Are Vans Good Motorcycle Riding Shoes? Pros vs Cons

Are Vans Good Motorcycle Riding Shoes?

For many motorcyclists, choosing the right riding shoes is just as important as finding the perfect bike. Your footwear provides protection and comfort while you're cruising down the open road. So are Vans a good option for motorcycle riding shoes? There are pros and cons to consider.

The Benefits of Wearing Vans for Motorcycle Riding

At first glance, Vans seem like a great choice for riding shoes. Here are some of the benefits they offer:

• Traction - Vans are known for their waffle pattern rubber outsoles that provide excellent traction. This grip is important for maintaining stability on your motorcycle's pegs and pedals.
• Flexibility - The uppers of Vans are designed to be soft and flexible. This allows you to easily shift gears and position your feet without restriction.
• Ankle Support - High top Vans provide more ankle support than shorter styles. The added coverage helps prevent injury while riding.
• Comfort - Broken-in Vans are beloved for their comfort. Cushioning reduces foot fatigue during long rides.
• Style - Vans are an iconic skate and street style shoe. Their laidback look complements most biker styles.
• Affordability - Vans are relatively affordable as motorcycle riding shoes go. Lesser expensive than competition.

The Downsides of Vans for Motorcycle Riding

However, there are some significant downsides to wearing Vans as motorcycle shoes:

• Lack of Protection - Vans have very little protective features. Their thin canvas uppers and vulcanized construction provide minimal abrasion resistance.
• Poor Support - The flexible nature of Vans doesn't offer much stability or arch support. Feet and ankles can get sore on long rides.
• Slip Resistance - Vans can get slippery on wet roads or metal motorcycle pegs when wet. Don't provide as much grip as motorcycle-specific shoes.
Durability - Vans aren't the most durable shoes. Riding can quickly wear through the tread and uppers.
• Vulnerable Laces - Loops and long laces can get caught on bike parts. Easily damaged.
• Lack of Reinforcement - Vans lack reinforced toe boxes, ankle support, and shank stabilization for riding.

Key Features to Look for in Motorcycle Riding Shoes

Purpose-built motorcycle riding shoes have some key features that make them safer and more functional for riding:

• Reinforced Construction - Shoes should have reinforced ankle, heel, and toe box protection. Materials like full grain leather prevent abrasion.
• Traction Soles - Soles need strong grip even on wet roads. Look for treaded soles made of rubber compounds that stick to pegs.
• Stability - Stable soles with shank supports prevent your feet from getting sore and tired. Allows you to stay firmly planted.
• Water Resistance - Water-resistant leather or membranes keep feet dry. Ensure good grip in wet conditions.
• Lower Heel - A lower heel allows you to easily shift gears. Prevents hang-ups.
• Flexibility - Flexible uppers and soles allow free ankle articulation while providing support.

Motorcycle-Specific Shoes Worth Considering

Here are some top motorcycle shoe brands and models to consider for riding:

• Alpinestars SMX Plus Boots - Premium high-end riding shoes with ankles support and protection. Excellent longevity.
• TCX Street Ace Air Shoes - Everyday street riding shoes with ankle support and reinforced construction.
• Icon 1000 Elsinore Boots - Retro style boots with reinforced heel and toe caps. Good value.
• SIDI Canyon Gore-Tex Boots - Highly water resistant boots great for all weather riding. Comfortable.
• Dainese Axial D1 Shoes - Lightweight performance shoes. Great feel and ankle mobility.

The Verdict on Vans as Motorcycle Riding Shoes

Vans offer some nice features for casual everyday motorcycle riding, like flexibility, traction, and style. However, the lack of protection and support limits their functionality and safety for regular or performance riding. For those purposes, a motorcycle-specific shoe with protective features, stabilization, weatherproofing is a better choice.

In the end, while Vans aren't the worst option out there, they don't provide nearly the same level of security and comfort as a purpose-built riding shoe. Protect your ankles and avoid sore feet by opting for a shoe designed for life in the saddle.

FAQs

Are Vans good for short motorcycle rides?

For short rides around town at lower speeds, Vans can work decently. Their flexibility and traction provide enough functionality for quick trips. Just don't expect a lot of protection.

Can you add reinforcement to Vans to make them better motorcycle shoes?

You can try adding ankle straps or small toe caps to Vans to bolster the protection. However, the canvas uppers will still tear easily. The construction just isn't designed for riding reinforcement.

Do Vans offer enough grip for motorcycles?

In dry conditions, the waffle rubber outsoles provide satisfactory grip. But Vans can become slippery when wet, especially on metal pegs. Motorcycle-specific shoes use compounds that maintain traction when wet.

Are high top Vans more suitable than low tops for riding?

Yes, high top Vans provide more ankle support and protection than low top versions. The extra coverage reduces the risk of abrasion injuries from contact with the bike.

Can I put insoles in Vans to make them better for riding?

You can try adding cushioned or supportive insoles to increase comfort and stability. But that still won't address the lack of weatherproofing, flexibility or protection in Vans.