Are Vans Shoes Waterproof? Detailed Answer!!!

Vans are known for their comfort, style, and toughness, but how do they hold up against water?

Today, we’re diving in to find out if Vans shoes can survive exposure to the water or if you should keep them high and dry. 

We’ll look into that and also tackle a bunch of other fun questions related to the topic. So, if you’re curious about how well Vans shoes handle water, keep reading!

Are Vans Shoes Waterproof?

Nope! Most Vans shoes aren’t made waterproof. If you wear them in the rain or any wet place, don’t be surprised if your feet end up soaked.

They absorb water. And the main reason for that is Vans shoes are made from materials like canvas and suede that soak up water. These materials are built to be durable and stylish, but not to hold up against water. 

A few models of Vans are there that are water-resistant, like the MTE (Mountain Edition) line or GORE-TEX® technology line, which is designed to handle wet conditions better. 

But with the standard models, it’s best to steer clear of heavy rain or puddles.

Related Article: Why the Heck Are Vans Shoes So Expensive? 

Can Water Damage Your Van Shoes? 

Well, it depends on how often they’ve been exposed to water. 

For regular Vans, one or two times getting wet doesn’t cause any major damage. I’m speaking from personal experience—I’ve worn my Vans slip-ons in the rain, and while they got soaked, they were fine after drying out.

However, if your Vans are exposed to water frequently or for long periods, you might start seeing some wear on the upper material. Whether they’re made of canvas, suede, or leather, these materials can absorb water, which can weaken, warp, or even rot them over time.

Excess moisture can also weaken the glue that holds the sole to the upper part of the shoe, leading to the sole peeling away.

So, it’s important to keep your regular Vans dry. But if you have a pair from the Vans MTE line or with GORE-TEX® technology, they’re designed to handle wet conditions a bit better.

Related: Are Vans Shoes Good for Skateboarding?

Are MTE worth it? Can They be a Good Option for the Rainy Season? 

If you need shoes that can handle wet or cold weather, Vans’ MTE (Mountain Edition) line is a solid choice. Here’s why:

• They’re water-resistant. Though they are not completely water repellent, they can keep your feet dry better than other Vans models. 

• They have added insulation. With this added insulation, these shoes keep your feet warm when the temperature drops. So, you won’t feel cold while walking in the rain.

• They’re somewhat better in durability. Yes! They’re made a bit tougher than your average Vans. They have rugged outsoles for better grip and traction, making them ready for anything.

So, if you’re facing rain, snow, or cold weather but still want to stick with Vans, go for the MTE line or a pair with GORE-TEX® technology. 

If not, consider other brands like Nike, Brooks, Hoka, Salomon, or Merrell, which offer more reliable waterproof options.

Related Article: Are Vans Shoes Good For basketball?

How To Make Your Vans Shoes Waterproof? 

If you already have a regular pair of Vans that aren’t from the MTE line or don’t have GORE-TEX® technology, you might be wondering if there’s a way to make them waterproof. 

Good news—you can make them water-resistant to a certain extent!

Here’s how:

• Use waterproof spray: You can apply a waterproof spray to your shoes to make them water-resistant. Just pick up a good-quality waterproof spray and apply it to your shoes when they’re clean and dry.

• Let It Dry: After spraying, wait at least 10 to 12 hours for the spray to fully set. For more protection, apply another coat.

Once that’s done, your Vans shoes will be more protected and ready to handle some rain.

Will Waterproof Spray Damage Your Shoes?

If you use a waterproof spray that’s designed for the specific material of your Vans—whether it’s canvas, suede, or leather—then it won’t cause any damage. However, using the wrong type of spray can lead to issues like staining or material degradation.

Also, don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray, including how much to apply and how long to let it dry.

When done correctly, waterproofing spray will not harm your vans and will help protect them from moisture.

Final Words: Do Vans Shoes Have a Better Resistance to Water Than Other Brands?

No! Vans shoes generally aren’t great at handling water, and they don’t have many models that are truly waterproof or water-resistant. So, if you live in a wet area, I wouldn’t recommend buying Vans or any brand that offers limited waterproof options.

Instead, consider brands like On Cloud, Adidas, Nike, UGGs, or Red Wings. They offer much better water-repellent shoes that are more suitable for consistently wet conditions.

Thanks for reading this post. I hope you like going through the whole discussion.