33 Awesome Vans Outfit Ideas

Vans have been one of the most iconic sneakers on the market for more than 50 years. From the comfort to the cool and casual design, Vans are an absolute staple for any man’s wardrobe. While they are best known for being a shoe brand, Vans has become so legendary that they can essentially be described as their own specific style.

Originally targeted for skateboarders, Vans is a brand that brings style and leisure together to help the laidback guy look great. In order to provide you with some inspiration, here is our list of the top best vans outfits for men. 

1. Vans Authentic

Created in 1966, the Authentic became the original Vans heritage style. This California born and bred shoe quickly became a cult icon and is probably the most recognizable and coveted style of Vans available. Whether you’re looking for checkerboard Vans, clean white Vans, or simple black Vans, the Vans Authentic shoe is a consistent and reliable style to go with. With a simple low top and lace-up profile, the Authentic truly embodies Vans “Off the Wall” attitude. The shoe also features sturdy canvas uppers, metal eyelets, and signature rubber waffle outsoles for the ultimate comfort plus a little extra height. 

One of the best things about the Authentic is the fact that it’s an incredibly versatile shoe. While Vans are most known for being quite casual, getting a pair that is either all white or a more neutral beige can allow you to maintain the comfort of Vans while sporting a shoe that could easily be worn with a  business casual outfit. Another fun and unique way to wear the Vans Authentic would be to pick a pair that is in a relatively vibrant and bold color, and matching them with an oversized sweatshirt or tee that is of the same hue.

2. Vans Era

The Vans Era sneakers are similar to the Vans Authentic as they still have the low top and lace-up profile, however, these skate shoes also feature a padded collar for extra comfort and support. In addition, Vans has a line of ComfyCush Era’s, which boast even more enhanced comfort, making this the perfect pair of Vans sneakers for skaters or really anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. The Vans Era sneaker comes in an abundance of different colors and designs. Of course, you’ll be able to find their signature checkerboard vans along with many more neutral and subtle tones. 

For a Vans outfit featuring the Era shoes, it would be nice to stick to something a bit more casual and sporty. While there are a few designs that can pair well with an outfit for a casual day at the office or even a night out and about, the Era design is better paired with more skate-oriented attire. From skinny jeans to shorts to baggy trousers, this skate shoe really pulls together an intentionally grunge ensemble quite well. 

3. Vans Old Skool

If you like to keep things old school, then you give an outfit featuring the Vans Old Skool sneakers a go. The Vans Old Skool shoe model first debuted in 1977 with a special new tweak to the design. Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, decided to add a simple yet noticeable “doodle,” which he called a “jazz stripe,” to the side of the Vans sneaker. Nowadays, this iconic side stripe has become the instantly recognizable Hallmark of Vans as a brand. 

The Old Skools are made out of a firm suede and canvas uppers that come in a wide range of color options. In addition to the Vans classic low top, lace-up design, the Old Skool sneakers also include reinforced toe caps, supportive padded collars, as well as signature rubber waffle outsoles. The most basic way to curate an outfit around a pair of Old School sneakers would be to stick with something more aligned with classic skater styles such as shorts and high socks.

However, if you’d like to spruce things up a bit and do something a bit funkier, try pairing some Old Skool sneakers with a ripped tight-fitted jeans and a stripped, loose-fitted button down for a more hipster type of vibe. 

4. Vans Sk8 Hi

As the first high top skate shoe, the Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers turned heads when it was first released. It has a similar appeal to that of Converse high tops, but with more masculine features. From animal print to solid colors to unique graphic designs, the Vans Sk9 Hi shoes are available in nearly every color and pattern you can think of. While they might not be the right style for everyone, being that they are very reminiscent of the skater and punk style, they can still be worn in more ways than one.

An outfit featuring a pair of Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers could be rather simple and minimalist given the business of the shoe. Being that they are high tops, they look a bit more put together when complemented by a pair of jeans or long trousers rather than shorts. Also, since there are so many color options, try to ensure that you avoid any clashing colors or patterns when choosing the rest of your ensemble.

