Going around Manila is pretty tough already with its heavy traffic jams. And now that we are entering a phase where the weather shifts from sunny to rainy with just a snap of a finger, trust that things are about to get more challenging. But that shouldn't be the case, at least with Vans’ latest offering.

For the season, the iconic shoe brand reinvented its UltraRange Neo VR3 sneakers, which were first launched in 2023. The shoes, now come in fresh unisex colorways, are envisioned to be the perfect footwear for anyone living a more dynamic lifestyle. They are suited for someone who is on the go, always on their feet, running around the city for errands or adventure.

UltraRange Neo VR3, reinvented

Through the new UltraRange Neo VR3, Vans wants to merge comfort with versatility. That can be seen in the new last shape, which perfectly hugs the foot without changing its silhouette, and the altered cradle for added support.

One of the main highlights of the shoe is the Vans Checkerboard Globe, a mark of the brand’s strict compliance in following footwear material guidelines. The globe logo means that the shoes are made up of one or a combination of recycled, renewable, and/or regenerative materials. To do that, Vans used recycled PET textiles for the upper and biobased EVA foam for the footbed, while the outsole features natural rubber.

Out for a walk

The brand describes its new UltraRange Neo VR3 as the “ultimate adventure sneakers.” But to truly see the magic of their design, I put them to the test as I go around Manila. Unlike the brand’s classic designs, the new shoes have a chunkier look. While they have a larger silhouette, they are pretty lightweight, making walking from train stations or crossing one mall to another a breeze.

They are also the perfect shoes for our changing weather. Their outsoles are developed to maintain grip, which is essential when sidewalks are wet due to afternoon rains.

From a fashion standpoint, people will definitely love the different textures their façade has. The pair  I got, in Light Green and Black colorway, is easy to style with pieces already present in my closet. The shoes can be worn with your casual white button-up shirt and denim pants pairing for sunny days or a more utilitarian look for gloomy weather.

All in all, Van’s new UltraRange Neo VR3 is a pair worth investing in. The creation of the shoes is one of the brand’s ways of integrating more planet-positive elements in shoemaking. While there is more to be done in making the process green, this step contributes to a positive change in the industry, which will definitely get a stamp of approval from eco-conscious consumers. 

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