Vans Vs Converse for Lifting | The Battle of TWO Classics

SHOP CONVERSE: fave.co/3x662Dd
SHOP VANS: amzn.to/3x6Lj1Z
READ VANS VS CONVERSE: thatfitfriend.com/vans-vs-con...
Vans or Converse for lifting is the equivalent of the chicken or the egg dilemma. Both Vans and Converse are tried and true classics in the gym, so is there a real definitive winner?
Personally, I love rocking the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars for accessory work in meet prep and the Vans Authentic shoes for off-season recreational and daily. Both shoes offer a ton of stability and similarities which make them great picks for the strength-focused lifter.
In this Vans Vs Converse showdown, we compare two popular models and go over which is best for lifting along with other commonly asked FAQs.
0:00 Like & Subscribe!
0:41 Vans Vs Converse Differences
2:10 Vans Vs Converse Similarities
3:50 Which is best for lifting?
6:15 Which has the best durability?
7:23 Why lift in Vans and Converse?
8:50 You Choose: Vans or Converse
I personally love training in both Vans and Converse and tend to rotate them based on the context of my training sessions and day-to-day life.
Outside of the Vans Authentic shoes featured in this video, some of the old-school Vans models are also super popular amongst various lifting circles.
If you've been on the fence between lifting in Vans and Converse, I hope this video helped ease some stress and provide some direction!
If you have any questions, drop them below or fit me via Instagram (@jake_boly), and don't forget to let me know which you PREFER - Vans or Converse!
MORE SHOE CONTENT
Converse Vs NOBULL: thatfitfriend.com/nobull-trai...
Best Cross-Training Shoes for Deadlifts: thatfitfriend.com/best-cross-...
#converse #vans #vansvsconverse
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Disclaimer: If you purchase shoes through the links above, then I may receive a small commission on the sale!

Пікірлер: 120

  • @Ahivalaostia88
    @Ahivalaostia882 жыл бұрын

    Vans are my go to, they fit my feet way better. Try them both honestly, the worst that can happen is that you got a new pair of shoes to wear lol

  • @Dennaton

    @Dennaton

    2 жыл бұрын

    They are expensive bruh

  • @thirdeyeinsomnia9776

    @thirdeyeinsomnia9776

    2 жыл бұрын

    Vans are wider. More comfortable and same feel.

  • @sepeharz756
    @sepeharz7563 жыл бұрын

    Great video very informative. Keep up the great work man!

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I appreciate your feedback 💪

  • @SLouiss
    @SLouiss3 жыл бұрын

    Nice, I’d go with the Converse High Tops for the look, but Vans for the convenience of sliding into like slippers.

  • @eddiebowenjr
    @eddiebowenjr3 жыл бұрын

    Another great video!! 💪🏽👌🏽👌🏽

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Eddie!

  • @jamesyman007
    @jamesyman0072 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid! Goin with the Vans.

  • @bhavukbedi2294
    @bhavukbedi22942 жыл бұрын

    I have both

  • @AVFCAM
    @AVFCAM3 жыл бұрын

    I had to use low tops, I found the high tops make my ankles feel too tight when I deadlift…

  • @westfieldartworks8188
    @westfieldartworks818811 ай бұрын

    I'm about to purchase some Van's Old Skool Trainers White on White, but the Wider model. (I think) the wider base may offer me a bit more support? Aesthetically I look better in the low top Vans. The only thing here is, when I do Squats, I will pull out my competition squatting shoes, and then switch back into the Vans when I'm out of the squat rack. . I've been doing hardcore squat workouts since 1975, and I believe that having a quality squatting shoe has kept me from injuries. Tom Platz strongly suggests the same thing, for the same reasons. It's hard for me to imagine going heavy and below parallel (ass to grass), with Chuck Taylor's on....but I HAVE seen people doing this.. Thank you.

  • @SigmaAlpha3295
    @SigmaAlpha329511 ай бұрын

    I'm using Hi top converse ✊🏼💪🏼

  • @krakatoasundra
    @krakatoasundra3 жыл бұрын

    i like the Cans slip-on the best. no need to tie my shoes which is so awesome.

