Vans shoes have been a popular choice for skaters and surfers for decades.

Two of their most popular lines are the Vans VR3 and Vans ComfyCush.

But which is better for you?

In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between Vans VR3 and ComfyCush shoes to help you decide which is the right choice for your needs and preferences.

Vans VR3 vs ComfyCush

The main difference between Vans’ VR3 and ComfyCush technologies lies in their focus. The VR3 (Vans Rubber Reverse Rebounding) is designed for enhanced boardfeel, grip, and durability, making it ideal for skateboarding. On the other hand, ComfyCush prioritizes all-day comfort with a foam footbed and lightweight cushioning, catering to casual wear and everyday activities.

While both technologies aim to improve the overall shoe experience, VR3 caters to performance needs, while ComfyCush emphasizes plush, comfortable steps.

Feature	Vans VR3	Vans ComfyCush
Upper Material	Canvas or Suede	Canvas or Suede
Lining	Textile	Textile
Footbed	UltraCush™ Lite	ComfyCush™
Midsole	EVA	EVA
Outsole	Rubber Waffle Outsole	Rubber Waffle Outsole
Cushioning	Lightweight cushioning	Enhanced cushioning and arch support
Weight	Lightweight	Slightly heavier than VR3
Fit	Traditional Vans fit	Roomier toe box for added comfort
Flexibility	Highly flexible	Flexibility balanced with cushioning
Durability	Good durability	Good durability
Colorways	Classic Vans colorways	Classic Vans colorways
Ideal For	Casual wear, skateboarding	Casual wear, walking, standing
Price Range	$50 – $70	$60 – $80
Sustainability	Some eco-friendly materials	Some eco-friendly materials

In summary, the Vans VR3 is a lightweight, flexible skate shoe with minimal cushioning, while the ComfyCush line offers enhanced cushioning, arch support and a roomier fit for all-day comfort. The ComfyCush has a slightly higher price point but provides superior cushioning for casual wear and being on your feet. Both utilize classic Vans styling and materials.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Vans VR3

• Stylish design
• Durable construction
• Good traction for skateboarding
• Wide range of color options

Cons: Vans VR3

• May require break-in period
• Some users find them less comfortable
• Limited availability

Pros: ComfyCush

• Enhanced comfort with ComfyCush technology
• Lightweight
• Breathable materials
• Classic Vans style

Cons: ComfyCush

Limited color options
Less durability compared to traditional Vans

Which Shoes are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

Vans VR3

The Vans VR3 has a vulcanized sole, which provides good board feel and grip but lacks the cushioning and support required for running. Running in these shoes could lead to potential injuries due to insufficient shock absorption and stability.

Vans ComfyCush

The ComfyCush line from Vans features a thicker, more cushioned sole than the traditional Vans models. While this provides more comfort for casual wear, the cushioning is still not optimized for the high-impact demands of running. These shoes lack the necessary support and stability features for running.

Shoes for Walking

Vans VR3

The vulcanized sole of the VR3 provides good traction and flexibility for walking. However, the lack of significant cushioning may lead to foot fatigue during extended periods of walking.

Vans ComfyCush

As the name suggests, the ComfyCush line from Vans is designed with comfort in mind. The thicker, cushioned sole provides better shock absorption and comfort for casual walking compared to the VR3. However, it still lacks the arch support and stability features found in dedicated walking shoes.

Shoes for Standing All Day

Vans VR3

The vulcanized sole of the VR3 lacks the necessary cushioning and arch support for extended standing. Prolonged standing in these shoes may lead to foot fatigue and discomfort.

Vans ComfyCush

The thicker, cushioned sole of the ComfyCush sneakers provides better shock absorption and comfort for standing compared to the VR3. However, it still may not be sufficient for standing all day, as dedicated work or standing shoes would provide better arch support and cushioning.

Now that you have an overview of Vans VR3 vs ComfyCush differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.

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Overview of Vans VR3

The Vans VR3 line was launched in 2019 as a new performance skateboarding shoe. VR3 stands for Vans Reality 3D, referring to the use of 3D scanning and mapping technology to design the shoes.

Here are some key features of Vans VR3 shoes:

• UltraCush Lite midsole – Provides lightweight, responsive cushioning that absorbs shock and impact. Made from a single layer of soft, resilient foam.
• ActionFit – An anatomically accurate last shape designed to move naturally with the foot and provide stability.
• Duracap reinforcement – rubber underlays in high-wear areas add durability.
• Translucent rubber outsole – The waffle pattern tread provides grip; translucent rubber allows the UltraCush Lite foam to be visible.
• Breathable interior lining – The interior is lined with a breathable textile to help keep feet dry and comfortable.

