Insoles for Vans: The Most Comfortable Insoles.

You can easily replace the original insoles for Vans with more comfortable or orthotic insoles. Vans Old Skool, slip-ons, and Sk8 Hi insoles can be changed by removing the old insoles and placing new ones that are more comfortable and supportive, as shown in this article. Please note that the original Vans insoles are glued in the shoes, so make sure you carefully pull them out of the shoes. As an extra tip, you can’t put new insoles on top of existing insoles.

Insoles for Vans Replacement. Upgrade your Vans with a good insole
Insoles for Vans Replacement. Upgrade your Vans with a good insole

Need to replace the insoles in your Vans? Sometimes your Vans skate shoes need replacement insoles for better fit, arch support, or simply because they’re worn out. Vans shoes (except for the Pro line) don’t have removable insoles. For optimal comfort, replacing the existing insoles with Walkhero Orthocic Insoles are best. The Savvy Experts have tested and covered 15 replacement insoles for Vans and why they stand out.

Process followed reviewing the reviewed insoles

As true Vans lovers the team has quite some Vans models to use for this test, from Slip-ons, Old Skools and Hi Sk8s.

  • We bought more than 15 different brands of insoles
  • Removed the existing, worn-out insoles of our Vans
  • 5 people tested 3 pairs of insoles each for 3-4 weeks
  • All reviews are discussed and compared on price, comfort, and fitting
  • The final list of 9 insoles that made this review
Some of the tested insoles for vans that didn't make the review
Some of the tested insoles for vans that didn’t make the review

Why change the insoles of Vans sneakers?

Do you find your Vans insoles are worn? Do you feel like walking on a hard surface? Don’t your Vans give you the support and comfort you want? Looking to make your Vans more comfortable? You can replace them with one of our best insoles for Vans.

Vans skateboard shoes are flat shoes, meaning that the footbed and original insoles are not shaped to curve into the foot’s arch. When the Van Doren Rubber Company started making shoes in 1966, they made deck shoes and skate shoes. Both styles are flat designs because flat shoes help with stability, which is a plus for skateboarding. So Vans lace-ups and Vans Slip-Ons are both flat shoes.

People with flat feet might not need as much arch support as others, and they might find Vans with the original insole naturally comfortable. But for most people, Vans don’t provide quite enough arch support. That’s where new insoles for Vans come in because they are designed to better curve into the foot’s arch and are made of materials that absorb some of the impact from each step.

The original insoles that come with your Vans are a slab of rubber with a layer of foam. Many people want to look at arch support insoles for their Vans because these insoles are more comfortable for people with higher arches.

T. Hawk

Related: Best Nike Insole Replacement, Best Converse Insoles Replacement in 2022, Best Insoles for Doc Martens in 2022, Adidas Insole Replacement 2022, Memory Foam Vs Gel Insoles, Memory Foam vs Latex Insoles: Which material is best?

Jump immediately to the FAQ section of this page

Choosing the Right Insole for your Vans

Choosing a replacement insole for your Vans is not always easy as manufacturers are not always clear on what makes their insoles different or better than the competition. Sometimes, one must dig deep into product descriptions to understand what features an insole offers. They all offer some cushioning and are all meant to provide comfort, but reports are often short on how the insoles are meant to offer these benefits. Our reviews try to identify and isolate the features that will make your Vans feel more comfortable. Here are some primary elements to consider when choosing a replacement insole for your Vans:

Arch Support Insoles for vans
Arch Support Insoles by Protalus

Arch Support:

Choose an insole that best supports your foot arch type. If you are not sure what type of arch you have, scroll down to this article for a guide on how to identify your arch type. Generally, insoles are designed either to support high arches or have a neutral design that will work for most arch types. You can also find some insoles better suited for people with flat feet as they provide additional cushioning or heel support without additional arch support.

Heel Support:

People with flat feet or plantar fasciitis may want to look at insoles with additional heel support. Additional heel support may also benefit people who engage in activities with high impacts on feet, such as running or cross-training.