  • @nathancruz9172

    @nathancruz9172

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too.

  • @biknjak

    @biknjak

    Ай бұрын

    I started wearing Vans slip ons (classic black over white) after hip replacements, because I couldn't bend over to tie shoes for a while. Started lifting in them eventually, and love them. Now I wear them for everyday wear and to work out. I've bought a few pairs. Can't beat the price at about $55! 😎👍

  • @pturnerification
    @pturnerification3 жыл бұрын

    I've never lifted in my vans, only my chucks. But I'll have to try. I do love the toe cap on the chucks; I have size 11.5 inch feet and I'm only 5'9" so I trip on stuff from time to time.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    If you like your Chucks keep rocking them! There's nothing special about Vans over Converse by any means, both are solid and are just two common shoes that I receive a lot of questions on that a lot of lifters compare :)

  • @masterbutenvlog8207
    @masterbutenvlog82072 жыл бұрын

    both okey.👌🏋️

  • @sulaman4280
    @sulaman42809 ай бұрын

    Vans old skool lows best and converse for high tops that where they shine most at

  • @vorpal120
    @vorpal120 Жыл бұрын

    I have used my converse. But I have settled on using my Adidas Sambas with elastic no-tie laces. The the comfort of leather, convenience of slip on, and the same heal/toe drop with a little more arch support. But, i'm bias cuz i played a ton of soccer in my youth and I like the shoe.

  • @andrewgarcia4032
    @andrewgarcia4032 Жыл бұрын

    I like both I wear vans if I'm doing upper body tho and converse for lower body I like converse more tho even before I lifted vans are just to plain imo

  • @ThatsDk
    @ThatsDk3 жыл бұрын

    Curious on your thoughts for the converse vs the sk8 hi since they're both high tops.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    It’s been a minute since I’ve worn the skate high, but the reason I switched to converse from it was the thicker upper material towards the top of the ankle. I rock my converse loose in most occasions and on a daily basis unless working heavier and the lighter canvas upper towards the high-top is more comfortable in this context and never feels limiting. I LOVED the Vans high for daily wear, but often reached for the converse when lifting. Both are great, IMO, I just prefer the converse’s upper a bit more!

  • @edgargarcia5960
    @edgargarcia59602 жыл бұрын

    Hi, is there any significant difference in the toe box size between the two?

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not crazy noticeable, but Vans has the edge unless you go with a wide converse!

  • @verneezymedia
    @verneezymediaАй бұрын

    Ive used both and tend to like chucks slightly more only for the reason of exercises like lunges where you have to bend your foot. Also, i find thay vans wear down faster because of a stiffer base and in insole wears down faster as well for whatever reason. The thing i hate about chucks though is that they are narrow and the sizing is off; you have to size down. Where as vans are a lot closer to true to size. Thay being said, I'd go with chucks all around, but vans do look better imo.

  • @Mikey-uu8fi
    @Mikey-uu8fi2 жыл бұрын

    I competed in my first PL meet using vans.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yooo, grats on the meet if it was recent. I used Converse here!

  • @Mikey-uu8fi

    @Mikey-uu8fi

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend Thank you! Some people want this flat shoes trend to die but idk it's much more practical to use an all around shoes than switching from squat shoes to a deadlift slippers.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Mikey-uu8fi welcome! IMO, the folks who want any type of drop in a shoe to die lack so much context. Form, lifting mechanics, and anatomy all factor in here and the folks who are hardcore for/against flat shoes are silly, smh.

  • @McJakobSejr
    @McJakobSejr3 жыл бұрын

    Ive been powerlifting for a couple of years now. and ive been deadlifting in socks. I just bought a couple of vans and they feel great to press from in the deadlift. But i am kind of scared that the sole is too thick (giving me more ROM), also i have only done about 385pounds/175kg, in the vans, and i am kind of afraid that the rom will become more of a problem when i increase the weight.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    Tbh, man, I wouldn't sweat it that much. Could you squeeze a bit more out of less ROM? Yeah, but it's not going to be a make or break in a majority of your training especially as you build more and more strength. If you're competing and are worried about limiting ROM to the fullest extent, then you may want to look into a pair of deadlift slippers or true deadlift shoes, but that's if you're trying to get super niche with your mechanics. My last prep, I pulled a majority in my socks, then bought a pair of surf boots for comp because they're pretty much putting me into a barefoot setup. However, outside of prep in the off-season, I'll usually rock whatever I have on which is cross-trainers, Converse/Vans/etc, or I'll go socks if I can in my gym. Long story short, I wouldn't sweat these smaller details until you're in prep and competing, then you may want to find something more specific for the context of your situation :)

