Our verdict
Praised for being a fantastic choice for shoppers who are into vegan footwear, the Etnies Vanguard flaunts a versatile and appealing design that matches a variety of outfits. But this footwear is not limited to style alone. Many also appreciate that it delivers comfort and generous cushioning. While this shoe has its share of drawbacks, it nevertheless impressed a lot of wearers.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Comfortable footbed
- Offers excellent cushioning
- Durable
- Not enough traction
- Affordable
- Versatile design
Cons
- Not enough traction
- Thin upper
Who should buy the Etnies Vanguard
Equipped with the STI Evolution technology and memory foam insole, the Etnies Vanguard offers a lightweight feel as well as excellent cushioning comfort. It is a solid choice if:
- You prefer sturdy enough footwear yet budget-friendly.
- You are looking for a shoe that offers comfort in the forefoot area.
- You are after a pair of low-top sneakers that could go well with various casual outfits.
- A shoe that could help your feet stay cool and dry is what you need.
Fit and sizing
The Etnies Vanguard is available in men’s and women’s sizing. The shoe has a lacing system that allows a flexible fit and secure lockdown. With a sock-like construction, the mesh upper gives foot breathability. It is a lightweight shoe.
This low-top sneaker has a moisture-wicking inner lining that ensures the foot is fresh and dry. It has a low-top profile that offers sufficient ankle mobility. Also, it has a foam insole that provides excellent cushioning.
Style of the Etnies Vanguard
A training-inspired shoe, the low-top Etnies Vanguard has a one-piece upper that offers a fashion-forward design. It has a sock-like construction and slip-on design.
This unisex sneaker is available in different color variations. Women can choose from black, charcoal, tan, and sage. Men, on the other hand, can pick from black/ white, navy/ blue, green, tan, grey, charcoal, and black.
This low-top shoe can easily match joggers, cargo pants, track pants, leggings, distressed denim jeans, or cuffed pants. Ladies can wear this kick with their culottes, miniskirts, or minidresses, creating a more feminine look with a sporty vibe.
Notable features
The Etnies Vanguard showcases trendy style and foot comfort for all-day wear. It offers a pillow-like comfort with its Memory Foam insole. It also features a lightweight and dense STI Evolution foam outsole that delivers long-lasting durability.
You are looking for a shoe that offers comfort in the forefoot area
Starting in France, Etnies was established by a professional skateboarder named Pierre André Sénizergues in 1986. An American brand, Etnies, specializes in clothing and shoes for BMX and motocross riders, skateboarders, snowboarders, and surfers.
Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, Etnies is under the conglomerate of Sole Technology Inc, along with other companies like eS and Emerica.
Etnies’ original name was supposedly Etnics. It came from the word “ethnic,” a nod to the sub-culture of skateboarding. However, it had some legal issues, so it was changed to Etnies instead. When Sénizergues took charge of the company in 1989, he made it the first company that is owned by a professional skateboarder.
Among its exciting shoes is the Etnies Vanguard. It is a unisex sneaker with a lace-up design. With a sock-like construction, it allows a slip-on style for easy on and off.
The shoe’s lightweight construction is made possible with STI Evolution technology. Its fabric upper has reinforced quarter panels that ensure sidewall stability.
A shoe that could help your feet stay cool and dry is what you need
- Not enough traction.
- It is a vegan shoe.
- Pull tabs at the tongue and heel allow an easy on and off.
- The mesh upper has PU nubuck quarter panels.