Insole thickness:

Choosing an insole based on thickness means considering how your Vans fit you. If they are already snug on most of your foot, you may need an insole with a lower profile. You can use a thicker insole if you have room in your Vans. This can be beneficial as thicker insoles usually offer additional cushioning. This additional cushioning is important for people with flat feet.

Shock/Impact absorption:

The type of insole you choose may also depend on the type of activities you enjoy. If you are a runner, you will want insoles designed to absorb as much impact as possible. Shock absorption will be less critical if you are a skateboarder or wear your Vans for walking.

Improve Vans Classic models by swapping insoles (video)

How to improve” Vans ” Classic Models ( Insole swap edition ) by Kacy Holmes

Compare Insoles for Vans

Easily compare the many replacement insoles for Vans here. Replacement insoles all serve different needs and different budgets. What matters most is that they are comfortable. We make it easier for you to find the ones that have the features that matter the most to you. So go ahead and find the best insoles for your Vans, considering your needs!

InsoleArchHeelBest Use
1. WalkHero OrthoticHighCup/CradleActive
2. Powerstep OriginalHighCup/CradleHigh Impact
3. Physix Gear SportNeutralCup/CradleHigh Impact
4. Sof Sole Athlete PerformanceNeutralGel/PadsActive
5. Spenco PolySorb Cross TrainerNeutralGel/PadsHigh Impact
6. Superfeet OrangeNeutralCup/CradleHigh Impact
7. Sof Sole AirrNeutralGel/PadsActive
8. Dr. Scholl’s Work InsolesLow ProfileGel/PadsActive/Walking
9. Spenco Rx ComfortLow ProfileFoamWalking

Savvy’s choice: Walkhero Insole Highlights

Tested Walkhero Orthotic insoles in Vans Slip-on
Tested Walkhero Orthotic insoles in Vans Slip-on

WalkHero Highlights: WalkHero insoles offer comfort and flexibility for people on the go and they are designed to help with foot alignment and balance, so that users will feel comfortable throughout the day. These orthotic insoles are easy to clean, and they can be used in any type of shoe. There is also a money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the product.

Powerstep Original Highlights: The PowerStep Original insoles are designed to provide comfort and support for people with neutral arches. The insoles have a built-in arch support and two layers of cushioning. They also have a heel cradle for stability and motion control. The insoles can be moved from shoe to shoe and do not require trimming.

Physix Gear Highlights: Physix Gear’s arch supports help to relieve pain in your feet, legs, and back. The insoles are made from EVA material and have a non-slip design. You can wear them in any type of shoe and they come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Sof Sole Athlete Highlights: The Sof Sole Athlete is a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their performance and comfort while participating in rigorous activities. The Hydrologix moisture wicking technology helps keep feet dry, while the gel in the heel and forefoot absorbs shock and provides energy return.

Spenco Polysorb Highlights: The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles are a great choice for people who are looking for a combination of shock absorption and energy return. These insoles improve athletic performance and prolong the life of your shoes. They are ideal for running, walking, training and sports.

Superfeet Orange Highlights: The Superfeet ORANGE insoles are designed for people who do high-impact activities and need a shock-absorbing foam pad at the forefoot. The insoles are trim-to-fit to your shoe size, have a heel cup to position and cradle the heel, and a medium to high arch. The construction is durable and the insole has an organic odour control coating. There is also a reinforced stabilizer cap and full-length foam.

Sof Sole AIRR: The Sof Sole AIRR makes your shoes more comfortable. It has an air chamber in the heel and arch, and a gel in the forefoot. It also has a Coolmax fabric top cover to wick away moisture.

Scholl's Work Insole Highlights: Dr. Scholl’s made the Work Insoles to help people who have to stand a lot at work. The insoles have shock absorption to help reduce fatigue, and they also have arch support as well. Dr. Scholl’s Comfort insole has massaging gel for the ball of the foot and the heels while providing the arch with support.