  • @inediblemangoes7797
    @inediblemangoes77972 жыл бұрын

    Would you recommend getting a pair of weightlifting shoes over some converse as they’re not much more expensive? Not sure if it’s worth to invest in some adidas weightlifting shoes

  • @PaulHo
    @PaulHo2 жыл бұрын

    Am I the only slim boi who can never wear high tops because of baby ankles? I legitimately can't tie them tight enough, the lapels (I don't know what to call them) actually touch and try to overlap, and it's still loose.

  • @maxbennike
    @maxbennike2 жыл бұрын

    just a quick note.. Vans has the option "comfy cush" they are feather light, and do everything better. i have lifted in both, taylors and regular vans.. go for the Comfy cush - vans

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it! Thank you for sharing your experiences 💪

  • @augustocanosa785

    @augustocanosa785

    Жыл бұрын

    Comfycush for lifting? IDK, dude. For me those vans are like a middle point between a running shoe and a regular shoe. Cannot see them for lifting.

  • @Kury707
    @Kury7072 жыл бұрын

    Vans🔥

  • @aliviamoore7861
    @aliviamoore78612 жыл бұрын

    i’ve been debating on either on and was thinking of the high top version of vans instead of old skool, is it the same thing as low tops?

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Fairly similar! The sole construction and stability will solid in either model, IMO, especially for more recreational training!

  • @Juan-ot2me
    @Juan-ot2me3 жыл бұрын

    Great

  • @monkey2chunky89
    @monkey2chunky892 жыл бұрын

    both shoes actually have quite the raised heel

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Fairly thick stack heights, but drop typically runs at 0mm

  • @Fahad-jy8pm
    @Fahad-jy8pm2 жыл бұрын

    Debating on the converse high top chuck 70 (Thicker canvas and sole) or the all star high tops. What would you suggest?

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    For lifting, all star and that’s due to the slightly thinner sole construction being a bit better for lifting across the board!

  • @Fahad-jy8pm

    @Fahad-jy8pm

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend Gotcha, thanks!

  • @richt5986
    @richt59862 жыл бұрын

    I used to do both but now I use nobull

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    I rotate in the high-tops as well!

  • @johnnguyen6026
    @johnnguyen6026 Жыл бұрын

    Sk8 hi are the only shoes I buy

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    Жыл бұрын

    Tried and true

  • @its__junior9524
    @its__junior95242 жыл бұрын

    how much space should you leave between the end of the shoe and your toes?

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Depends on your fit preferences and model you go with, tbh. I like having a bit under a half of an inch to prevent sliding/slip issues and that works for many who have neutral/narrow feet, IMO. For wider footed folks, they may want closer to half inch!

  • @fredchester921

    @fredchester921

    Ай бұрын

    Whatever space you end up with, make sure to trim back your toenails!! Especially, your big toe and little toe’s toenails. If left long, those will quickly get “jammed” and turn your toe’s red with inflammation. Keep those toes and feet healthy!

  • @actuallywaves3603
    @actuallywaves36032 жыл бұрын

    What color do you have in this video? I want to get something that could get scuffed up and I won't have to worry about them too much.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    I believe the Converse are called Natural Ivory!

  • @actuallywaves3603

    @actuallywaves3603

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend Thank you, I was about to order a pair of pure white ones but thought I could ask first. Keep on grinding, you have some great content!

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@actuallywaves3603 I always mess up my white shoes so I love this colorway for not showing too much dirt! Thank you so much 💪

  • @macjquillan9941

    @macjquillan9941

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend where do you buy converse

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@macjquillan9941 converse site, Amazon, journeys are a few places!

