Team Vans or Team Cons and why? - YouLookFab Forum

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Team Vans or Team Cons and why?

Suja

Veteran

What's your favorite retro sneaker? I am thinking of getting a pair and am trying to decide. I'm curious what others on YLF prefer or if you have both or neither for that matter. I'm leaning toward Vans because I like slip-ons and I think the black and white checker pattern is cool.

19 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

Day Vies

Veteran

Love the look of Cons and the colors but vans are much more comfortable. I have minty green cons so that shows which team I'm on

Melaine

(website)

I have a pair of laceless coral converse and a pair of purple....they are both cute but neither are super comfortable to me. I know folks think they are but they aren't my favorite. I prefer my off brand Toms for comfort.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I have two pairs of Cons and one pair of Tretorns and one pair of Keds. Love the Cons and Tretorns, but the Keds squeak a little when I walk. And I'm ordering a pair of grey and black checked Vans to try on.

Thistle

Veteran

I have one pair of Cons I am passing on as they are no longer comfortable. I have never tried Vans.

ClaraT

Veteran

Converse for me: I have bunions, so getting vans that fit the front of my foot means the rest of the shoe is oversized. The long row of laces on converse means I can almost customize the width.
That said, neither is cushy/comfy like my sketchers.

Beck

I find Cons too narrow and live in my Dunlop Volleys in a variety of colours, often replacing the laces with hat elastic. They're an Australian brand, but I've seen them online at US retailers (I'm an expat). I'm thinking of trying Vans for the outstanding array of rad patterns, but haven't bitten the bullet yet.

viva

Veteran

I will always love the look of Cons and will probably keep my navy ones until they shred, but I have moved on to Vans-like sneakers this summer (Sam Edelman Circus) and am finding them both more comfortable and more modern-looking. I absolutely love them and am planning my second purchase (black, possibly Vince suede from NAS). One thing I really like about the style is that I think it is easier to wear them with a dress or dressier pants -- although they are sneakers, they are less sneaker-like than Cons. They are a sneaker / loafer hybrid and so seem more versatile to me. And I really, really like the sleeker look.

Aziraphale

Veteran

This is a bit like asking why I like chocolate ice cream more than vanilla -- I just do! Converse gets my vote. I just love how they look. But Vans are cool too. I agree that the checkered pattern is great (brings back memories from grade school -- but only the boys wore them back then. So now they combine the retro factor and the tomboy factor, which is appealing).

Anyway, from a practicality standpoint, I feel like Converse "go" with more outfits, but you can't slip them on like Vans, so it's a toss-up.

kkards

Veteran

I don't have vans,but I did buy a pair of slip one this year. Love them, but there is still a place for my cons. Honestly what seems edged out its year are my birkies. Still wear them on occasion, but no where near as often as last summer.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've had several pair of Vans over the years and I find them comfy. Styles vary on how 'built-up' they are - I think the classic slip-ons tend to be pretty flat but some of the lace-up sneakers are a bit more uh, clunky is not quite the word but I can't think of a better one. The pair I have now is pretty sturdy, I assume because it's a 'real' skateboarding shoe. As such it's not the best for the middle of summer because it doesn't breathe as well as a lower-profile shoe. But it's great for walking and doing physical work.

I haven't tried on Cons in an age but I don't remember them having much cushioning or support. I am not as much of a fan of the look of them for some reason.

As far as looks, I enjoy the vibe of Onisuka (sp?) Tigers, as well as KangaRoos - I had a pair of those from a few years ago when they started making adult sizes again and they were *perfect* for my feet, if a bit low-profile. Good for an ordinary day but not for a walk-all-day day.

rachylou

Veteran

Ohmigosh! That's so true Natalie! Keds have always squeaked on me!

I lean towards Vans because they're easy to slip on. The dog and I always head out after work, and we don't like to fiddle about before we go. But I must say, I'm disinclined to wear slip-ons to work. I like the lace-up *formality* of Cons for that.

shedev

Veteran

The loafer Vans slip off my heels, but the skate shoes with laces are really comfy. I have to go with Cons because I'm totally in love with the hi-nesses.

rabbit

Veteran

Like Laura I'm admiring the look of Onitsuka Tigers. This may also have to do with the fact that I've seen some hot guys wearing them. But I also like the retro simplicity, graphic lines, colors and sleekness. I used to have a pair of these Con retro runners a few years ago in a similar shape that were red and white: http://www.sneakers.bz/sneaker.....llow-/103/ and I got several compliments on my shoes.

I've always been team Cons, and though I've tried Vans and similar canvas slip-on's lately, their 'loafer' qualities overcome their cool factor for me personally so far, at least on me. Although I can see how graphic white ones, or dark ones with white soles might be cool with the right slightly dressier outfits.

glamourpuss

I have never been able to wear Cons and only just tried Vans because I liked the print (the lace-up kittycat ones). Still, the only way I could possibly wear them comfortably was with an insole. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have bothered but I liked the pattern so much I made an exception. I guess I just don't have sneaker feet.

Also, when I showed my husband the picture of the Vans online he said, "I think they're cute and I think you should order them. And, get me a pair, too." So, I did and he wears them. Men are funny.

Sal

Veteran

I have only white low top converse. I like them a lot but when they die I will change for another type of classic sneaker.

I like keds but they look better sans socks which is not a good option for me sadly due to blisters, overheating and smell!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Both! I find Vans a bit more comfortable and love the slip on style. And I adore the iconic style of Converse. Both are in my closet.

Suja

Veteran

Wow, lots of great responses. I love the retro look of Converse but slip on shoes are so easy for the summertime. I actually have neither in my closet and am thinking about possibly getting both.

I agree that Converse aren't as comfortable as one would expect but for me, I'm comparing with ballet flats and low heels, so they are just comfy enough

Can't believe I don't have either of these iconic shoes in my closet. I plan on changing that soon

Golden

Veteran

Cons becaUse they run narrow and so are my feet!

Beth

Veteran

Cons for me! I like their retro styling and slightly narrower and sleeker look. I don't find Cons particularly comfortable on their own, but with a good insole, they're a completely different shoe.