Vans Verse 2020 Review by The Good Ride

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The Vans Verse is a very burley well-constructed boot that really works great for split boarders thanks to the thicker sides that make side-hilling easier. It’s a little thicker but it’s not an awkward boot for resort riding either.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.  We borrowed this for a day and then returned it. We had a couple of laps at a frantic manic demo day. We liked it so much we asked to keep it (we only do this with our favorites).  After a demo, we liked it so much we bought it.  We spent our precious Good Ride dollars to buy this and review it.

Days: 2
Size Tried: 9
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs)
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata
Boards: Yes Pick Your Line, Gentemstick Mantaray.

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: D bordering on E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Calves (Top of boot): 17”
Calves (Bottom of boot): 12”

Sizing/Fit/Heel Hold: The boot is bulky on the sides and it makes for a pretty tight fit in my Union bindings. I usually don’t have issues with that and they have a pretty decent sized heel loop. The fit is perfect for my size 9’s with a width between D and E. I don’t think there is much room width-wise for a much wider foot than mine. The lower lacing comes up somewhat higher around the ankle to lock it in pretty well.

Lacing/Adjustability: There is a pretty good lacing system going on here to adjust your upper and lower. The lower lace is up higher around the ankle compared to some but the upper is completely separate. You have a power strap and a somewhat standard inner lace lock. You can really dial it out to fit around your foot.

Comfort:  Very comfortable day one and it only took a run or two to feel them start to mold a little bit to my feet. It wasn’t that cold both days I rode them though.

Flex & Flex Retention:  Vans has come a long way and the flex retention has really improved since the early 2000’s when I first started riding these boots. The Vans Verse is clearly built to last for the 100 day a year rider. There is a beefy spine, ankle articulation, plastic inserts to reinforce the tongue and a very thick shell. I only had 2 days on it with these but they just feel made to last.

Footprint: Pretty reduced footprint and it was close to my Adidas Tactical ADV’s in size 8.5 (fit’s me like the 9 Verse) which are some of the most reduced in footprint for my size that I have come across.

Response/Turn Initiation:  While the Vans Verse is stiff on the sides and it doesn’t have a lot of freedom of movement it has a response that matches the med/stiff forward flex pretty well and it easily turned the PYL and Mantaray 156.

Shock Absorption:  Almost nothing in the front of the foot from the toes to where the foot meets the toes and then it slowly increases till you get to the heel.

Traction:  Very good competent traction with a ton of rubber on the sole that’s made for lots of walking in all kinds of terrain.

On & Off Ease: Not very easy on and off due to the outer zipper and power strap for a BOA but still overall pretty easy.