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Vans shoes were originally designed for skateboarding. But because of its versatility, people like to wear Vans shoes in different places, such as restaurants, gyms and walking down the street. Because of the affordable price, some people are also interested in wearing them as work shoes in the hospital or kitchen, which is why they have questions about the slip resistance of Vans shoes.
So is the Vans anti-skid? Not all Vans shoes are slip-resistant. There are Vans baseboards specially designed for use in kitchens or hospitals. These are called “Made for Makers”. However, this shoe from Vans is partially non-slip, depending on the nature of the ground.
What makes Vans non-slip?
Because the Vans shoe is designed for skateboarding, the outsole features a waffle pattern for a firm grip on the surface of the skateboard. Vans shoes also have great grip on smooth wood or tile floors.
Vans shoes are made through a vulcanization process that cures rubber at high temperatures to increase its durability and strengthen its bond to the Vans upper. The pattern of the sole is very important for the slip resistance of the shoe. As shown below, the Vans Made for Maker series sole features a waffle pattern combined with a prominent small splint for improved slip resistance.
How to tell if a shoe is slip-resistant?
Non-slip labels come in handy when you’re buying our work or hiking shoes. However, this does not necessarily mean that your shoes are non-slip. Some brands like Crocs and Dansko clogs have non-slip labels, which is why we don’t hesitate to wear them on smooth surfaces.
On the other hand, there are some brands, like Vans and other sneakers, that don’t claim to be slip-resistant.
Here are some tips to help you know if your shoes are really slip-resistant.
- The first thing to remember is that the sole should be thick and made of rubber material. Also, the rubber material should not be too hard, as harder and harder rubber soles may not slip.
- The second sign is to look for the tread pattern. If your shoe has a smooth tread, it probably isn’t slip-resistant. There are various designs such as square, hexagon, triangle and circle. While both have some friction, the rounded grip outsole is the best performer.
- Also, check the fineness of the tread. It is important that the tread pattern does not get clogged with debris or dirt on the ground. If the sole is clogged, look for alternative designs, such as a more spaced or deeper profile between the lugs.
- Also make sure the studs are not too large, as they are not good for slip resistance on flat and polished surfaces. Soles with large, thick lugs only work well on rough terrain.
- There is also a difference between oil resistance and slip resistance. Oil resistance means that the sole material will not be damaged by oil. If the shoes are slip-resistant but not oil-resistant, it’s best to stand on the floor where the oil stains are found.
- To test the slip resistance of the shoe, you can pour water on the surface and walk over it. Be careful with this step as it is a bit difficult and if the shoes are non-slip you may fall over.
How are Vans shoes non-slip?
As I said, the Vans special shoe line “Made for the Makers” was developed for running on slippery surfaces.
Here are the features below that make these vans slip-resistant or suitable for slippery conditions.
Sturdy upper material
Vans Made for the Makers features a durable, abrasion-resistant Vansguard leather upper. It holds up well when liquids spill over the upper while working in the kitchen. The sturdy upper is also responsible for providing support for your feet. So if you slip, the sturdy leather provides support for your feet.
Vulcanized outsole with studs
Made for Makers Vans also have vulcanized soles. However, it differs from regular vans by having small rubber bumps that improve slip resistance. Vans’ regular baseboard has a waffle pattern that doesn’t provide much traction on slippery surfaces.
However, according to several customers, the tread pattern of Vans shoes is not suitable for working on greasy floors.
According to several people, Vans shoes cannot walk on floors that are too greasy. Sliding resistance depends on the coefficient of friction between the two contact surfaces. On very oily surfaces, grease does not easily seep through the gaps between the Vans treads, reducing the coefficient of friction between the Vans sole and the surface. Therefore, I do not recommend wearing Vans shoes on oily or oil-covered floors.
Several brands make slip-resistant shoes with style in mind, so you can use them for street walks. The most famous brand of such shoes is Footwear. They have a chukka style that makes them versatile. Their contours provide plenty of room, and the outsole is grooved so no fat deposits in the outsole. You can find out more about the properties of the Crew non-slip sole here.
If you don’t care much about style, you can also buy Crocs as they are known for their slip resistance. With Crocs clogs, you can take a step on any type of surface without hesitation. They are also certified to the ASTM 2913-11 standard. You can also check out my in-depth review of Crocs Bistro Clogs, some of the best shoes to wear in the kitchen and theater.
