Customer Reviews Vans Ave

The shoes are really great and would be incredibly comfy but they are rather tight. I have had many pairs of Vans and I'm always a 9.5 in men's. I should've gotten a 10. I tried to make it work for a while, but the shoes just aren't stretching out after a few dozen miles in them. I'm going to have to donate my pair and buy another in a 10 because the shoes are fantastic, just the sizing is off.

No shoe is perfect especially at this price point... though I'd be pretty upset if I paid full price on these. That said, I want to cover the pros and cons of my purchase Disclaimer: I am NOT a skater. I buy Vans because they are flatter and I can feel the ground better ("board feel" I believe is the term). I appreciate this for every day use but especially for my job. Sometimes I'm on ladders and I hate being on clunky clumsy running shoes, even though I do prefer their more flexible & breathable uppers. That said, I was attracted to the Ave because of its mesh paneling. I know cotton canvas is breathable but they seem to hold onto sweat rather than just let it evaporate. I find them to "stink" more than other materials, and become a complete soggy mess if I was in rain or mud. I prefer synthetic mesh. Ok, now Pros and Cons Con:They are very snug. I ALWAYS order a half size up because most shoes are too narrow for my wider feet. Vans are not so bad but I still order a half size up. For the Aves, I had to order a full size up. Also, I removed the removable insole... It would had suffocated my feet with the insole on, even with a size up. Fortunately, there's built-in cushioning within the Ave model so that suffices. By removing the insole, I obtained better "board feel" akin to regular Vans (I typically wear Old Skools or Eras for casual non-work occassions); however, not as cushy. The Aves definitely felt stiffer in the underfoot. Con: The upper is not very comfortable. It's very stiff and sometimes rub against my feet in an irritating and sometimes painful way. Then again , I did order a size up; however, comparing it to my Old Skool that is only a half size up (compared to a whole size up), they are nearly identical; the Ave being surprisingly only 1mm longer and practically the same width. Pro: The lockdown is very good and accomplishes this, at least for me, without rubbing the back of my heel, which many of the Pro models do to me; for example, the Old Skool Pros for some reason rub the back of heels; however, regular Old Skools do not (the back is lower & more comfortable). Con: There is a moderate break-in time unlike traditional Vans (which I feel like only takes a day or two, if not instantly "broken-in feel"). It took about 2 weeks for these shoes to break in. I can now say the underfoot cushioning is not so stiff and feels more natural, with greater board feel, but still not up to par as my classic Old Skools. The upper is more comfortable too but still not necessarily comfortable. Pro: the mesh paneling definitely helps with breathability. I approve Pro: the tongue is attached to the shoe so the tongue doesn't bunch down when wearing them, like classic Old Skools. That's the one thing that drives me CRAZY about Old Skools. I wish the Pro version (which has an attached tongue) was more comfortable and had a lower heel. Pro: the easiest Vans to slip-on. The heel cup is rigid which helps keep the shoe in place as you slide your feet in. I typically have to wrestle a tiny bit to slip-on, even w/ my favorite Vans, but the Ave is seamless. Initial impressions: 1/5 stars. I was immediately regretting the purchase; however, I gave them a chance because finding some breathable skate shoes are hard; and though there are a handful of skate shoes that utilize mesh, its typically the more rugged, less breathable type of mesh. Ave's mesh is on the thinner side so perhaps that's a con, that it may be less durable, but I don't know; I've had no issues (though I don't skate). Nonetheless, the thinner mesh is very breathable which I appreciate. How this shoe could be improved? IDK what this new design is all about w/ the underfoot cushioning but I don't care for it whatsoever. I find classic more comfortable and with better board feel. Another improvement, replace the stiff uncomfortable "smooth' leather (feels like synethic leather but not sure) and replace it with suede. I think suede is more flexible and comfortable in comparison. The rubber outsole is grippy and I've always appreciated Vans for that. Surprised its as grippy w/o being "gum" which I've read is grippier than other variations of rubber (but don't take my word for it). However, the outsole, who knows why but its EXTREMELY slippery when wet.... so I don't know, perhaps develop a formula where it's not so darn slippery when wet. Walking outside to inside, or getting morning dew on your shoes right before climbing a ladder, is like BAM! ice skating! But fortunately for me, I'm usually inside and dry... so I'll keep wearing these shoes.