  • @jamestonbellajo
    @jamestonbellajo3 жыл бұрын

    Had to comment before watching this. I’ve used both and I can’t decide which I like better so I just alternate once I destroy a pair. Can’t wait to hear what you have to say. I’m currently using Vans Half Cabs which were my favorite shoes in high school. Thinking about using Nike SB Janoski and Bruin I have in storage in case you have experience with those.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    I’m in the same boat as you, I like both equally for different contexts! I’ve never tried SBs for lifting, just skating! You’ll have to keep me posted with how you like them 💪

  • @jamestonbellajo

    @jamestonbellajo

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend just finished the video and came to same conclusion as you. The differences between Vans and Chucks are so minute that they both work great. I never try Vans Sk8 Hi for lifting but would be interested to compare them with Converse mids! Until using Half Cabs, I’ve only used low tops from both brands. And I actually realized I tried Janoskis with lifting once before back when I wasn’t sure these types of shoes had advantages over trainers. They felt pretty similar to Vans Authentics, but the pair I used were perforated leather so they were super stiff and I never went back to them. Thanks again for the great video! You really put into words what I couldn’t, haha.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@jamestonbellajo I love it - I actually haven’t bought a pair of Vans high-tops since my first pair ripped back in my earlier lifting days. I always opt for the converse high top/vans low-top blend because then I have two options for choosing high/low top daily wear, too! I love it and the detailed feedback. I really appreciate you rocking with me and sharing your thoughts on shoes you’ve worn/wear!

  • @jamestonbellajo

    @jamestonbellajo

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend that’s really good to know. I’m tempted to get some mid top Chucks now! Unless I decide to get some version of the Reebok Nano since I’ve been itching to get them (your videos don’t help that itch either hah!). By the way, I just tried some squats with the Nike SB Bruin and they feel good too. Feels like a pair of Vans Authentic had a baby with a pair of Adidas Superstars (which I’ve never lifted with). Definitely will go back to them. And for sure! Love your videos and glad to have this back and forth. Can’t wait to see more. Thanks!

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@jamestonbellajo ah dope! which Nano did you have in mind? I just tried the Nano X1 Adventure and I’ve been really digging it, but def more expensive than Converse. And sorry 😬 That’s awesome and good to know, it’s funny how some of our old skate shoes are some of the better shoes for lifting when it comes to stability. And of course, the engagement is what makes creating videos so fun, IMO! It’s great connecting with folks with similar interests

  • @songodan45
    @songodan452 жыл бұрын

    Are those Chucks White or the Ivory ones? Awesome review by the way!

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ivory! White shoes and my dirty self don’t mix 😅 Thank you!

  • @songodan45

    @songodan45

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend Hah! Yeah... I was wondering how they were holding up their color with your dirty self =P

  • @Energizedd
    @Energizedd Жыл бұрын

    I’m going with a Converse shoe, does it matter if it’s a high top or low top shoe? (Leaning towards low top converse)

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    Жыл бұрын

    Not a big diff! Cop the low-tops, I think you'll enjoy them!

  • @yaniszerkhfaoui8820
    @yaniszerkhfaoui88202 жыл бұрын

    I have to stand up for my Chucks boys bc they're the best

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    !!!!

  • @nathancruz9172
    @nathancruz9172 Жыл бұрын

    I only wear low top 👟.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    Жыл бұрын

    🫡🫡

  • @ThuGfunk
    @ThuGfunk Жыл бұрын

    Converse don't last nearly as long, always fall apart at the sole, or the sides rip open. Vans Sk8 Hi ftw

  • @idw85
    @idw852 жыл бұрын

    Converse vs Notorious Lift?

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very diff models - if you want maximal width and closeness to ground, then Notorious Lift!

