Vans

Vans are one of the longest-standing skate shoe and snowboard boots brands in the world, with a product range extending into technical clothing and outerwear as well as lifestyle-oriented streetwear, T-shirts, hoodies, caps, accessories and more. All Vans gear is exceptionally well made and Vans have an unmatched reputation in the action sports industry for both quality and style. 

On March 16 1966 at 704 E. Broadway in Anaheim, California, brothers Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, Gordon Lee and two other partners opened up the first Vans store. The Van Doren Rubber Company manufactured shoes and sold them directly to the public. On that first morning, twelve customers purchased Vans deck shoes, which are now known as "Authentic". Vans displayed three styles of shoes, which were priced between $2.49 and $4.99. However, on the day the store opened for business, the company had only display models but no inventory ready to sell. The store rack boxes were completely bare!

Nevertheless, these 12 customers came into the store and selected the colours and styles they desired. The customers were asked to come back later in the afternoon. In the meantime, Van Doren and Lee rushed to the factory to manufacture the selected shoes. When the customers returned that afternoon to pick up their footwear, Van Doren and Lee realised that they had forgotten to obtain cash to give out in change. The customers were given the shoes anyway and asked to return the following day to pay for them. All 12 of the thankfully very honest customers returned the next day to make the payments.

Skateboarders who liked Vans' rugged make-up and sticky sole were seen wearing Vans all over Southern California in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Vans "#95", known today as the "Era", was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.

Today, Vans are one of the longest-standing and most popular skate shoe brands in the world and are heavily involved in all things skate, surf, moto and snow including big participation in art, music, events and competitions all over the globe - one of the biggest of these being the Vans Warped Tour.

After moving into the snow market, Vans now produce an awesome range of snowboard boots for men, women and kids, and have one of the best snowboard teams in the world with riders such as Pat Moore, Darrell Mathes and Andreas Wiig.