VR3 shoes are designed to provide excellent board feel, flexibility, and cushioning for skateboarding. But they can also work well for casual everyday wear.

Overview of Vans ComfyCush

Vans launched the ComfyCush line in 2018 to deliver new levels of comfort in their classic silhouettes.

Here are some key features of Vans ComfyCush shoes:

• UltraCush foam insole – A thick, soft foam insole provides comfortable cushioning underfoot.
• Low profile vulcanized outsole – The classic Vans waffle rubber outsole keeps the look simple and streamlined.
• Breathable lining – The interior features a moisture-wicking textile lining to help keep feet dry.
• Padded collar – Extra padding around the ankle opening enhances comfort.

ComfyCush shoes provide exceptional comfort while maintaining Vans’ signature simple styling. The UltraCush foam insole makes them feel like slipping on a pair of slippers!

Comfort and Cushioning

One of the biggest differences between VR3 and ComfyCush is in the cushioning and overall comfort they provide:

VR3

• UltraCush Lite midsole provides responsive cushioning that absorbs shock.
• Lower profile, less cushioning than ComfyCush.
• ActionFit’s last shape provides stability but less overall cushioning.

ComfyCush

• UltraCush foam insole for plush, pillowy cushioning and comfort.
• Thicker and more cushioned overall vs. VR3.
• A padded collar enhances cushioning around the ankle.

For pure comfort and cushioning, ComfyCush is the clear winner. The UltraCush insole offers luxurious comfort that feels like walking on clouds! VR3 prioritizes board feel and stability over softness underfoot.

Weight

The extra cushioning in the ComfyCush shoes adds some weight compared to the leaner, stripped-down VR3:

VR3

• The single-layer midsole is lightweight and flexible.
• Weighs approximately 12-14 oz depending on the style.

ComfyCush

• UltraCush foam insole is thick and plush.
• Weighs approximately 14-16 oz due to more cushioning.

While only a few ounces difference, VR3 does have a lighter overall weight and profile. For skaters who prioritize freedom of movement, the slight weight savings of VR3 may be preferable. But for casual wear, the difference is negligible.

Boardfeel and Flexibility

VR3 shoes are optimized to provide excellent board and flexibility for skateboarding:

VR3

• Low profile midsole enhances board feel and control.
• Single-layer midsole construction flexes naturally.
• ActionFit shape is designed for natural flexibility.

ComfyCush

• Plush UltraCush insole reduces board feel slightly.
• Extra cushioning decreases overall flexibility vs. VR3.
• The waffle outsole still allows for plenty of flexibility.

VR3 has the edge for board feel thanks to its thinly padded midsole and anatomical last shape. ComfyCush prioritizes plush comfort over-optimized board feel and flex but is still flexible enough for casual wear.

Traction and Grip

Both VR3 and ComfyCush utilize Vans’ iconic waffle pattern outsole tread for excellent traction:

VR3 and ComfyCush

• Rubber waffle pattern provides great grip and traction.
• Works well on a variety of surfaces – dry concrete, gum rubber grip tape, etc.
• Proven versatile tread pattern ideal for skating.

There’s no clear winner for traction between the two. The waffle tread works equally well providing secure footing for skating or casual wear.

Durability and Construction

Vans are known for their durability, and both VR3 and ComfyCush deliver:

VR3

• Durable rubber wraps high wear areas.
• Reinforced toe bumper.
• Abrasion-resistant textile lining.

ComfyCush

• Sturdy canvas or suede uppers.
• Rubber toe cap added for abrasion resistance.
• The vulcanized rubber outsole stays bonded to the upper.

The durability of both lines is excellent thanks to the reinforcements in high-wear areas. VR3 may have a slight edge for hardcore skating thanks to details like the toe bumper. But overall either choice will stand up well to regular wear and tear.

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Styles and Color Options

Vans offers both VR3 and ComfyCush versions of some of their most popular silhouettes:

VR3

• Old Skool
• Slip-On
• Sk8-Hi
• Era

ComfyCush

• Old Skool
• Slip-On
• Era
• Authentic

The color and style selection is more varied among ComfyCush models. VR3 focuses on those core skate shoe silhouettes in more understated color palettes. ComfyCush has more adventurous prints and patterns available.