Spenco Rx Highlights: The Spenco RX Comfort (Flat) Insoles help to reduce shock, friction, and improve overall foot comfort. They are made of a unique material called SpenCore and are guaranteed for one year. They are lightweight and fit in any shoe or boot, and naturally that includes your Vans. Spenco Rx insoles are ideal for people with flat feet and who plan to use them mainly for walking.

1. The WalkHero Orthotic Inserts is our recommended Vans replacement insole because its features and price point make it the best all rounder. A great choice for most people because WalkHero will make your Vans more comfortable at a reasonable price point.

WalkHero is well known for making shoes and insoles for maximum comfort and superior support. WalkHero’s mission is to “help you walk in comfort in all aspects in your life.” WalkHero was founded by US surgeon from California and the WINGGOOD Company in Fujian, China in 1982.

WalkHero Orthotic Insoles comes in sizes (US) 6-14.5 for women and sizes (US) 4-16.5 for men.

Features

WalkHero insoles are made of Ethylene-vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam base which absorbs shock and cools the feet by absorbing moisture. EVA reduces foot fatigue and enhances comfort from heel to toe. A stabilizing heel cup prevents the heel from rolling inward to maintain correct foot positioning. This is especially important when the landing strongly impacts walking or running. The full-length footbed wraps the entire foot and provides support to prevent discomfort. A semi-rigid orthotic arch prevents the foot from rolling inwards and improves foot and body alignment. An antibacterial top cloth kills most bacteria, prevents blisters, controls odor, and reduces foot friction.

WalkHero Orthotic Insole Benefits

The WalkHero insole helps to reduce muscle fatigue by providing additional support and cushioning for the arches and heels. The insole is made of a semi-rigid material that keeps the foot in place, and has a deep heel cup to improve natural shock absorption. The insole is designed to help keep the feet’ muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their optimal position. The WalkHero insole is easy to clean. This insole comes at a reasonable price point.

A Video that covers all of the WalkHero Orthotic’s features, and provides a brief review why these are good replacement insoles for vans:

WalkHero – Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis by Plantar Fasciitis Resource

Replacement Insoles for Vans Reviews

2. Powerstep Original Insoles

Powerstep Unisex-Adult Original Insoles, Low Profile Arch Supporting Shoe Insert, Blue/Black, Men's 6-6.5 / Women's 8-8.5

Buy on Amazon

Powerstep caters to active lifestyles through insole designs that aim to deliver ultimate comfort. Powerstep was founded in 1991 by Dr. Les Appel, a podiatrist. Powerstep insoles are designed and produced in Ohio.

The PowerStep Originals come in sizes (US) 5-12 for women, and sizes (US) 3-16 for men.

Features

PowerStep Original insoles are designed to support people with mild to moderate pronation. The insoles have two layers of cushioning and a built-in arch support to help reduce foot pain and other problems caused by pronation. The PowerStep is a low-profile insole with dual-layer support cushioning from heel to toe. Arch supports help stabilize and align the feet to help relieve pain from mild to moderate pronation. The Powerstep insole comprises a foam top layer and an EVA base. Ultra-thin design means they should fit well in most footwear.

Powerstep Original Benefits

The PowerStep Original is a full-length insole with contoured arch support. It is firm but flexible and has a deep heel cradle for increased stability. PowerStep Original insoles cradle the arch and heel, adding stability and reducing foot stress. With full-length cushioning and semi-rigid neutral arch support, the PowerStep Original insoles decrease arch pain and help alleviate common foot conditions. These insoles make a good pair of insoles for vans.

