Hey all! I’ve been wearing the Authentic Gum Shoes for years and unfortunately can’t wear them any longer, mostly because they exacerbate the bunions in both of my feet.
Has anyone found any other similarly styled shoes that have far better arch/soles? I’ve tried the ultra range and they’re fine, but of course not the same aesthetically.
If you go in and put together an authentic wide in the custom section of the site, you’d have a little more space to get some high-quality insoles in there (upsteps, treadlabs, etc)
The insoles route seems the best way to go. As others have said the authentic soles are… not great as is anyway
I’m not suggesting ultraranges, you said you tried them, but after owning a few pairs myself and falling in love with the feel, I really wish Vans would start incorporating that level of comfort and support across the board, all styles.
I absolutely agree. The ultraranges are super cozy! I just… like the the way the authentics look and why can’t we have all of the nice things? Haha
GIVE US ALL OF THE THINGS!!
Honestly, I think that the Black Authentic Gum shoes are just terribly made when it comes to the interior.
I have a pair of them myself and even though I love how they look, the insole has gotten so worn out in just the few times that I’ve worn them.
Rarely do I wear Vans without socks but one day, I was going to do some quick grocery shopping so I figured that I skip the socks. Not even 2 hours pass, I get home to see that the skin on the top of my toes were raw and bleeding.
These days, I rock a pair of burgundy Anaheim Factory Authentic 44 DX shoes. Whether you’re going for a streetwear or smart casual look, they go well with any outfit. I even wore them on a hike in Kyoto for a two-week holiday to Japan and they haven’t let me down.
Oh damn I’ve never had anything that bad… just painful feet
Looking into the Anaheims and that’s definitely the aesthetic! You clearly put them to the test, so you’d say they’re supporting your feet well?
Other silhouettes like the Old Skool makes my calves cramp up whenever I wear them for long periods…maybe they’re half a size too big, idk
But the Anaheims were the only shoes I brought with me during my trip so yeah, they’re one of my favourite pairs of kicks. I was worried that I might get cramps when I did the Fushimi Inari Shrine hike (stairs…lots of stairs) but no, they got the job done. ^^
Really appreciate the rec and I’m probably going to get a pair! Especially since they’re on sale 👀
Also, a buddy of mine just traveled all around Japan and definitely went to that shrine. Shoes aside, I’m not sure if I could make it all the way 😬
No worries, man.
Oh and honestly speaking, I literally look like a grown version of Russell from Up.
If I can make it up that mountain, anyone can! hahaha