The Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle is a shoe that ties multiple proprietary Vans features into one model. For example, this shoe features Vans’ UltimateWaffle construction and UltraCush insole.
As someone who regularly wears Vans to work out, I was super excited to put the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle to the test. This shoe’s construction gives them a more versatile feel in the gym and the UltimateWaffle feature gives this shoe a nice level of stability.
They’re not as soft as something like the comfortable UltraRange EXO, but for daily wear and lifting, this model does a pretty solid job, and they look great. I do have a few cons with this model, though, and I’ll discuss those below.
In this Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle review, I’ll cover various topics to help you decide if this shoe is worth it for your daily wear, and potentially training needs.
Table of Contents+
On the market for new cross-training shoes, too? Try my That Fit Friend Shoe Finder. My calculator pairs you with the best training shoes for your individual needs.
Who Should Invest In the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle?
The Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle can be a really good shoe to explore if you want a model for daily wear and working out. This shoe’s UltimateWaffle construction provides a nice level of stability and traction for different daily wear and training contexts.
Plus, this shoe’s appearance is solid, and it’s one of the better-looking casual Vans shoes on the market, in my opinion. I think if you resonate with those two contexts and like the appearance of this shoe, too, then you’ll enjoy their overall performance.
In addition, the UltraCush insole in this model gives it a pretty comfortable ride for walking and standing. Plus, if you like zero-drop shoes and typically enjoy Vans and how they fit, then that will be another reason for you to explore this shoe.
My complaints about this shoe revolve around its long-term durability and the width of the toe box, as it can feel pretty snug for particular foot anatomies, and I’ll expand on these below.
Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle
$110
Best For
- Casual Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Short to Mid-Range Walking
- Narrow/Neutral-Width Feet
Falls Short
- For Long-Term Durability
- For Wider Feet
Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle Pros
Over the course of my testing process with the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, I found multiple pros to like about these shoes.
- One of the Best Looking Vans to Date
- Comfortable for Daily Wear and Good for Lifting
- UltimateWaffle Construction Is Grippy and Stable
The first to like about the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle — which is also probably the primary reason you’re also thinking about this shoe — is their appearance. To date, I feel as though this is one of the best-looking Vans models.
The knitted mesh upper looks casual and clean and the translucent outsole feeds into this shoe’s ability to look great with both shorts and pants. I like that you can also rock this model more casually or dressed up and they look good.
At times, Vans can look a little too dressed down or as though they don’t match more formal settings, but I feel like this model is an anomaly to that. I could see this model being good for commuting and then wearing it to the office.
Another perk with this model is that it can double well as a daily wear shoe and a model that you can work out in. Vans are a popular option for lifting, but some models can feel clunky like the Vans Authentic and Van Sk8-Hi.
I like that the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle can be a little more nimble with its performance and it feels good for a wider range of training settings compared to normal Vans. For example, this model could be used for light cross-training if you wanted to.
The UltimateWaffle sole has an excellent level of stability, so I think this shoe will be a fine option for a wide range of strength levels. Plus, if you like working out in flat shoes and like Vans’ style, then you should resonate really well with this model.
Thus far, I’ve deadlifted well over 400 lbs in this model with little to no compression whatsoever, and I’ve liked this shoe’s performance for most of my leg day training sessions.
The final aspect to like about the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle is the tech and features in this model. Vans used their UltimateWaffle construction in this shoe paired with an UltraCush insole and LuxLiner interior to increase this shoe’s comfort.
Blended together, you get a more comfortable ride in this model compared to other Vans shoes while not losing out on its overall stability. Additionally, this shoe has a built-in internal stabilizing shank to give you more support than traditional Vans models.
Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle Cons
Despite enjoying the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle shoes, I do have a few cons with this model. To be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with this model.
- Toe Box Durability Could Be Better
- They Can Squeak for Some
- Toe Box and Midfoot Width Run Narrow
The first drawback with the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, which is the biggest knock that I have against this shoe is its long-term durability. This model has a higher price point for Vans shoes, so you’d think the durability would be better.
However, that’s not necessarily the case, and the durability around the base of the toe box could use a reworking. At the base of the toe box, this shoe can be prone to breaking down and ripping.
My theory is that I think the leather overlay that covers the toe box mixed with the knitted mesh causes this shoe to rip prematurely. I think there can be a pull on the mesh due to the toe box’s heavier build and the base of the forefoot’s lighter build.
Another drawback with this shoe is that it can squeak at times, which can be seriously annoying for some. The sole construction on these shoes is built with a thicker translucent rubber which can create a squeaky sound in some models.
If you’ve ever worn squeaky shoes like the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2, then you know how frustrating this can be. While it typically goes away over time, I’d be remiss to not mention the possibility of these shoes squeaking for some.
The final drawback with the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle is their width and how these shoes will fit wider feet. Typically Vans have a medium or neutral width to them, which I think is fair to say for this model to an extent, but they feel a little snug compared to other Vans.
I think the lower volume upper around the toe box gives this model a snugger and more limiting fit, which is another reason why I’m not a huge fan of the leather overlay. If you have wide feet, you’ll definitely want to size up in this model and I discuss fitment more in my sizing section.
Performance
To discuss the performance of the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, I’ll break down this section into a few key performance categories. I’ll talk about this shoe’s performance for lifting, versatile training, and daily wear.
Since this is a Vans model that has a higher price point, it can be important to make sure this model resonates with your needs before investing in them.
Testing the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle for Lifting
For lifting, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle and that’s for three key reasons. First, the stability of this model is pretty solid despite having a more cushioned and comfortable ride.
