Vans Footwear The Barbour Classic Slip On Sneaker,10.5,Green

Review of Vans x Barbour Beacon waxed nylon and leather classic slip-on shoes.

Bought these about 3 months ago from Barneys New York (though I see them for much less on eBay now), and have worn them with and without socks nearly every day since then. Wore them on a 900-mile round trip drive to and from Florida, which is rough on the right heel of any shoe, and these show virtually no wear aside from some rubbing on the heel logo.

While in Florida I was caught up in Tropical Storm Andrea wearing these shoes, and the wind-whipped salty air had no effect on them. Not entirely water-proof, but very water-resistant. The waxed nylon does not show white scuffs like waxed cotton or canvas does, and the leather has started to develop a nice patina.

Footbeds are nice and comfy, and the shoe is comfortable enough for me to wear without socks, something I normally don't do, so it's rare for me to find a shoe like these that I can wear without socks day after day. Waffle sole is grippy on wet surfaces, something I appreciate.

Very unique styling take on a classic shoe design - have received a few positive comments on the street and from friends. I admit to having bought cheap (discount store) slip-on casual / house / athletic loafers in the past, which usually last a few months before they crack or wear out, and it is obvious that I will have these for years to come and were well worth the investment.

Full disclosure: I do have a new pair of these for sale on eBay...but this review pertains to the pair I bought for myself and have been wearing quite a bit for the last few months.