Are Vans Non-Slip? Surface Test and My Experience

When buying a pair of Vans, many people wonder whether or not Vans shoes are non-slip. Whether you’re wearing your shoes in the workplace, for walking, or for skateboarding, it’s important for them to be slip resistant.

Which raises the question…

Are Vans Non Slip?

Vans are non-slip shoes because of their vulcanized rubber outsoles with diamond and rhomboid patterns. For the outsoles, Vans uses high-quality rubber. Vans are slip-resistant because of the tread pattern on the outsoles and the iconic gummy midsole.

Vans are popular shoes for skateboarders and restaurant workers because they are slip-resistant. The slip-resistant soles make Vans shoes the ideal choice for someone who wants a pair of non-slip shoes.

In this post, I share everything you need to know about Vans non-slip shoes. I also include tips and watch outs if you’re going to be wearing Vans in the workplace or anywhere you’ll need slip-resistant shoes.

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Are All Vans Non Slip?

Since classic Vans styles feature the slip-resistant tread design, all classic Vans are non-slip shoes. The slip-resistant soles make Vans shoes a great choice for being worn on wet surfaces and slippery floors.

The classic styles of Vans shoes that are slip-resistant include Vans Old Skools, Vans SK8-His, Slip-on Vans, and Authentic Vans. These styles of Vans will offer better traction on slippery surfaces and are a popular choice for non-slip shoes.

Personally, my favorite style of non-slip Vans shoes are the Vans Slip-Ons. These shoes are super easy to put on, they are comfortable and very stylish.

If you’re looking for an easy shoe to wear to work, for skating or casually with friends, the Vans Slip-Ons are an amazing choice.

The Old Skool Vans are another great option for non-slip shoes. They offer a good amount of grip and they are super versatile.

Whether they’re being worn for work, with friends or as an everyday shoe, the Vans Old Skools are a great option.

Are Vans Non Slip For Work?

Vans shoes can be worn in the workplace as they have high-quality rubber soles. The non-slip shoes are comfortable to wear to work and will offer grip on slick surfaces.

Many people will wear Vans to work as casual shoes or because they are slip resistant. Vans mix comfort, utility, and style, which is why they are a good choice of show to wear in a work environment.

Are Vans Non Slip Shoes for Restaurants?

Since Vans are non slip shoes, they can be worn in restaurants. In fact, Vans are a very popular style of shoe for kitchen workers, as they are comfortable and slip-resistant.

Vans shoes offer good traction on slippery surfaces and in wet environments. A pair of non-slip shoes is typically what is required in a kitchen, so Vans are a great choice.

Growing up, my brother always had kitchen jobs throughout his college years. His choice of shoes were always Vans because they were slip-resistant. Vans were a comfortable pair of shoes for standing for long periods.

Vans shoes are an excellent choice kitchen work or, for working around wet floors and slippery conditions.

What Surface Are Vans Non Slip?

Vans shoes are known for their traction and grip. However, it’s important to note that the slip resistance of any shoe can vary depending on the specific model and conditions.

Vans offers a range of shoe styles with slip-resistant outsoles that provide decent traction on various surfaces.

Here are some surfaces where Vans shoes are generally known to offer good grip:

On Concrete

When you wear a pair of Vans on concrete, you will have no problem with grip. As long as the concrete is dry, Vans will offer excellent traction.

However, in wet weather, it’s best to be a little cautious, especially if you are running in Vans. Although they are slip-resistant on wet concrete, an accidental slip can still happen.

Be mindful of if there is moss, grease, or oil on the concrete, as they can cause you to slip. For the most part, you will never have to worry about slipping when wearing a pair of Vans on concrete.

For years, skateboarders have worn Vans as their skating shoes because they offer so much traction. The vulcanized rubber outsoles with diamond and rhomboid pattern design offer an amazing grip on concrete.

Related: 10 Best Skater-Boy Shoe Styles (Stylish, Affordable & Durable)

On Tile

Vans work great as slip-resistant shoes on tiles. If your place of work has tiled floors, then Vans is a good footwear option for you.

If you’ve ever worn a new pair of Vans to the mall, then you will know that Vans offer a ton of grip on tiles. When you walk on a tiled floor, you will hear the squeaking from your shoes.

Although Vans are non-slip on tiles, it’s important to be cautious. If a floor has just been freshly mopped or there is a puddle, you could slip. However, for the most part, this should not be an issue.

In my experience, Vans hold up great on tile floors. It’s a good idea to watch out for wet floors or puddles. However, Vans offer more grip than many other shoe brands.

On Tarmac and Asphalt

Vans non-slip soles work great when walking on tarmac or asphalt. Since the tarmac already has some traction, you won’t have to worry about slipping when wearing a pair of Vans.

When I walk on tarmac wearing my vans, I don’t slip at all. Whether I’m walking or running on tarmac, the high-quality rubber sole provides enough grip to avoid slipping.

Even on rainy days, Vans are slip-resistant on tarmac. However, it’s important to watch for outdoor grease and oil stains as they can cause you to slip.

As someone who lives in a colder climate, I will wear Vans in the winter. As long as I am not outside for long hours, Vans are comfortable and have a good grip.

However, I will not wear Vans when there are icy conditions outside.

