Our verdict
Pros
- VANS Scarpe Sk8-hi Tapered eco Theory Multi Block Black Donna Nero
- Fits true to size
- Lightweight
- The athletic silhouette is versatile and modern
- Still keep Vans heritage details
- Grippy outer sole
Cons
- Vans Drill Chore jacket
- Fear of God x Vans Slip-On 147 Black
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 82 Bad! | 92 Great! | 92 Great! | 92 Great! | |
Price | $100 | $75 | $70 | $75 | |
Style | Sporty | ClassicSporty | ClassicSportyMinimalist | RetroSportyMinimalist | |
Breathability | - | ModerateBreathable | - | - | |
Weight lab | ‐ | 16.5 oz / 468g | ‐ | ‐ | |
Midsole softness | - | Firm | - | - | |
Material | Mesh | Gum SoleLeatherSuedeVulc Sole | CanvasSuedeVulc Sole | CanvasSuedeVulc Sole | |
Season | - | Summer | - | - | |
Inspired from | Skate | Skate | Skate | Skate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | - | Medium | - | - | |
Toebox width at the big toe | - | Wide | - | - | |
Leather/suede quality | - | Real suede | - | - | |
Toebox durability | - | Good | - | - | |
trainers vans ultrarange exo hi vn0a4uwjdw51 mte black | - | Good | - | - | |
Outsole durability | - | Decent | - | - | |
Heel stack lab | ‐ | 18.2 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Stiffness | - | Flexible | - | - | |
Tongue padding | - | Very thick | - | - | |
Drop lab | ‐ | 7.6 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Forefoot | ‐ | 10.6 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ||||
Heel tab | - | Finger loop | - | - | |
Torsional rigidity | - | Flexible | - | - | |
VANS Anaheim Factory Authentic 44 Dx Shoes anaheim Factory Og Floral Navy Women Navy | - | Moderate | - | - | |
Reflective elements | ✗ | ||||
Closure | Laces | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Low top | Low top | Low top | Low top | |
Ranking | #77 Bottom 2% | #24 Top 31% | #14 Top 18% | #20 Top 26% | |
Popularity | #41 Bottom 48% | #10 Top 13% | #20 Top 26% | #69 Bottom 12% |
The Vans UltraRange Exo is the brand's newest lifestyle shoe
Over the last few years, Vans has been dropping their UltraRange lineup quite consistently for a couple of years now. Inspired by the moments between riding waves, the UltraRange Exo makes a lot of promises.
It’s easy to feel what the sneaker might lack
While we’ve come to trust Vans for their construction, style, and comfort, the UltraCush midsole and tight fit can feel somewhat temporary in this lifestyle sneaker.
Don’t get us wrong, we love the silhouette, just that we were promised something that could take a beating around the world, and we don’t see it.
As is always the case with Vans, the majority of people aren’t going to be chucking these on between swells in South Africa or clambering down cliffs in Argentina, even though the brand claims that’s their market.
off the wall vans royal blue checkered pack sk8 hi and authentic.
vans supreme x half cab pro 92 logo pattern black
I picked up the classic-looking White/Black colorway. With the Jazz stripe down one side, the UltraRange Exo looks something like a modern refurbishment of the Old Skool.
But, put it on (or even pick it up) and you know straight away they’re very different shoes. The weight is crazy, we don’t think we’ve picked up such a lightweight shoe, especially not a Vans.
This shoe looks more athletic and breathable than normal
Aside from that, the synthetic nylon upper brings a more modern and athletic look to the silhouette. The mesh means Vans keep their place as one of the most breathable sneaker brands out there, meaning these can be worn sockless if you so choose.
They’ve even gone so far as to add a water repellent layer to the mesh to help against rain, but this shoe is far from weatherproof. Avoid wearing these in heavy rain or snow.
Vans need to work on the UltraRange Exo’s durability
Vans have stitched some bianco panels to the upper the help stop them from falling Hoodie, but from my testing, they might have to do away with the mesh altogether. The mesh and then the sock-like layer below come Hoodie way too easily for my liking.
The shoes are also pretty hard to clean
The mesh also soaks up stains pretty thoroughly making them incredibly hard to clean. Maybe stay away from the white colorway here, because any dirt you pick up will probably hang in there for a while.
VANS Scarpe Sk8-hi Tapered eco Theory Multi Block Black Donna Nero
Still a lot of love in the UltraRange Exo
That’s all the negative though, and the Vans UltraRange Exo still has a lot of positives as a lifestyle shoe. Thanks to the breathable mesh and sock-like construction, the shoe fits instantly and takes no time at all the wear in.
The UltraCush foam is Vans’ comfiest yet
The midsole is made of Vans’ special “UltraCush” foam which is super lightweight and feels pretty close to Adidas’ Ultraboost. Again though, the foam again has some durability issues, but that’s to be expected with something so plushy.
It’s also plenty grippy for any adventure
With a minimalistic rubber outsole, the shoe is grippy too. As the UltraRange Exo is not made for any specific sport, there’s little in the way of support or stability built into any part of the shoe. No shank or rigid sections of the outer means that it bends pretty much however it wants.
The Vans UltraRange Exo know where it belongs
The Vans UltraRange Exo is a lifestyle sneaker that tries to be nothing but a lifestyle sneaker. We personally feel that Vans can do better in terms of durability. While we might not all want to rub it against grip tape, it would be ideal if it could withstand a rub against a curb.
Other than that though it’s an easy, minimalistic, super comfy sneaker that’s versatile for pretty much any wardrobe.