in your vans, applying moleskin or padding to those areas can provide extra cushioning and prevent discomfort. You can buy moleskin from most drugstores, but you can also make your own padding with materials like foam or fabric.
Simply cut the material into strips and use adhesive to attach it to the inside of your vans. This will help eliminate friction and ensure that your vans are comfortable all day long. Once you’ve applied the padding, wear your vans for a few hours to make sure it’s comfortable and that no new hotspots have developed.
7. Use Shoe Inserts:
There are various types of shoe inserts available, such as arch supports or heel cups, that can provide additional support and cushioning to specific areas of your foot, making your vans more comfortable. Inserts can help prevent the formation of blisters and other foot ailments, as well as make the shoe feel more padded.
If you plan to wear your vans for extended periods of time, using shoe inserts is a great way to make them more comfortable. Although inserts can add bulk and make your vans feel tight, you can find specially designed, slim-fitting inserts that fit nicely into vans. To make sure you get the right fit, measure your foot length and width before buying any inserts.
8. Avoid Wearing Them for Extended Periods:
If you’re wearing vans for long periods, consider taking breaks to allow your feet to rest and recover. Avoid wearing them for extended periods of time, especially during rigorous activities. If you do wear your vans for extended periods of time, make sure to switch them out with another pair of shoes that offer better cushioning and arch support.
This will help your feet and legs stay healthy and avoid long-term damage or discomfort. Additionally, you can purchase insoles to provide additional cushioning and support for your feet. This will help keep them comfortable for longer periods of time.
9. Keep Them Clean:
Keeping your vans clean and well-maintained can prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris that can cause discomfort or affect the fit of the shoes. Be sure to regularly check the inside of your shoes for any dirt or debris that may have accumulated, and use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove it carefully.
If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out and clean them separately. It can also help to use a cloth dampened with mild soap and warm water to wipe away any dirt or stains. Finally, use a waterproof spray to protect the shoes from future damage or wear.
10. Choose the Right Size:
Ensuring that you’re wearing the correct size of vans is crucial for comfort. Get your feet measured accurately and choose the size that provides a proper fit, with enough room for your toes to wiggle without being too loose. If your feet are between sizes, it is recommended that you size up for the most comfort.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things you can do to make your vans more comfortable. From changing the insoles to adding extra cushioning and support, there’s always room for improvement! With the right modifications, you can stay comfortable while wearing your favorite Vans.
Whether it’s a skate shoe or a daily driver, don’t underestimate the power of comfort – it can be the difference between an enjoyable experience or just tolerating your shoes all day. Now that you know how to make vans comfortable, go ahead and grab your favorite pair!