On Laminated Flooring

Vans offer a good amount of traction on dry laminated flooring. Some people find that laminate flooring can be slippery. However, that is not the case when you are wearing Vans.

Even when the laminate floors are wet, I still find that Vans shoes have excellent grip on laminated floors. The only thing I would be careful about is running on wet laminate floors. However, it is never a good idea to run on wet floors, no matter what shoes you wear.

Throughout the tests I did, Vans were a great shoe for being worn on laminate floors. If you’re worried about slipping on laminate floors, try wearing slip-resistant Vans shoes.

On Dirt and Outdoors

If you plan on wearing a pair of Vans in the dirt or outdoors on the grass, you will not have to worry about slipping.

Throughout high school, I would wear Vans while playing sports, walking home from school, and casually with friends. They offered a good amount of traction on rougher terrain, and I never had to worry about slipping.

If you are walking through mud, be cautious, as it will be slippery. However, if you avoid the mud, you will not have any issues with grip outdoors when you are wearing a pair of Vans sneakers.

What Makes Vans Slip Resistant Shoes?

Vans are slip-resistant shoes due to the quality of rubber that Vans uses. During the vulcanizing process, the rubber is cured by heat, which toughens the rubber. However, at the same time, the vulcanizing process leaves a slightly gummy texture, which helps Vans sneakers stick to the ground.

Before vulcanizing the sole, Vans adds sulfur rubber into the mix. This makes the rubber tougher and more durable.

The soles are then pressed to create the diamond and rhomboid pattern and the iconic waffle-style sole. This pattern helps the sole of the shoe grip the floor, which adds to the slip resistance of the sneakers.

Simply put, a grooved sole offers more grip than a smooth one, as it creates more traction while walking or running.

The pattern itself adds to the slip resistance of Vans as the grooves help the shoes grip better to the floor. A grooved sole is much better than a smooth one, as it creates traction when walking.

The outsole pattern has a grooved design which helps water and oils run off the shoe’s outsole. Vans are great shoes to wear in wet conditions and on wet surfaces because of this grooved design.

The grooved outsole makes it hard for oil, water, and grease to stick to Vans shoes.

How to Make Vans More Slip Resistant

Whether your Vans are being used for skating or for the workplace, you may want them to be even more slip resistant. Having the extra traction can come in handy on wet floors and greasy surfaces.

Vans will provide adequate grip for skate boarding, outdoor activities and for office wear. However, if you’re working a job that may have wet floors like a restaurant, hospital or x, then you will want all the extra traction you can get.

Here are a few tips to make your Vans more slip resistant:

Try Non-Slip Soles

For maximum slip resistance, try purchasing an additional slip-on sole for your brand-new Vans. Many service industry employees will use slip-on soles for mopping and walking on wet or greasy floors.

Non-slip soles can be found for under $15 and they will tremendously improve your traction on wet surfaces.

Scuff The Soles Of Your Vans

Scuffing the soles is a great way to break in your brand-new Vans. Skaters like to break in their Vans before wearing them, as it gives them more grit and traction.

The best way to scuff your pair of Vans is by either using sandpaper or by scuffing them against a brick wall. This is a quick and easy way to break in your pair of Vans.

Purchase Slip Resistant Spray

If you’re looking for a quick fix that works, try slip-resistant sprays. The slip-resistant spray will add an adhesive layer to the soles of your Vans shoes, which will greatly increase the grip of your shoes.

When choosing your slip-resistant spray, make sure it is designed for rubber. If you purchase a slip-resistant spray that is not meant for rubber, it could damage your Vans.

Typically, the traction-increasing spray is long-lasting and water-resistant. This is especially useful if you are wearing your Vans in wet conditions or outdoors.

Whether you want some extra traction at work or just in your everyday life, the slip-resistant spray is a great choice.

Tip: If you don’t have slip-resistant spray, you can always try applying hairspray to the soles of your Vans. This is a trick that athletes sometimes do when they need extra grip on a floor.

Apply Non-Slip Pads

Non-slip pads are an excellent option for restaurant workers and hospital employees who need extra traction. Whether you have to mop or walk on slippery surfaces and wet floors, the non-slip pads will provide you with the extra traction you need.

The main reason people like non-slip pads is that they don’t affect the shoe’s comfort. When wearing non-slip pads, stick them to the sole of your shoe, and you won’t even realize they are there.

Use Ice Grips

Although Vans are not the ideal footwear choice in the winter, some people really enjoy wearing them. If you plan on wearing your Vans in icy conditions, then you will want to purchase a pair of ice grips.

By puncturing into the ice, ice grips will provide the right amount of traction for those slippery days. The good thing about ice grips is that they are removable, which is great for those winter months.

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Final Thoughts on Are Vans Non-Slip Shoes

Vans are a great choice for non-slip shoes. Whether you’re wearing them in the workplace, casually or for skate boarding, you can depend on Vans shoes for getting the right amount of tractions.

Vans is a great shoe brand that makes long lasting, comfortable and stylish shoes. The versatile sneakers are great for various weather conditions and for outdoor activities.

Overall, Vans are a great slip-resistant shoe for anyone who is looking for a new pair of sneakers.

In this post, I shared if Vans are non-slip shoes, if Vans are for work and how to make Vans more slip-resistant.