⁠⁠“That cost $20 each” — Netizens poke fun as Fortnite adds Vans shoes to the game

Fortnite has officially dropped a new kind of heat — and no, it’s not a legendary weapon or rare emote. It’s shoes. More specifically, digital Vans sneakers that players can now cop in-game. But before you start flexing your pixelated drip, be warned: these kicks technically cost $20 each, and the internet has a lot to say about it.

After Fortnite announced the collab, comments like

“that cost $20 each 😭” from @luanaxbelle quickly rolled in under a viral post, and suddenly, the discourse shifted from skate culture to spending imaginary money.

Because if there’s one thing gamers love more than styling their avatars, it’s dragging the price tag that comes with it.

---

Fortnite players can now kick virtual butt in some classic skate-style kicks, but not everyone’s buying it — literally

The internet did what it always does when digital capitalism meets pixelated streetwear — it turned the entire situation into a hilarious runway roast. First came the fashion futurists and brand collab dreamers:

“I need them to add some converse and Dr martens” -@DarkSalxm

“Just means that Tony Hawk is coming soon 👀"-@TiTanSwan27

Then entered the gamers trying to justify getting clapped while still looking cool:

“so cool, now i can be wrecked but i can look fly in it” -@debayo_xx

“Everyone is about to rock them for a week” -@framedwizdom

Of course, there were those who couldn’t get past the existential dread of paying for fake shoes:

“Imagine spending real money for virtual shoes 😭"-@fanocsgo

“$7 for virtual shoes doesn't sound like a good deal 😅"-@slotslv

“Nobody wearing those 😭" -@CheezyVert

And finally, the ones who know deep down they’ll skip the drip but still want to laugh about it:

“I’ll never get the name branded shoes but I’ll get the silly ones” -@ImTobirama

The vibe? Equal parts brand fatigue and digital sneakerhead satire. Whether they’re buying them or just meme-ing them, Fortnite players have clearly mastered the art of looking fly — even while spiraling over imaginary expenses.

---

Background: Vans x Fortnite, capitalism, and cozy kicks

This isn't Fortnite’s first fashion rodeo. The Vans collaboration is just the latest in a growing list of brand integrations that have turned the battle royale into more of a virtual shopping mall than a survival game. Players can now roam around in real-world kicks while building forts and dodging headshots — because, why not?

According to official sources, the collab includes a Vans-themed mini-game called “Vans Skatepark,” where you can flex your new shoes while pulling off tricks. The shoes themselves cost around 800 V-Bucks (roughly $7 each), not technically $20 unless you're going for a full collection — but still, it’s enough to spark debates on digital capitalism. People are asking: Why are we spending real money on fake sneakers we can’t even wear to the grocery store?

This drops amid the game's wider push into lifestyle content. They've already launched collabs with Nike, Moncler, and The Weeknd. Add the Fortnite Festival, Lego crossover, and Rocket Racing to the mix, and it’s obvious the game is building something far beyond battle royales — it’s building an empire of experience.

But with every new branded update, the line between gaming and marketing gets blurrier, leaving players to wonder: is Fortnite still a game, or is it just one giant virtual mall with dance moves?