The age old question, baffling both kids and adults alike: Which is better, Converse or Vans?
While the question may appear to have a quick, simple answer, it is a complex question. Which shoe lasts longer? Which one has the most amount of variations in styles? And which one is generally more comfortable?
According to a poll done in Salem, Converse wins by a long shot.
Over 75% of students asked say that they prefer converse over vans, and for a few reasons.
“There are so many reasons I love Converse,” said junior Lolo Elmquest. “Personally, I feel like they are just a kind of shoe that really never goes out of style. I always had problems with the fabric on my Vans separating from the rubber sole [but] I have had my first pair of converse for about three years now and they are still together. Being said , longevity makes it so much easier to have a collection of them! And, they go with so many different styles of clothes ! You can wear them with anything from jeans and a hoodie to a dress!”
Converse’s long lasting shoes are reflected in the cost, with the cheapest shoes averaging around $35, and more expensive shoes going up to $120 or more.
The average prices of shoes vary, ranging from around $57 dollars to up to $451 dollars according to Run Repeat, a popular shoe review site, making Converse cheaper than the average shoe.
Vans also fall under the average shoe price, its cheapest shoe ranging around $35, and its most expensive shoes selling for $140 or higher.
The lifetime of a pair of shoes can change depending on how you use them, how often you use them, and how much you paid for them.
Converse shoes seem to last around a year with every day usage. However, depending on how often they are used, some can last for years.
Vans have a similar life span, with the average being a little longer if used every day, tending to last up till a year and a half. If not used every day, they can last years as well.
Lastly, the amount of styles. Converse has thousands of designs released over the years, all falling under one of their eight cuts, or styles of shoes. These range from platforms, slip ons, heels, high tops, and more.
Vans come in with fewer cuts, but just as many variations of shoes, with thousands of designs all being part of one of seven kinds of shoes. These shoes include sneakers, boots, 5-panel, crew, and more.
While in most cases, the shoes tend to average out to be the same, why is there such a big difference in students’ preferred shoes?
“I think it’s because Converse are newer, and they are really mostly only worn by other people our age,” Said freshman Caden Freeman. “I personally don’t like vans because my parents made me wear them for years, and Converse are a cool alternative to them.”
It’s hard to say which one is better based on fact, however style wise, it can depend on the person. If you have feelings about which shoe is better, add your vote below.