Sizing and Fit

Vans generally fit true to size, but there are some subtle differences in fit between the two lines:

VR3

• Designed to fit snugly and anatomically.
• ActionFit shape provides stability and support.
• Runs slightly narrow.

ComfyCush

• UltraCush insole provides more volume and roominess.
• Runs slightly less narrow than VR3.
• Roomier toe box area.

VR3 has a performance-oriented fit that hugs the foot. ComfyCush runs slightly looser and roomier, especially through the toe box. Trying both to assess the fit is recommended.

Price Comparison

VR3 has a slightly lower retail price point than ComfyCush:

VR3

• MSRP $60-$70

ComfyCush

• MSRP $65-$75

The difference amounts to around $5-10 more for comparable ComfyCush styles. The extra cushioning does come at a small premium. But both can often be found on sale.

The Verdict: VR3 vs ComfyCush

So which is better, Vans VR3 or ComfyCush? Here’s a quick recap:

• For hardcore skaters, VR3 is optimized for board feel, flex, and stability with its streamlined design.
• For all-day wear, ComfyCush delivers superior cushioning and comfort underfoot.
• ComfyCush has more stylish patterns and colorway options available.
• VR3 runs slightly narrower with a performance fit. ComfyCush runs slightly wider.
• VR3 is marginally lighter weight. ComfyCush is slightly heavier.
• There is minimal price difference between the two.

Ultimately there’s no unanimous winner – it depends on your priorities. VR3 works well for skateboarding, while ComfyCush excels at casual comfort. Try them both on to see which Vans shoe line fits your foot shape and feels best! Either way, you’re getting that classic Vans style and durability.

User Reviews of Vans VR3 and ComfyCush

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what actual Vans wearers have to say about the VR3 and ComfyCush lines!

Reviewer	Rating	Review
SkaterDude90	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	I love my Vans VR3 shoes! The UltraCush Lite foam gives good impact protection when I’m skating but still allows me to feel the board well. Much better board feel than my old padded skate shoes. They broke in quickly and fit my feet great. Highly recommend it for skaters!
ComfyShoeLover	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	The ComfyCush line is hands-down the most comfortable pair of Vans I’ve owned. It feels like I’m walking on clouds all day long thanks to that plush UltraCush foam insole. They provide plenty of cushioning without looking clunky. I have chronic knee pain but these help reduce the ache after long days. Love them!
CasualVansFan	⭐⭐⭐⭐	I like the look of Vans shoes so I decided to try the ComfyCush line. They are cushioned and pretty comfy straight out of the box. After a few weeks, the foam cushioning started to compress and lose its bounce though. Next time I might try the VR3 skate shoes for something a little more supportive. But overall can’t complain too much about the price.
WideFootWoes	⭐⭐	I was excited to try the VR3 since I heard Vans run narrow. Unfortunately, even the VR3 is too narrow for my very wide feet. After about an hour my feet start aching on the sides from being squeezed. I wish they offered more wide sizes as the shoe quality and board feel seem excellent. Sadly won’t work for my wide feet but could be good for those with normal to narrow widths.

Vans VR3 vs ComfyCush: Key Takeaways

• VR3 works well for skating but some find them less comfortable for all-day wear.
• ComfyCush excels at cushioning but compromises slightly on board.
• Both have classic Vans style, but ComfyCush offers more variety in patterns and colors.
• VR3 fits more snugly, especially for wide feet. ComfyCush runs slightly looser.

Trying them on and evaluating your priorities will determine if VR3 or ComfyCush is the right Vans shoe for you!

Price Comparison Table

Here is a quick price comparison of some popular Vans VR3 vs ComfyCush models:

Model	VR3 Price	ComfyCush Price
Old Skool	$60	$65
Slip-On	$55	$60
Sk8-Hi	$65	$70
Era	$55	$60

Conclusion

Vans VR3 and Vans ComfyCush are both excellent shoe lines with the classic Vans style. Which is right for you depends on weighing your priorities.

VR3 is optimized for skateboarding with its flexibility, board feels, and light weight. It runs narrower for a snug performance fit.

ComfyCush prioritizes plush cushioning and comfort for all-day wear. It fits slightly looser and roomier with more stylish patterns available.

You really can’t go wrong with either line. Try them both on if possible and consider if skating performance or casual comfort is more important to make the best choice between Vans VR3 and ComfyCush shoes!

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