If you're wondering why you need to shine your Vans, that's a sign that you need some more shoes in your arsenal. Every man needs a nice dress shoe. You can't go into some places in your Jordans, no matter how much you paid for them. On top of that, nothing is worse than nice dress shoes that are scuffed up from years of wear. I've been guilty of this and believe me, it doesn't feel good. You feel like a fool.
First, make sure you have some nice dress shoes. Spend $100 bucks at least (unless they're on sale for less, then that's all gravy), and keep those nice. Believe me, people look at shoes and judge. It's ingrained in the human species ever since we evolved from caveman. "No shoes on you? You must be a troglodyte."