Created in Anaheim, California, in 1966, Vans is best known for its shoes, but it offers much more. The company was initially called the Van Doren Rubber Company, and its shoes were similar to Keds with thicker soles. The design, now called the Authentic style, remains one of the brand’s most popular. It quickly became a staple of the skateboarding and rock scenes.
Vans has grown exponentially, but it has remained an integral part of the skater aesthetic as the primary sponsor of the Warped Tour music festival between 1996 and 2019. Throughout its history, Vans has been at the center of skater culture. The brand even consulted on the skateboarding documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys” to ensure its authenticity.
Vans now has a line of products that includes footwear, backpacks and clothing. All of its products are rooted in skate culture and the bold yet grungy aesthetic it was instrumental in creating. The brand continues to create a range of shoes based on some of its most iconic designs, but it also has a customization option that allows people to make the shoe that best suits their style.
