Are Vans Non-Slip? The Truth About Their Grip

The big question is—are Vans non-slip? We’ve tested them, and here’s what we found.

The short answer: Vans have a decent grip, but they are not officially non-slip shoes. Their waffle sole provides traction on dry surfaces, which is why skateboarders love them. However, they lack the deep tread and certified slip resistance needed for workplace safety.

If you’re working in a kitchen or hospital, Vans might not be the best choice.

But don’t worry! 

If you love Vans and still want to improve their grip, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Which Vans to avoid

• How they compare to real non-slip brands

• Easy ways to make them safer on slippery floors. 

Stick around to get the best tips and solutions!

Key Takeaways

• Vans have good grip but are not officially non-slip shoes.

• The waffle sole provides traction on dry surfaces but struggles with wet or greasy floors.

• Some Vans models are better for slip resistance, while others should be avoided.

• Vans lacks certified slip-resistant technology found in work shoes.

• Shoes for Crews, Skechers Work, and Crocs On-The-Clock offer better slip resistance.

• You can improve Vans’ grip using sole pads, traction spray, and roughening the soles.

• Regular cleaning of the sole helps maintain traction.

• If you work in a high-slip area, investing in real non-slip shoes is a safer choice.

Are Vans Non-Slip? (Key Details)

Yes, Vans are non-slip, but not in the way certified work shoes are. Vans has a signature waffle sole made from rubber, which provides a solid grip on dry surfaces. This is why skateboarders and BMX riders love them. 

However, Vans are not officially labeled as slip-resistant for workplaces like restaurants or hospitals. If you need something for wet or greasy floors, Vans might not be the best option.

When we tested Vans on different surfaces, they held up well on dry concrete, wooden floors, and even light rain. But when we walked on a wet tile floor, we didn’t feel comfortable. The grip wasn’t as strong as a certified non-slip shoe. 

That said, not all Vans are the same. Some models, like the Vans Made for the Makers collection, are designed for workers. These versions have extra grip and water-resistant features.

But your regular Old Skool or Classic Slip-Ons? They don’t have the same level of slip resistance as actual work shoes.

Do Vans Meet Workplace Non-Slip Standards?

Vans does not meet official workplace non-slip standards. Most workplaces that require slip-resistant shoes look for certifications like ASTM F2913-11. Vans, while great for casual wear, are not tested or approved as non-slip footwear for work environments like restaurants, healthcare, or factories. 

If safety is a top priority, it’s better to go with a shoe specifically designed for workplace traction.

If you love the Vans style but need better traction, there are alternatives. Brands like Skechers Work, Shoes for Crews, and Crocs On-The-Clock offer stylish options with certified slip resistance. 

Or, if you’re set on Vans, adding non-slip soles or traction sprays can help.

Just like Vans, many people ask whether Hey Dudes are non-slip before wearing them to work or on slick floors. It’s helpful to compare both brands if slip resistance is a priority for you.

Which Vans Models to Avoid if You Need High Slip Resistance

Not all Vans have a strong grip, and some models can be risky if you work in a place with wet, greasy, or slick floors. We’ve tested different Vans shoes, and some just don’t have enough traction for workplaces like restaurants or hospitals. 

If you need slip resistance, avoid models with flat soles and minimal tread.

Here are the Vans models we found to be the least slip-resistant:

• Vans Classic Slip-On – The flat sole doesn’t grip well, especially on wet or oily floors.

• Vans Authentic – Basic rubber sole with no special grip features.

• Vans Era – Great for skateboarding, but not designed for slippery surfaces.

• Vans Old Skool – Looks stylish but lacks deep tread for proper slip resistance.

• Vans Sk8-Hi – Has ankle support but the same flat sole as the Old Skool.

• Vans UltraRange – More cushioned, but the sole isn’t built for grip on wet floors.

If you want better traction, check out the Vans Made for the Makers collection. These are designed with extra grip and water resistance, making them a better choice for workplaces.

How to Improve Vans' Slip Resistance

We love Vans, but we know they’re not the best when it comes to slip resistance. Luckily, there are ways to improve their grip. These tricks won’t turn them into official non-slip work shoes, but they will help reduce the risk of slipping.

1. Scuff the Soles for Better Grip

Brand-new Vans have smooth soles, which can be slippery. We’ve found that roughening them up helps a lot.

One easy way is to rub sandpaper (medium grit) on the bottom of your Vans. This creates texture and improves traction. 

Walking on rough concrete or asphalt for a few days also works. We’ve tried this trick, and it naturally wears down the smooth areas, making the sole grip better.

For a faster fix, use a wire brush to scrub the soles. This creates small grooves, which help the rubber grip the ground more effectively. Skaters often do this to improve their shoe grip on a skateboard.