I never thought the UltraCush insole or UltimateWaffle construction took away from stability in this shoe, and it felt similar to other Vans models that I’ll routinely wear for deadlifts and strength-focused training days.
Second, this shoe’s outsole tread does a really good job on different surfaces. The waffle tread pattern grips machines, rubber gym floors, and wooden platforms really well, which adds to this shoe’s versatility for lifting.
Third and lastly, I like the overall mobility of this shoe’s sole. It doesn’t feel overly stiff like some Vans can and after a few wears this model’s sole breaks in really well. Granted, I do wish the leather toe box overlay was reworked because that can be a touch annoying for things like lunges.
My main dislike with this model and main concern is their long-term durability. The blend of leather and knitted mesh at the toe box can be prone to breaking down, and if you’re using these for serious lifting or CrossFit, then you’ll want to keep an eye on this.
Testing the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle for Versatile Training
For versatile training, I actually didn’t the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle performed too poorly. Typically, I’ll steer clear of Vans for versatile training including things like plyometrics, agility work, and HIIT-style training.
However, if there’s a Vans shoe to do some versatile training in, it would be the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle. This shoe has a more sock-like fit compared to typical Vans which can feel a little clunky at times.
In addition, the sole construction of this shoe has a bit more bounce, so you could use them for sessions where you’re doing some light versatility work like adding in box jumps, lateral work, and jump rope.
Granted, it’s worth noting that while I think this is the “best” Vans shoe for versatile training — and yes, I think it takes the edge over the UltraRange EXO — it’s still a Vans and it will fall short for any serious versatile training sessions in the gym.
Testing the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle for Daily Wear
In the context of daily wear, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle for two reasons, but that comes with one complaint. The first reason why I like this model for daily wear is how it is to dress up and style.
Some Vans models can feel limited with their range of formality, but I feel like this model does a good job of increasing the spectrum of contexts in which you could wear this shoe. This shoe looks good with pants and shorts, which is a nice perk of its versatility.
The second reason why I like this model for daily wear is its general comfort. Some Vans models can get a little uncomfortable for all-day wear. I like the implementation of the UltraCush insole in this model the LuxLiner. Plus, the slight arch support in this shoe gives it a one-of-a-kind Vans feel.
My main complaint with this shoe for daily wear is its width. I really wish Vans would make this model wider because it would increase its comfort across the board and accommodate a wider range of foot anatomies.
Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle Sizing
The Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle sizing is interesting and I think different foot anatomies will need to pay attention to how they size this model. This shoe will fit true for some while others will need to size up.
If you have narrow feet, then you should be safe going true to size in this model. For neutral-width feet, the sizing can go either way. I have a neutral-width foot and I find the sizing on this model to feel pretty snug.
If I wear them barefoot, then they’re okay, but I would rather have more room in the toe box, especially for sock wear, so I think most neutral-width feet will likely want to go up a half-size to give themselves more toe box room.
For wide feet, you’ll want to size up a half-size to a full-size. If Vans could make this shoe’s last and toe box a little wider, honestly, the fit of this shoe would be way better and more inclusive.
- Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size for narrow feet. Size up a half-size for everyone else.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, drop a comment below.
Price Breakdown
For the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, you can expect to pay around $110 USD. I find this price point to be really hit or miss for this model for two key reasons.
First, this shoe has so much potential to be one the best Vans shoes to date, but its long-term durability can be problematic. I think the construction around the toe box should be reworked because the mesh-to-leather transition can cause shoe breakdown to occur.
Due to the variability of this shoe’s durability, I find it tough to justify warranting the $110 USD price point, especially if you’re already on the fence about these shoes.
The second reason why I find this model to be hit or miss is it’s one of the better looking Vans shoes and it works well for daily wear and lifting, so I do think most will be happy with this shoe, but their width is a letdown.
This shoe runs pretty narrowly through the toe box, so if you want them for all-day wear or for lifting and have a wider foot, then you may find this model to be too uncomfortable for your needs.
That being said, it’s a toss-up for this model. I think if you love their appearance and you’re willing to roll the dice with their durability, then this could be a good model for you. For everyone, I’d pass o this shoe and wait for them to be updated.
Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle
$110
Best For
- Casual Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Short to Mid-Range Walking
- Narrow/Neutral-Width Feet
Falls Short
- For Long-Term Durability
- For Wider Feet
Construction Details
Below are the key construction details to note about the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle that can influence this shoe’s long-term durability and performance.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight:
- Removable Insole:
- Built-In UltraCush Insole
- LuxLiner Interior
- Knitted Mesh Upper
- UltimateWaffle Construction
- Leather Upper Overlays
- 7 Core Eyelet Options (with additional 3)
If you have additional construction-related questions on the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Do the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle fit true to size?
Q:Can you work out in the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle?
Takeaway Thoughts
To date, the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle has been both my most beloved shoe from Vans, but also my most disliked. This shoe has an insane amount of potential if a few of the construction aspects were reworked.
For daily wear, this shoe is pretty comfortable for narrow and neutral-width feet. Plus, this model looks great and performs well for recreational lifting.
My gripes with this shoe revolve around its construction as the base of the toe box and its overall width. Both of these aspects could use a little updating.
If you have additional questions on the Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
That Fit Friend is supported by its readers. I [Jake Boly] run this site myself and buy the gear I review. If you purchase through my site, I may earn commissions on sales, read more here!
leo
Can you somehow make the squeaking sound go away?
The sole is killing it. After an hour of walking, it can go on for the rest of the day, just getting louder.
That’s an issue some of these models have that Vans needs to fix, tbh. I’m not sure of any quick fixes for getting rid of that besides getting the sole more worn. Here’s to hoping they fix that issue in the next iteration!