Vans shoes are the most iconic skate shoes in the footwear industry. These are the combination of simplicity and style, which made them popular for decades. But, many new golfers wonder if they would work on the course or “does vans make golf shoes”.
No, Vans does not currently make shoes specifically designed for golf. Vans shoes are good for casual wearing on green but they are not great for a full round of golf due to low traction and support. So, if you want Spiked Vans then you need to add them by yourself or order a custom pair.
Let’s cover the topic in detail why Vans are not good for Golf and what are custom options for golf courses.
Does Vans Make Golf Shoes?
Vans is a well-known brand of skate shoes. It has been working from California since the 1970s. Vans does not make shoes that are just for golf. Still, some golf players like their simple look and question if they are good for wearing on golf courses, but they’re not a good option for the game.
They can slip and hurt the player because their bottoms are flat and don’t grip grass well. Vans hasn’t made golf shoes yet. However, you can wear them casually or on the green for now.
Can You Wear Vans on the Golf Course?
Vans are fine to wear them on some courses, but they may be worse at golf and damage the green. To keep you safe from slipping you need golf shoes that grip the ground well.
Here are some reasons that show why Vans is not a good option for golf.
Lack of Traction
Vans shoes have smooth rubber soles for everyday use. They offer little grip on dry or wet grass. During a swing, they may lead to slipping and loss of power.
However, Golf shoes have replaceable spikes or soles with deep thread. Spikes dig into the ground and hold your foot in place allowing you to swing steadily. Deep treads hold grass more effectively than narrow treads even if it is wet.
Waterproof Material
Vans are made from canvas. Canvas is a fabric that lets air and water pass through. If you wear Vans on golf they are not only painful to walk on wet but it can also lead to blisters and even fungus diseases.
While golf shoes are made of waterproof materials like leather or synthetic fabrics that have waterproof layers built in. These materials work as a shield and keep your feet dry and comfy during the game by keeping water away.
Course Rules & Safety
The casual style of Vans may not be good with the rules of the golf course. The tread on classic Vans shoes can be flat and smooth. If you’re not careful, this style can damage the soft greens. Some trainers may advise shoes with softer spikes or special tracks that protect the foot from damage.
Supportive Design
Vans are less supportive and can lead to fatigue and injuries during a long game. While Golf shoes have a more structured upper compared to Van’s flexible canvas. This upper wraps feet securely during twisting swings.
Further, more golf shoes have an EVA foam midsole that absorbs each step and swings and reduces stress on joints throughout the game. While shank support provides stability and protection to ankles during swings.
Golfer’s Guide Chart: Golf Shoes vs. Vans
| Feature | Golf Shoes | Vans |
| Purpose | Ideal performance and protection on the golf course | Casual and everyday wear |
| Soles | Aggressive traction with spikes or deep treads for grip on grass | Smooth rubber soles with minimal grip |
| Traction | Excellent for stable swings and preventing slips | Prone to slipping especially on wet grass |
| Materials | Waterproof leather, synthetics with waterproof membranes | Breathable canvas, suede, or leather (not waterproof) |
| Waterproofing | Keeps feet dry during morning dew or rain | Shoes become soaked in wet conditions |
| Support | Supportive design for twisting and turning during swings | Less supportive |
| Design | Optimized for golf swing mechanics | Might not meet dress code at some courses |
| Course Protection | Softer spikes or special treads minimize damage to greens | Flat soles can damage delicate putting greens |
Custom-Made Vans Golf Shoes
Vans does not currently provide golf-specific footwear so golfers seek alternate solutions for their on-course needs. While some fans have tried aftermarket spike conversions or personalized orders these options do not provide the same level of performance and dependability as specialized golf shoes.
The new invention allows you to convert practically any trainers with flat soles into golf shoes with soft spikes. Golfkicks sells kits for this. You may also get ready-made Vans with spikes on DIY websites such as Etsy. They are in high demand and hence sell out quickly.
Golf shoe companies like FootJoy, Nike, and Adidas provide a variety of styles and performance alternatives for players. These brands have established a global presence on golf courses that offer spikeless designs as well as sophisticated innovations for stability and comfort.
Bottom Lines
In golf, every step counts so make a smart choice in your shoe selection. Vans shoes are popular in fashion and everyday life but it’s not good for golf. Since Vans doesn’t make any styles specifically for golf but is still popular among players but who want to perform at their best should look at other options from well-known shoe brands.