History of Vans
Vans was founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, along with his partners James Van Doren, Gordon Lee, and Serge Delia, in Anaheim, California. Originally called the Van Doren Rubber Company, the brand started by manufacturing and selling shoes directly to customers. The first shoe, the Vans #44 Deck Shoe (now known as the Authentic), gained popularity among skateboarders due to its durable design and grippy rubber sole. Throughout the 1970s, Vans expanded its lineup to include the Era and Old Skool models, further cementing its place in skate culture.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Vans had grown beyond skateboarding, becoming a symbol of alternative youth culture. Despite facing financial struggles in the early 1980s, the company rebounded by focusing on core skate and lifestyle products. The introduction of the Vans Warped Tour in 1995 helped solidify its association with music and action sports. Today, Vans is a global brand known for its classic designs, collaborations, and deep-rooted connections to skateboarding, music, and streetwear.