2. Apply Non-Slip Sole Pads

Non-slip sole pads are small rubber stickers that attach to the bottom of your shoes. We’ve used these before, and they really do help on smooth floors.

These pads work best on Vans with flat soles, like Classic Slip-Ons and Old Skools. They are easy to use—just peel and stick. 

The downside: They wear out over time, especially if you walk a lot. But they’re cheap and easy to replace, so they’re a great option for extra traction.

3. Use Traction Spray for Extra Grip

Traction spray is like an invisible grip booster. We’ve tested it, and it adds a thin, rubbery layer to the soles, making them less slippery.

To use it, just spray the bottom of your Vans, let them dry, and you’re good to go. This works well on tile, laminate, and hardwood floors. 

One thing to keep in mind—it’s not a long-term solution. The grip wears off over time, especially if you’re walking on rough surfaces. 

4. Break in Your Vans Before Wearing Them in Slippery Areas

Here’s the deal: New Vans can be a little slick at first. Before wearing them in a workplace or on a slippery floor, we recommend breaking them in on rough surfaces.

Walking on dry concrete or asphalt for a few days naturally wears down the smooth rubber, improving grip. We always do this before wearing new Vans in places where traction matters.

If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by scuffing the soles with sandpaper or a wire brush.

5. Use Slip-Resistant Insoles

We’ve tried slip-resistant insoles, and they make a difference by keeping our feet more secure inside the shoe.

Brands like Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles and Superfeet Insoles are great options.

For the best results, we recommend combining insoles with another method, like sole pads or traction spray. This way, you get a better grip both inside and outside the shoe.

Vans vs. Other Non-Slip Shoe Brands

Vans are popular for their style and comfort, but they are not the best choice for slip resistance in workplaces. Unlike brands that specialize in non-slip footwear, Vans lacks certified slip-resistant technology and deep tread patterns.

If you need reliable traction, comparing Vans with true non-slip shoe brands can help you make a better decision.

Which Are the Best Non-Slip Shoes?

The best non-slip shoes have deep tread patterns and rubber soles. Both prevent slipping on wet, greasy, or polished floors. Here are the best choices:

If you need the best non-slip shoes, Shoes for Crews and Skechers Work are top choices for workplace safety. If you prefer comfort and easy cleaning, Crocs On-The-Clock is a solid option. For industrial settings, Dr. Martens Work provides the strongest grip and durability.

That’s all.

The big question is—are Vans non-slip? We’ve tested them, and here’s what we found.

The short answer: Vans have a decent grip, but they are not officially non-slip shoes. Their waffle sole provides traction on dry surfaces, which is why skateboarders love them. However, they lack the deep tread and certified slip resistance needed for workplace safety.

If you’re working in a kitchen or hospital, Vans might not be the best choice.

But don’t worry! 

If you love Vans and still want to improve their grip, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Which Vans to avoid

• How they compare to real non-slip brands

• Easy ways to make them safer on slippery floors. 

Stick around to get the best tips and solutions!

Key Takeaways

• Vans have good grip but are not officially non-slip shoes.

• The waffle sole provides traction on dry surfaces but struggles with wet or greasy floors.

• Some Vans models are better for slip resistance, while others should be avoided.

• Vans lacks certified slip-resistant technology found in work shoes.

• Shoes for Crews, Skechers Work, and Crocs On-The-Clock offer better slip resistance.

• You can improve Vans’ grip using sole pads, traction spray, and roughening the soles.

• Regular cleaning of the sole helps maintain traction.

• If you work in a high-slip area, investing in real non-slip shoes is a safer choice.

Are Vans Non-Slip? (Key Details)

Yes, Vans are non-slip, but not in the way certified work shoes are. Vans has a signature waffle sole made from rubber, which provides a solid grip on dry surfaces. This is why skateboarders and BMX riders love them. 

However, Vans are not officially labeled as slip-resistant for workplaces like restaurants or hospitals. If you need something for wet or greasy floors, Vans might not be the best option.

When we tested Vans on different surfaces, they held up well on dry concrete, wooden floors, and even light rain. But when we walked on a wet tile floor, we didn’t feel comfortable. The grip wasn’t as strong as a certified non-slip shoe. 

That said, not all Vans are the same. Some models, like the Vans Made for the Makers collection, are designed for workers. These versions have extra grip and water-resistant features.

But your regular Old Skool or Classic Slip-Ons? They don’t have the same level of slip resistance as actual work shoes.

Do Vans Meet Workplace Non-Slip Standards?

Vans does not meet official workplace non-slip standards. Most workplaces that require slip-resistant shoes look for certifications like ASTM F2913-11. Vans, while great for casual wear, are not tested or approved as non-slip footwear for work environments like restaurants, healthcare, or factories. 