A review of the Powerstep Original insole by a user:

PowerStep Original Insoles Review (Good Orthotics? Here’s My Experience) – Best For My Feet

3. Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts

Arch Support Insoles Men & Women by Physix Gear Sport - Orthotic Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Flat Foot, High Arches, Shin Splints, Heel Spurs, Sore Feet, Overpronation (1 Pair, Small)

Buy on Amazon

Physix Gear Sports claims to want better health for a better you and for you to Treat your feet. The company, a small family business, was founded in 2015. Physix Gear Sport aims to “become leaders in the fitness market by prioritizing product and service over profits.”

The Physix Gear Sport comes in sizes (US) 5-16.5 for women, and in sizes (US) 3 to 14.5 for men.

Features

The Physix Gear Sport orthotic inserts are for people looking for extra cushioning and support. The low-profile design make them ideal for use in most shoes, and the anti-microbial top fabric helps keep feet fresh and comfortable.

These are orthotic inserts are made from EVA foam and polyurethane, and have a deep heel cradle for stability. The orthotic inserts also have a non-slip heel to keep the foot in place. They also feature an anti-microbial top fabric and a low-profile thin design. Physix Gear Orthotic insoles allow more room in the toe box for a comfortable fit.

Physix Gear Sport Orthotic Benefits

The Physix Gear Sport Insoles for Vans with semi-rigid arch support are full-length orthotic inserts with shock absorption for Plantar Fasciitis, Running, Flat Feet & Heel Spurs. The Physix Gear Sport aims to relieve discomfort from flat feet, runner’s knee, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis. Shock absorption helps relieve arch and heel pain, ball of foot pain, and helps with knee pain and plantar fasciitis. Suited for high-impact sports, running helps those who stand on their feet for prolonged periods at work.

A video review by Plantar Fasciitis Resource that covers all of the Physix Gear Sport’s features, and provides a brief and gentle review:

Physix Gear Sport – Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar Fasciitis Resource

4. Sof Sole Men’s Athlete Performance Gel Insert

Sof Sole Men's 7-8.5 Insoles Athlete, Blue

Buy on Amazon

Sof Sole Implus began in 1991 and specializes in athletic footwear accessories. Sof Sole has given itself the mission of “helping you customize your footwear for maximum comfort, support and style. The company has claimed that each and every product is designed to bring functionality and comfort to your day.”

The Sof Sole Athlete comes in sizes (US) 5-11 for women, and sizes (US) 7-16 for men.

Features

The Sof Sole Athlete insole offers neutral arch design that is suitable for almost all users, while lightweight gel pads in heel and forefoot provide extra cushioning without the bulk.

What we like about Sof Sole Gel Shoe Inserts

The Hydrologix moisture-wicking technology helps keep feet dry, while the Implus foam provides additional cushioning. The heel and forefoot gel absorbs each foot strike’s shock. These versatile insoles can fit in most shoes and are recommended for running, walking, cross-training, hiking, or casual shoes. They will fit well as new insoles for Vans.

An actual video review of the Sof Sole Athlete insole by a customer:

Should You Buy? Sof Sole ATHLETE Performance Gel Shoe Insole – Is It Worth It?

5. Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Insole

Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles,Green Women's 11-12.5/Men's 10-11.5

Buy on Amazon

Sof Sole Implus began in 1991 and makes the Spenco line of insoles as well as several other brands. Spenco started making insoles in 1967. Spenco’s mission statement: “If you have ever had sore, tired feet, a blister, or a pressure sore, you will understand that we mean it when we say that you will “Feel Better” when you use Spenco Products.”

The Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insole comes in sizes (US) 5-12.5 for women, and sizes (US) 6-13.5 for men.

Features

The PoluSorb Cross Trainer has Silpure anti-microbial fabric helps prevent blisters and helps control odour. The insole provides cushioning and energy return at the forefeet and heel for high-impact sports. Spencore material absorbs shock and impact. Polyurethane foam provides arch and heel support. A heel plug provides extra cushioning and shock absorption. Spenco PolySorb is designed neutrally to support all arch types.