  • @felixrambalde6189
    @felixrambalde61892 жыл бұрын

    Vans 💯👊✨🔥🇩🇴

  • @andrewf9322
    @andrewf93222 жыл бұрын

    Better yet, try a proper barefoot shoe. Squat University channel has some good videos on this. My preferred brand is Xero but Vivo is good too.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have a ton of barefoot shoe content on the channel and use them regularly. They can both exist. Tbh, I’m not a fan of Squat U’s dogmatic approach to barefoot shoes & their usage, lol. Constantly confusing lifters and creating footwear biases that don’t need to exist 🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @jenster9559
    @jenster9559 Жыл бұрын

    niceee

  • @helleluya5085
    @helleluya50858 ай бұрын

    I literally search this because everyone is wearing converse in our local gym lol

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    8 ай бұрын

    Yeah, most folks default to them because they've been used for so long but there are other options out there that work better, imo

  • @NicHasegawa
    @NicHasegawa Жыл бұрын

    My low top chucks lasted me 8 years ✌️

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s dope 💪

  • @johnwayne3491
    @johnwayne3491 Жыл бұрын

    Low top Converse all day.

  • @RacsoMB
    @RacsoMB Жыл бұрын

    I prefer Converse

  • @dauntingzulu17
    @dauntingzulu172 жыл бұрын

    Omg I’m 13 and I have a bigger shoe size I wear a size 11.5 mens

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha, yeah - there are a many a men with larger feet than me 😂

  • @mike15.
    @mike15.2 жыл бұрын

    the converse cost 160$ where i live ☠️

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wtfffff, that’s nuts

  • @mike15.

    @mike15.

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend yeah.. basically most american things, cause of the hype , then added EU tax depending on the product type and 20% VAT for the country i live in .. an iphone costs on average 2100$…

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@mike15. what country if you don’t mind me asking? Yeah, the iPhone and converse are not worth those prices at all 😬

  • @mike15.

    @mike15.

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend i live in Austria yeah and now prices are skyrocketing even more, ordered my converse 70' creme white and thats why i was like "whaat yall ova there in the US pay soo much less ? " 😂

  • @SUPREMELEGEND

    @SUPREMELEGEND

    Жыл бұрын

    We can get these shoes for 30$ to 60$ sometimes when they are on clearance

  • @mikedeleon4246
    @mikedeleon4246 Жыл бұрын

    Low top Converse all the way! Feels like being barefoot!

  • @betoperez187
    @betoperez1872 жыл бұрын

    Vans hi top tapered, thank me later

  • @ihave35cents95
    @ihave35cents953 жыл бұрын

    Converse are a horrible sneaker and I wore them for 50 years the knock offs for $10 last longer than the AKA real ones

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    Honestly, I feel that - I feel like their quality went down a bit when Nike took them under their helm.

  • @ihave35cents95

    @ihave35cents95

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend well I did a test I went through 6 pairs of Converse in one year and then I bought the Chinese knockoff unbranded and it lasted me a whole year without the soul becoming unglued. I had to get rid of the knockoffs because the soul became so thin like a piece of bologna and I'm 6 months in on my second Chinese knockoff with no problem

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ihave35cents95 what brand/where did you buy them?? Share your secrets!

  • @ihave35cents95

    @ihave35cents95

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thatfitfriend good ol Walmart. mind you I'm very active 55. Year old i climb 50 foot ladders and do mechanic work and everything else I'm rough on shoes but the converse dont hold up. It's been 30 plus years since I can take a wore-out pair of Converse and roll them into an egg roll where the glue is still attached to the soul. If you want to take a chance on a real good name brand shoe that superseded Converse is the PF Flyers. That's a little rascals era they still make them. And of course PF Flyers were produced by BFGoodrich. Did you're going to pay all that money for Converse buy a pair of PF Flyers. He probably won't find a better sneaker then one produced by a tire company

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ihave35cents95 love it! I appreciate the feedback and insights 💪💪

  • @G3Number
    @G3Number3 жыл бұрын

    Booth suck. Use instead a minimalist shoe like merrell glove 3

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    3 жыл бұрын

    Love the hot take! I have some Xero shoes being tested right now 💪

  • @idw85
    @idw852 жыл бұрын

    The toe box are too narrow which do not allow your feet to spread out to have better base on the ground. Think bare feet 🦶

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yah, I train barefoot often, but it's not always possible in some gyms :)

  • @assmonkey2759
    @assmonkey2759 Жыл бұрын

    Not helpful.

  • @thatfitfriend

    @thatfitfriend

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching 🤝

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