Running shoes are more expensive than other shoes due to better shock absorption and comfort. So, some of you guys might consider going with Vans as they’re affordable. But can you run in Vans? You can run in them for a short distance, but you can’t do that for your daily run or marathon.
Vans shoes don’t provide shock absorption as they come with flat soles. Hence, they make your running session uncomfortable while straining your joints. Let’s dig deeper into whether vans shoes are good for running?
Are Vans Shoes Good For Running?
Vans shoes are popular as skating shoes or simply fashionable sneakers. Many people think that since they’re suitable for skateboarding, they would be good for running. But that isn’t the case. They’re meant for skating but not for the running tracks.
The basics of running shoes are to help runners run longer by providing better support and comfort. Vans are stiff and have flat soles to endure the wear and tear of skateboarding. Instead of running shoes, they’re designed as skateboarding or casual shoes.
Reasons To Not Consider Vans Shoes For Running:
1. Vans Are Heavy Build:
On average, running shoes should weigh around 270grams or 9.5ounces. But, Vans shoes easily weigh about 450 grams or 1 pound which is almost double that of the running shoes.
You might think that heavy shoes would help you burn more calories or build muscles. But that’s not true; heavy shoes would put more strain on your joints like the knees or hip. It also dramatically affects your speed and endurance.
But to reduce the weight of the shoes, you shouldn’t compromise with the cushioning. So to avoid injuries and run faster, it is best to run in lightweight shoes with good cushioning. Lightweight shoes also keep your running form natural and efficient.
2. Vans Midsole Are Too Stiff
One of the often-overlooked features is the shoe’s stiffness or flexibility. Your foot flexes hundreds of times while running. It alternatively flattens and bends to push you forward with force as you run.
Vans shoes’ midsoles are stiff and don’t provide this kind of flexibility for bending. Thus, running in Vans is likely to lead to injuries as it puts more strain on your feet’ arch. You might also feel tired early as you put more stress on your feet.
3. Vans Don’t Have Much Arch Support:
Usually, your feet are slightly off the ground forming an arch around the inner middle part of your feet. This arch helps maintain your body balance and provides a lift to the steps.
Shoes with good arch support are more comfortable and supportive. It also prevents overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and other injuries. Runners with a flat fleet might suffer more injuries without good arch support.
Vans don’t provide the necessary arch support to your feet. Wearing this will put more stress on your feet, leading to injuries over the long run.
4. Vans Don’t Have Cushioning
Since the 70s, Vans have been known for their sturdy and firm sole. They provide better control and are more effective in pushing. But you need cushioning in running shoes for shock absorption.
While running, you exert a force of around 5-12 times your body weight, depending on your form or speed. So, if someone weighs about 180 lbs, they will exert around 900-2160lbs with each step. This can put a lot of strain on your knees leading to overuse injuries.
Hence, cushioning in running shoes is crucial for shock absorption while running. They prevent injuries by giving you a soft ride and a smooth transition while running.
5. Vans Lack In Support
One of the most significant problems of Vans shoes is that they lack support. So, when you walk or run for a long time in them, you put a lot of stress on your knees and ankles, resulting in injuries.
On the other hand, running shoes come with proper support for the runner’s feet. Arch and heel support helps keep your feet stable for all kinds of movement. While ankle support stabilizes your ankle while you’re running.
If you overpronate or have flat feet, you’ll need supportive shoes to control your running motion.
These supports won’t prevent your injuries entirely. But they will indeed reduce the risk of getting injured for sure.
6. Vans Are Narrow
Did you know that your feet expand and swell while running? When you run, your feet spread more than when you walk due to higher impact force. So, it would be best if you went for shoes that have wiggle space for your toes.
Learn more on How to Find the Correct Running Shoes Fit?
Most running shoes excel in this regard compared to Vans. Also, they have a breathable upper that allows more room for intensive workouts.
Vans, on the other hand, are clearly quite different. The room in the toe-box area is too narrow, and the Canvas doesn’t stretch very well.
As you may suspect, it might stop your feet from naturally spreading while running. This can lead to many potential injuries like blisters, bunions, hammertoes, and calluses.
But this might not be the case for everyone. Vans might be a good fit if your feet are naturally narrower than average.
Cheap Running Shoes Alternative To Vans Shoes:
You might be looking for an alternative now that we’ve proven that Vans aren’t the ideal running shoes. Here are some of my favorite shoes:
Best Overall
The Asics Gel-Contend 7 is one of the best value running shoes. It has plenty of cushioning for short or medium-length runs and is sturdy in build. So, it definitely exceeds all the expectations for this price range.
Best For Trails
Asics Gel-Venture 8 is a fantastic trail shoe at a low price! It’s incredibly gripping, even on wet and muddy terrain, while feeling comfy and secure. It is also very durable and comes without any added weight, i.e., it is lightweight.
Best Cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam Arshi v3 is a good pick if you want well-cushioned running shoes at an affordable price. It is lightweight shoes that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. It is perfect for runners looking for support, comfort, and flexibility.
Wrapping Up:
So, is running in Vans a bad idea? Well, running in Vans is okay. You can run in them whenever you want, but they are not your best option.
Features like stiff midsole and heavy-weight might be good for short runs once in a while. But, they might be more harmful if you want to do long-distance or regular running.
You can go for the above-suggested running shoes if you’re thinking of running in Vans due to a limited budget. There are many other low-budget options available in the market that are specifically designed for running. They might not be that durable, but they will be far less harmful.
Note: This information is not meant to replace medical advice. If you or someone you know is in pain, it’s always better to get professional assistance from an expert.