Spenco PolySorb Athletic Insole Benefits

The Spenco PolySorb Insoles help to prevent injury and relieve foot pain. They combine shock absorption and energy return to provide additional support at the heel and forefoot. They are ideal for running, walking, training and sports. The Spenco PolySorb Insoles are unconditionally guaranteed for one year.

A video review of the Spenco Polysorb by a user as replacement insoles for vans:

Spenco CrossTrainer Inserts Review – Squash Source

6. Superfeet Orange Insoles

Superfeet unisex adult 5.5-7 Men / 6.5-8 Women Insole, Orange, Men Women US

Buy on Amazon

Superfeet’s Vision: “To always be there when you need us, bringing out the awesome in everyone.” Superfeet’s mission statement: “We believe that how you do business is just as important as why you do business. It’s why we’ve spent more than 40 years innovating new ways to deliver shape and support, driven by a singular purpose: to make a positive difference in people’s lives.” Superfeet has an extensive line of insoles including Orange and Green insoles.

The Superfeet Orange Insoles come in sizes (US) 6.5 to 14 for women and in sizes (US) 5.5 to 17 for men.

Features

Superfeet ORANGE insoles provide shock absorption and support during high-impact activities. The insoles are made with a shock-absorbing foam pad at the forefoot and feature medium to high arch orthotic support to help stabilize the foot and reduce stress on feet, ankles, knees and back. Superfeet insoles are guaranteed to last for up to 12 months or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

Superfeet Orange Insoles Benefits

The heel cup helps keep your heel in the right place during high-impact activities. The full-length foam supports and cushions your foot so it doesn’t hurt as much. The organic odour-control coating helps eliminate bacteria that cause smells. The reinforced stabilizer cap supports the rear foot and gives the foam layer extra strength and stability. The high-impact foam forefoot helps absorb shock from impacts on hard surfaces. These shock absorption features make them good candidate insoles for Vans while skateboarding.

A video review of the Superfeet ORANGE by Glen:

Superfeet Orange Insoles Review – Glenn’s Fast Reviews

7. Sof Sole Men’s AIRR Performance Gel Insert

Sof Sole Men's Airr Insole, Black, 9-10.5

Buy on Amazon

Sof Sole Implus began in 1991 and specializes in athletic footwear accessories. Sof Sole has given itself the mission of “helping you customize your footwear for maximum comfort, support and style.” The company has claimed that “every product is designed to bring functionality and comfort to your day.”

The Sof Sole AIRR comes in sizes (US) 5-11 for women, and sizes (US) 7-14 for men.

Features

The Coolmax fabric top cover wicks away moisture, while the SKYDEX air capsules in the heel and arch convert impact into kinetic energy. A slim design fits into all athletic shoes, and the polyurethane footbed is full length. The gel forefoot enhances shock absorption.

Sof Sole AIRR Benefits

The Sof Sole AIRR insole has encapsulated air chambers in both the heel and arch for shock absorption and gel in the forefoot. It also has a moisture-wicking top cover to control odour, and a neutral contour design that is suitable for most users or types of footwear.

An actual video review of the Sof Sole AIRR insole by a user:

Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Shoe Insole Inserts Review – Great Performance Insole with excellent padding – hollywoodfrodo

8. Dr. Scholl’s Comfort & Energy Work Insoles

Dr. Scholl's WORK Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles (Men's 8-14) // All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning for Hard Surfaces (Packaging May Vary), 1 Count

Buy on Amazon

Dr. Scholl’s has claimed that it is “committed to helping you move better from the ground up. Our products are designed to help eliminate fatigue, discomfort and pain at the source, so you can keep moving and enjoy a more active, healthier life.”

The Comfort & Energy Work Insole comes in sizes (US) 6-10 for women and sizes (US) 8-14 for men.

Features

Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles have multi-layer waves in the heel and arch to provide cushioning and support. They also have cooling vents to keep feet cool and dry, and extra cushioning in the forefoot to protect the ball of the foot. The cooling vents let air circulate within your Vans to help reduce the chance of having smelly feet or smelly shoes.

