Sneaker culture has prioritized comfort over style for a while now and as someone who’s a size US10 with wide feet, I’ve never been happier. Gone are the days when my callouses had to endure narrow entryways designed with stiff leather. We’re in the age of lightweight uppers made with cloth-like materials, complimented by foam midsoles and outsoles. I am already salivating at the thought.
Vans is also getting into comfort-core with the “reinvention” of the UltraRange Neo VR3 for its Spring 2024 collection. The model, first released in 2023, was built to keep the wearer “Ultra fitted, Ultra comfortable, and Ultra fresh”, making it the brand’s answer to the influx of walking and running shoes in the market.
What the brand says
Vans UltraRange Neo Vr3 – Complex Philippines
Vans describes the UltraRange Neo VR3 as its “go-anywhere, do-anything silhouette”, emphasizing an “altered arch cradle for extra support”. But a bigger focus is its use of “regenerative, sustainably sourced, renewable and/or recycled materials” in the shoe’s structure. As Vans describes it:
“Lightweight and breathable uppers are made of 100% recycled PET, midsoles are constructed from at least 50% bio-based EVA foam and outsoles, offering a progressive iteration of Vans’ classic waffle traction feature at least 60% regeneratively grown natural rubber.”
What we say
“Sustainability” is a popular trend in brands nowadays as they try to appeal to the younger market that grows more eco-conscious. It’s a win for marketing and the environment, but how do these translate on-foot?
Quick answer: pretty good actually. The knit upper of the Vans UltraRange Neo VR3 is breathable enough to expand with each step, while the foam midsole and rubber outsole make casual walks under the rainy Manila weather a grippy and comfy experience. For context, I tested the sneakers during an afternoon of touring the outdoor concrete floors of the newly-opened Parqal Mall in Paranaque.
From a style standpoint, the “Light Green/Black” colorway gives off an “Earth Tone” vibe that makes it easy to pair with your chosen look. One gripe is the absurdly long laces on the UltraRange Neo VR3, which I had to loop and tuck inside for a cleaner look.
Vans UltraRange Neo Vr3 – Complex Philippines
Vans UltraRange Neo Vr3 – Complex Philippines
Overall, the Vans UltraRange Neo VR3 is a solid addition to the trend of super comfy sneakers that make you forget you’re even wearing them. Cop a pair at the following stores: Vans Glorietta, Vans Ayala Cebu, Vans Trinoma, Vans Alabang Town Center, Vans SM Megamall, Vans Marquee, Vans Gateway, Vans Festival, Vans SM North Edsa, Vans SM Fairview, Vans SM Batangas, Vans SM Bacolod, Vans SM Iloilo, Vans SM Sta. Rosa, Vans SM Baguio, Vans SM Seaside Cebu, Vans Greenhills, and Vans SM Southmall.