If safety is a top priority, it’s better to go with a shoe specifically designed for workplace traction.

If you love the Vans style but need better traction, there are alternatives. Brands like Skechers Work, Shoes for Crews, and Crocs On-The-Clock offer stylish options with certified slip resistance. 

Or, if you’re set on Vans, adding non-slip soles or traction sprays can help.

Just like Vans, many people ask whether Hey Dudes are non-slip before wearing them to work or on slick floors. It’s helpful to compare both brands if slip resistance is a priority for you.

Which Vans Models to Avoid if You Need High Slip Resistance

Not all Vans have a strong grip, and some models can be risky if you work in a place with wet, greasy, or slick floors. We’ve tested different Vans shoes, and some just don’t have enough traction for workplaces like restaurants or hospitals. 

If you need slip resistance, avoid models with flat soles and minimal tread.

Here are the Vans models we found to be the least slip-resistant:

• Vans Classic Slip-On – The flat sole doesn’t grip well, especially on wet or oily floors.

• Vans Authentic – Basic rubber sole with no special grip features.

• Vans Era – Great for skateboarding, but not designed for slippery surfaces.

• Vans Old Skool – Looks stylish but lacks deep tread for proper slip resistance.

• Vans Sk8-Hi – Has ankle support but the same flat sole as the Old Skool.

• Vans UltraRange – More cushioned, but the sole isn’t built for grip on wet floors.

If you want better traction, check out the Vans Made for the Makers collection. These are designed with extra grip and water resistance, making them a better choice for workplaces.

How to Improve Vans' Slip Resistance

We love Vans, but we know they’re not the best when it comes to slip resistance. Luckily, there are ways to improve their grip. These tricks won’t turn them into official non-slip work shoes, but they will help reduce the risk of slipping.

1. Scuff the Soles for Better Grip

Brand-new Vans have smooth soles, which can be slippery. We’ve found that roughening them up helps a lot.

One easy way is to rub sandpaper (medium grit) on the bottom of your Vans. This creates texture and improves traction. 

Walking on rough concrete or asphalt for a few days also works. We’ve tried this trick, and it naturally wears down the smooth areas, making the sole grip better.

For a faster fix, use a wire brush to scrub the soles. This creates small grooves, which help the rubber grip the ground more effectively. Skaters often do this to improve their shoe grip on a skateboard.

2. Apply Non-Slip Sole Pads

Non-slip sole pads are small rubber stickers that attach to the bottom of your shoes. We’ve used these before, and they really do help on smooth floors.

These pads work best on Vans with flat soles, like Classic Slip-Ons and Old Skools. They are easy to use—just peel and stick. 

The downside: They wear out over time, especially if you walk a lot. But they’re cheap and easy to replace, so they’re a great option for extra traction.

3. Use Traction Spray for Extra Grip

Traction spray is like an invisible grip booster. We’ve tested it, and it adds a thin, rubbery layer to the soles, making them less slippery.

To use it, just spray the bottom of your Vans, let them dry, and you’re good to go. This works well on tile, laminate, and hardwood floors. 

One thing to keep in mind—it’s not a long-term solution. The grip wears off over time, especially if you’re walking on rough surfaces. 

4. Break in Your Vans Before Wearing Them in Slippery Areas

Here’s the deal: New Vans can be a little slick at first. Before wearing them in a workplace or on a slippery floor, we recommend breaking them in on rough surfaces.

Walking on dry concrete or asphalt for a few days naturally wears down the smooth rubber, improving grip. We always do this before wearing new Vans in places where traction matters.

If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by scuffing the soles with sandpaper or a wire brush.

5. Use Slip-Resistant Insoles

We’ve tried slip-resistant insoles, and they make a difference by keeping our feet more secure inside the shoe.

Brands like Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles and Superfeet Insoles are great options.

For the best results, we recommend combining insoles with another method, like sole pads or traction spray. This way, you get a better grip both inside and outside the shoe.

Vans vs. Other Non-Slip Shoe Brands

Vans are popular for their style and comfort, but they are not the best choice for slip resistance in workplaces. Unlike brands that specialize in non-slip footwear, Vans lacks certified slip-resistant technology and deep tread patterns.

If you need reliable traction, comparing Vans with true non-slip shoe brands can help you make a better decision.

Which Are the Best Non-Slip Shoes?

The best non-slip shoes have deep tread patterns and rubber soles. Both prevent slipping on wet, greasy, or polished floors. Here are the best choices:

If you need the best non-slip shoes, Shoes for Crews and Skechers Work are top choices for workplace safety. If you prefer comfort and easy cleaning, Crocs On-The-Clock is a solid option. For industrial settings, Dr. Martens Work provides the strongest grip and durability.

That’s all.