Dr. Scholl’s Comfort Work Insoles Benefits

Dr. Scholl’s Comfort & Energy Work Insoles provide an extra layer of cushioning to absorb shock from hard surfaces, which helps reduce muscle fatigue. Suitable for work boots/shoes, casual shoes, sneakers, and your new insoles for Vans.

9. Spenco Rx Comfort Thin Lightweight Orthotic Insole

Spenco Rx Comfort Thin Lightweight Cushioning Orthotic Shoe Insole, Green Women's 9-10.5/Men's 8-9.5

Buy on Amazon

Sof Sole Implus began in 1991 and makes the Spenco line of insoles as well as several other brands. Spenco started making insoles in 1967. Spenco’s mission statement: “If you have ever had sore, tired feet, a blister, or a pressure sore, you will understand that we mean it when we say that you will “Feel Better” when you use Spenco Products.”

The Spenco Rx Comfort insoles come in sizes (US) 5-12 for women and sizes (US) 6-15 for men. They don’t come in half sizes so buy the next size up and trim the insole.

Features

The Spenco Rx Comfort insoles are designed for people with low arches or for people seeking a thin, flat layer of additional lightweight cushioning to help prevent tired feet. The Spenco Comfort Rx insoles are also for people looking to cushion custom orthotics. If you don’t need additional arch support or a lot of shock absorption for your Vans, and just want more cushioning, this insole is a good choice.

The Rx Comfort Insoles is a thin insole made of SpenCore fabric. Spencore itself is made of nylon, making it a lightweight insole. The Spenco Comfort’s top cloth has Silpure, an anti-microbial surface that works to prevent the growth of odour causing bacteria. That means that the top cloth reduces odour and prevents blisters. This insole has a thickness of 4.00mm or 5/32in.

Spenco’s Rx Comfort Insoles Benefits

The Spenco Rx Comfort insoles won’t change the contour of the footbed of your Vans or adversely affect how walk. They are quite durable as their material does not deteriorate easily. These insoles offer full length cushioning and additional comfort from heel to toe. They are easy to wash and maintain, and come with a one-year unconditional guarantee.

An actual video review of the Spenco Rx Comfort insole by a user:

Common Foot Problems: Basic Facts

We cover common foot problems and determine which insoles for Vans best suit people with these conditions. We also look at how the design of Vans may require additional support or cushion depending on the type of arches you have and whether you have foot problems. By matching some of the insoles in our review with common foot problems, we hope to make it easier for you to choose the best insoles for Vans, considering your foot type and needs.

Find Your Foot Arch Type

If you are unsure what type of foot arch you have, dip your foot in water and then take a step on a piece of cardboard or walk along a darker floor. The water should leave an impression of your footprint. If the footprint is half filled, then you have normal arches. If your footprint is fully filled, you have flat feet. You have high arches if you only see your heel and the ball of your foot. This short explainer givers more detail on foot arches.

High Arches

This video covers how high arches can cause foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, and put pressure on the ball of the foot and heels. Because Vans are flat shoes, they can be uncomfortable for people with high arches because they do not provide much arch support. If you have high arches, you should look at insoles with pronounced arch support, cup/cradle heel support, and cushioning for the ball of the foot. The WalkHero Orthotic, the Powerstep Original, the Physix Gear Sport, Polysorb Cross Trainer, and the Superfeet Orange are options worth looking into.

Flat Feet

Christopher at Barefoot Strength covers knowing if you have flat feet and how they can cause foot problems. Flat feet have less arch to absorb shock from heavier impacts like running. Vans are a flat shoe design with a rubber/foam insole that won’t absorb much shock, which can cause discomfort for people with flat feet. This video explains in depth how footwear can cause or aggravate flat feet. If you have flat feet, look for an insole with a neutral arch designed to absorb shock. The Physix Gear Sport, the Sof Sole Athlete, the PolySorb Cross Trainer, the Superfeet Orange, and the Sof Sole Air may be good options.

