My teenage boys love Vans and wear them almost exclusively.  For the money, these shoes seem flimsy, poorly made and they just don't hold up.  Granted, they are teenage boys and are rough on everything, but I'd expect shoes to last longer than 3 months without developing holes on the sides and top.  The rubber sole wears completely through very quickly and the surround comes detached from the canvas in a matter of weeks.  I buy them only because it's what they like to wear - otherwise I think Vans are junk.