Vans was born on March 16th, 1966 in Anaheim California and created by Paul Van Doren and three partners. The Van Doren Rubber Company manufactured the Vans #44 deck shoes, now known as the ‘Authentic’, which was known for being made and sold the same day.
In the early 1970’s they starting making a name for themselves in the skateboard community with their rugged make-up and sticky sole. In 1975, skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta designed the #95 Vans shoes known as the ‘Era.’ Through the late 1970’s the Vans shoe was becoming more and more popular throughout skaters and BMX riders, with 70 stores in California that dealt nationally and internationally.
In the 1980’s they became increasing its presence in the worldwide market. They then moved production overseas in 1994 allowing for new development and a huge expansion.
Sponsoring events such as the Vans Triple Crown series, Vans has become one the most well known shoe companies in the world.