Podiatrist Lewis Nurney compares issues with flat feet to issues with high arches:

Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Nabil Ebraheim covers all the basics of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis sufferers should look for insoles with either additional heel support or insoles designed for plantar fasciitis. As noted above, Vans do not provide much cushioning at the heel or absorb much shock. People with Plantars Fasciitis should consider additional insole cushioning if they wear Vans. The WalkHero Orthotics, the PowerStep Original, the Physix Gear Sport, and the Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer may be helpful for this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make Vans Slip-ons more comfortable?

Increase your comfort by wearing no-show socks and replacing the insole with a more comfortable one. The sock will reduce friction and overall feeling. A replacement insole will increase arch support and heel shock absorption.

Can you buy Vans insoles?

Vans offers branded Vans Insoles, SNOW V3 POPCUSH INSOLE, COMFYCUSH INSOLE or ULTRACUSH INSOLE. You can buy these inserts separately online. These insoles for Vans come by size, so there is no need to trim them.

Can I replace the insoles of my Old Skool Vans?

Yes, you can. You can replace the insoles for Vans models Old Skool or Sk8 Hi by removing the existing insole and replacing them with a more comfortable and supporting one, as described in this article.

Are Vans shoes insoles removable?

The insole of a Vans is not removable. You can add insoles on top of the insoles, but this option makes the shoe fit very tight.

Does Vans sell removable replacement insoles?

Yes, they do. Vans has come up with the perfect solution with the Pro model! The extra toe room and a great padded insole make wearing them much more comfortable. 

Should You Remove the Original Insoles from Vans?

Replacing Vans insoles is not easy because the original insoles are glued in. Some pointers on changing inserts without damaging your Vans skate shoes will make the job easier.

It’s usually best to remove the original insoles before inserting new insoles for Vans or orthotics. You want to do this:

  • To prevent the shoes from feeling tight and uncomfortable.
  • To reduce pressure on your feet, especially the arches. Merging two insoles changes their ergonomic structure, affecting your feet.
  • To keep your feet fresh, and smelling nice, and to prevent shoe odor. More than one insole reduces either insole’s ability to keep the feet cool, which in turn causes the shoes to smell sweaty feet.

However, certain insoles do well with original insoles. These insoles are usually flat, thin, and have neutral arch structures so they can adapt to any shoe or insole structure. With these insoles, leaving the original insoles in your Vans is OK. But for insoles with arch structures or heel cups, removing the original insole in Vans is recommended.

The original insoles in Vans are hard to remove. Considering that most insoles and orthotics are not designed flat or with neutral arch structures, you will need to know how to remove the original insole in Vans without ruining them.

How To Remove Original Insoles from Vans?

Vans insoles come built-in. They are usually glued to the shoe’s footbed and sewn in in a few cases.

Whatever you do, try not to peel the insoles for Vans off the shoes because you will end up defacing the footbed and may spoil the shoe entirely. I tried this when I needed to insert my orthotics before and ruined my Vans.

Here are few tricks to get over this challenge. They are tested, trusted, and should work for you.

  • Apply heat to reduce the adhesion of the glue. Your source of heat could be a hairdryer or an oven.
  • Hairdryer: turn on the hairdryer to a high heat and concentrate its heat to the insoles to loosen the glue. This should last only for as long as needed
  • Use an oven: put the shoes in the oven for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive but make sure not to leave them in so long that the rubber parts will start to melt.

After using any of these methods, you can use a butter knife to carefully remove the insole from the shoes.

Caution: do not expose the shoes to heat for too long or very high heat so the adhesive on other parts of the shoe doesn’t loosen.

We’ve covered the best insoles for other brands as well. Here are links to useful insole info for Adidas, Converse, and Doc Martens.

Removing original Vans insoles for replacement (video)

Related Insoles Guides