Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons Review
Slip into a classic style this summer with checkerboard Vans
Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Whether you’re gearing up for the When We Were Young music festival in October or are just looking for a classic casual shoe that go with everything from jeans to athleisure to even skirts, skate-shoe brand Vans is the way to go.
I’ve been a fan of Vans—and specifically its now-iconic checkerboard slip-ons—for 18 years. Allow me to convince you why you should get your own pair, too.
Related content
feature
What are Vans checkerboard slip-ons?
Vans checkerboard slip-ons have had their place in pop culture since Sean Penn famously wore them to class in the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. When the skateboard-shoe company launched the Warped Tour in 1995, it made the casual kicks synonymous with alt-rock music. (I personally discovered checkerboard Vans around the time I started listening to bands Death Cab for Cutie and Alexisonfire.)
Vans checkerboard slip-ons are popular for both men and women, and come in men’s sizes 5½ to 16 and women’s sizes 5 to 17½, as well as boys sizes 3½ to 6. You can choose from a variety of color combos, including gray and white, baby blue and white, dark gray and black, black on black, white on white, lavender and white, fuchsia and white, and brown and white. At $60, they aren’t a huge investment for versatile footwear, and if you buy from the brand, you can opt for a payment plans available through Klarna.
Get Checkerboard Vans at Vans.com for $60
What I like about Vans checkerboard slip-ons
You can never go wrong with these classic slip-ons.
The style suits me
I’ve owned several pairs of the shoes throughout the years in black and white and, most recently, navy and white. I chose the dark-blue combo for my latest because they look a little softer than the stark, chessboard-reminiscent Vans I wore in my high school days but still funky enough to keep up with my current hipster style. I find them easy to pair with many outfits, thanks to their nostalgic flair. I like how the low profile suits leggings, skirts, and even dresses, but it doesn’t look too insubstantial with jeans or overalls.
They're easy to wear
The shoes are easy to slip on and comfortable to wear even without socks—I haven’t noticed any blisters even after a full day because of the leather lining on the heel. These are the shoes that form to your feet and become even more comfy the more you wear them. Their breathable canvas design makes them especially great for those not-quite-sandal temperatures in spring and early summer.
They're surprisingly durable
I get a ton of wear out of each pair I buy. My first ones were my go-tos for two years, and I only replaced them because I realized I had bought the wrong size once they fully stretched out. For a canvas shoe, I’ve gotten my money’s worth and then some.
What I don’t like about checkerboard slip-ons
Remember that these were originally designed as skateboarding shoes.
They don't have any arch support
While checkerboard Vans win in almost all categories with me, I have some complaints. Namely, as a flat-soled shoe designed for skateboarding, it offers zero arch support, which is painful for my flat feet if I’m walking long distances. Clearly, I’ll sacrifice some level of comfort because I love the look, but I just don’t wear mine if I’ll be walking around all day.
The smooth sole can be slick
Vans are also designed for city streets and pavement, so I would never wear them if I were going out into nature or there's rain in the forecast. They offer no traction for trails and can be slick on wet smooth surfaces, too.
They stretch out—possibly too much
The canvas of these Vans will stretch, and with no laces to tighten, you may find them slipping off your feet as easily as they slip on. If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller one, or your feet will be swimming once the shoes totally break in.
Are checkerboard slip-ons worth it?
There's different styles and colors, in case you're not into the classic black and white.
Absolutely, if you like the look
At $60 for a classic and versatile style that’s well made and durable, the Vans checkerboard slip-ons are a total win in my book. The classic shoes are also available in platform and extra-high stackform height if you’re looking for a Y2K look. With the variety of colors and sizing options, there’s a slip-on Vans design for everyone.