5. Vans Slip On

The Vans Slip On is a true icon, kicking off the successful brand with this comfortable waffle bottom slip on skate shoe in 1966. Though many have tried to duplicate this comfortable and revolutionary design, virtually no one has been able to do it as well as Vans. With no laces to get in the way or cause an extra fuss, these slip ons are a convenient and easy way to throw some shoes on for the day, all while maintaining a specific look and style.

While it may seem as though slip on shoes don’t require socks, they most certainly do. If you’d like to go for a more modern look, sport some no-show ankle socks for a clean and contemporary style. Of course, if you’re looking for something more unique or statement-making, adding some colorful high calf socks is a great way to add a little pop of color of flair to an otherwise simple outfit. 

6. Vans Clothing

Despite Vans being most famous for their sneakers and shoes, they also make a popular line of T-shirts that are perfect for a casual outing or day well spent outside. Similar to Vans’ most iconic and classic shoes, the majority of Vans clothing is black and white, making it easy to pair with some checkerboard sneakers and black skinny jeans.

Being that the designs are pretty standard and basic, it is a little more difficult to dress these tees up in comparison to some others, however, they are consistent and quite comfortable. Whether you’re wanting to pair a Vans t-shirt with some black shorts or light wash jeans, complete your Vans ensemble with your favorite sneakers and a hat for a laidback yet stylish look.

7. Vans Streetwear

Though Vans were originally created and coined as “skate shoes,” you don’t have to be any sort of skater to make these sneakers fit into your everyday style. The overall style and design of Vans adds an extra little “oomph” to an otherwise put-together outfit. They’re quite masculine looking by nature, meaning that if you’re wanting to wear something on the more feminine side, such as a monochromatic shirt and trousers, or a button up that features softer designs, a pair of Vans can add the perfect amount of laddishness needed to give you some stellar street style. 

Whether you’re wanting to sport the checkerboard Vans or prefer something a bit more neutral in color, just make sure whichever pair you choose complements the outfit rather than overshadowing it. For example, being that the checkerboard design has quite a lot going on, you’ll probably want to wear a shirt and trouser that’s more understated and matchy so as to avoid having too much going on.

8. Van Shoes With Shorts

Without a doubt, one of the most on-brand ways to wear Vans is with a pair of cool shorts. Whether they be board shorts, jeans shorts, or cargo shorts, vans have long since been used in outfits featuring men’s shorts. In addition to being both functional and comfortable, Vans sneakers seem to mesh quite nicely with some exposed leg. 

If needing an outfit that is a bit more on the prep side and less on the skate-style side, try snagging a pair of bright colored Vans Authentic sneakers and wear some complementary, solid-colored shorts. On the other hand, if you’re looking to really jazz things up and take your style to new levels of grunge-heights, try rocking a pair of ripped and frayed jean shorts along with a graphic tee, pulling together the “Off the Wall” vibe of the Vans look.

9. Vans With Jeans

Being that skinny jeans have really become a staple for skateboarders, it’s no surprise Vans are quite often paired with these denim trousers. However, while the typical dark wash skinny jeans and Vans combo might be the first outfit choice that comes to mind when planning how to wear your Vans, keep in mind that there are several other jeans fits and colors that can go great with these iconic sneakers. 

Since the majority of Vans feature low tops, it makes sense as to why most men would think to wear skinny or tight-fitted jeans with these shoes. However, a pair of jeans with a looser fit can actually do wonders both for the overall style of your outfit and the Vans themselves.

Having your Vans peak out under a pair of baggier jeans changes the whole energy associated with these skate shoes, making them more versatile and unique than they might appear normally. If you’d prefer to show off your sneakers in their entirety, then another unique way to style Vans with jeans is to roll your jeans a few times until your calves are exposed and add a pair of high socks, giving you a similar trendy look to Vans with shorts.