Unusually tight and narrow, mainly around the toes and front half of the foot. These should be advertised as an extra narrow shoe because it is unusually narrow.

The name and pictures couldn't tell you that the sides are mesh. I like the shoe, but don't think you could wear in in cold or rain.

Shoes are great but shipping took nearly two weeks.

I mostly skate bowls so I don't usually blow through shoes very quickly. These shoes worked perfectly until about a month in when I realized that the grip on the toe of the shoe was almost all gone. I noticed it any time when skating and did not feel very comfortable rolling in or doing any high grinds or carves. I would recommend this shoe for anybody who is not skating very hard and often. But for the price I wouldn't recommend purchasing this shoe if you skate often and everyday and prioritize the grippiness of your shoe.

Shoes arrived quickly and look nice. Quality construction. Unfortunately I can't wear them because I have wide feet and they DO NOT come in wide. :-(

I love the fit and how the shoe feels very snug, But the heel of my left shoe wore out after a few months of casual wear and riding, rendering them so uncomfortable that I can't wear them. For the price, I expected them to last longer and be more durable. The suede under the mesh cut right through the fabric and stabs my foot when I try to walk.

I have 4 pairs a various Van's at any one time, and have never had a sizing issue. The AVE runs a half size too small at least. Luckily they had a size up in stock at the local Van's shop. Overall good pair of kicks. A bit on the narrow side for anyone with a wider foot considering a purchase.

I'm always a 10.5 in Vans so that's what I ordered, but I found this model to be too narrow and a little short. I decided to get a different shoe, although I was tempted to try the next size up. It looks like a very nice shoe, but I would consider going up a size when ordering.

Size 8. Size 8??? Listen close broheims...my foot doesn't swell to astronomical sizes. That said; ummm?! How is this waffle brand weave Stylo still way to tight a whole size and a half larger than my Norm?! Nice design. Cool hues. Just wish it would've fit. Returned.

I love the shoes they just don't last anywhere near a cheaper pair of vans..

I order these off line which I usually never do but thought I'd give it a try. Taking them out of the box, they looked like they had already been worn. They had creases and stains which if they were colored shoes wouldn't be so bad but since they are white it shows right away. Needless to say, probably won't make any online purchases for a while just cause I'm not sure what I'll get. Pretty bummed huge vans fan, but is what it is.

I use them only for work (fast food) and they're already falling apart. Literally falling apart. The upper material is separating from the shoe itself, there's completely random holes showing on the shoe and the sole of the shoe fades just as fast as the gum soles. It's been LESS THAN A MONTH and I have done NO SKATING. I honestly have to say I'm going to give up on buying vans if this is the kind of "quality" they're gonna offer. Save yourself the hassle and just buy Lakai or Etnies. Even my fake Chuck Taylors lasted longer, and I actually skated in those. You lost a lifetime customer Vans, step up your game.

The shoe has no support and no cushion. I had to return them unfortunately. But I loved the sole and material

I love the style of these and the sole looks really cool. Probably the coolest looking vans on the shelf. Was going to get them but they are extremely narrow compared to any other pair I've had/tried on. I wish they were the standard vans sizing or else i would get them

I've had Vans last for YEARS, these were super tight but wearable, and now both shoes are tearing within 2.5 months. Poor materials.

Love the look, seem well made, but they are crazy narrow! I've worn the same size vans in at least 40 pairs over the years, this is so frustrating!!!

My favorite style vans, unfortunately these were disappointing.

These are much blander looking in person. Wore them around the house for maybe an hour and just didn't like them. I purchased for casual wear not skateboarding but I wasn't impressed with the comfort or look. I can't speak to how these would hold up long term, but think the mesh would be prone to ripping/holes.

These shoes are amazing but the mesh is already ripped and it's been barely a month. I love these shoes but they fell apart super fast. Kinda of a bummer for the price

I bought these shoes 2 months ago for casual wear at the hospital and they are already have holes on the sides of the shoes. As a long time fan of vans shoes these are the worst quality shoes I have ever had.

the fabric portion is totally flimsy and comes apart when it makes contact with grip-tape or any other surface. do yourself a favor and DO NOT SKATE with these shoes. for walking or pedaling a bike they are fine.