Vans

Vans is a North American manufacturer focused on footwear and apparel for action sports. Founded on March 16th, 1966 by brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren (alongside partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia), the company first opened its doors at 704 E. Broadway in Anaheim, Calif. as the Van Doren Rubber Company.

Over the last 55 years, the brand has gone from a Southern California gem to a globally-recognized force in shoes. Its humble origins include a same-day, custom shoe-making process, which differentiated it from other footwear companies at the time. A direct-to-consumer strategy allowed for competitive pricing, as well as the reputation for one-of-a-kind shoes.

In the early 1970s, the Van Doren Brothers gained a larger consumer base than before thanks to skateboarders taking a liking to the Style #44 deck shoe, better known as the Vans Authentic. Its rugged makeup and sticky sole proved beneficial to the droves of skaters throughout SoCal. (Legend has it the shoe's durable build quality was inspired by the M4 Sherman tank.) The Vans Era (originally known as the Style #95) joined the brand's lineup in 1976, introducing a padded collar and different color combinations; it was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, two legends within the skateboarding world. That same year, Vans' iconic “OFF THE WALL” logo debuts, appearing as a license plate at the heel.

Throughout the years, the California-institution has captured the loyalty of countless individuals with classic models like the Vans Old Skool (Style #36) and Vans Slip-On (Style #98), both released in 1977. The former introduced the “jazz stripe” logo, while the latter was featured on Sean Penn's character in the 1982 film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” in its signature Checkerboard pattern. After the release of the movie, the Slip-On became a go-to style for people all over the world. The Vans Sk8-Hi of 1978 and Vans Steve Caballero of 1988 (a signature shoe) further cemented the brand as a force to be reckoned within the skate community.

Despite still focusing on skateboarding, BMX and other action sports, the West Coast company has garnered notable attention among streetwear enthusiasts. High-profile collaborations with PATTA, Notre, BLENDS and Supreme have seamlessly blended sport and style, a core mission to the Vault By Vans category. Anderson .Paak, “The Simpsons” and Ronnie Fieg's KITH are also among the brand's collaborators. Collections with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Damien Hirst have also become collectible, while expanding the company's audience.

Vans shoes continue being among the most affordable brand-name styles on the market, with adult sizing of popular models ranging from $50 USD (Slip-On) to $70 USD (Sk8-Hi).

Shopping Links

Vans

The Blends x Vans “Magic Tape” Pack Revisits Iconic Bones To A Customizable OG Style 36 LX

Who knew a quick and simple modification of a logo would become one of the most storied sagas in footwear? So-Cal’s Blends achieved that when...

By Sneaker News June 16, 2022
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Brain Dead Joins Vault By Vans To Reinvent The Brand’s Most Iconic Styles

Over the course of the past few years, Brain Dead has more than proved their collaborative prowess: of note, the LA-based streetwear label has dropped...

By Michael Le June 10, 2022
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Adsum’s Vault By Vans Collaboration Is Inspired By Man’s Best Friend

Brooklyn-based brand Adsum has been delivering quality clothing for almost a decade. Over the last few years, the Northeast outfitter has lent its creative vision...

By Jovani Hernandez June 6, 2022
5059

Anderson .Paak And Vans Play With Paisley For Upcoming “Vanderson” Collection

2022 is proving to be quite busy for Anderson .Paak, as the artist juggles between singing for Silk Sonic, spinning vinyl as DJ Pee .Wee,...

By Michael Le June 1, 2022
12256

Vans Celebrates One Of The Most Iconic Anime Series Of All-Time: Sailor Moon

First debuted in 1992, Sailor Moon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic anime series of all-time, ranking highly alongside Dragon Ball, One Piece, JoJo’s...

By Michael Le May 31, 2022
31480

Imran Potato Translates His Subversive Taste Into A Six-Piece Collab With Vault By Vans

Imran Potato is well-known for his subversive, often humorous creations, from his foot-shaped slip-ons to his parodical series of bootleg gear. And soon, the New...

By Michael Le May 16, 2022
9538

Daniel Johnston’s Vans Collection Advocates For Mental Health Awareness

To the uninformed, the name “Daniel Johnston” may not mean anything. But to countless family members, friends, strangers and creatives, the American singer-songwriter and visual...

By Jovani Hernandez May 6, 2022
5489

Vault By Vans Rolls Up Cannabis-Themed “Positive Vibrations” Pack For 4/20

Now that it’s 2022, you’d think we’d have moved past weed leaves and associated symbols. Even in the years prior, Nike SB has celebrated 4/20...

By Michael Le April 19, 2022
13033

Uprise Skateshop Celebrates The Vans Half Cab’s 30th Anniversary With Two Collaborative Colorways

If you were already a devout follower of Vans, you’d know that 2022 marks the 30th Anniversary of the ever-beloved Half Cab. And much earlier...

By Michael Le April 6, 2022
2017