The History of Vans
The story of Vans starts in 1966, in Anaheim, California, where brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, along with their partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, opened The Van Doren Rubber Company.
Manufacturing their shoes on-site and selling them directly to the public, cutting out the middleman, was a unique approach at the time. Their first model was the #44 Deck Shoe, which would later become known as the Authentic. With a thick rubber sole and durable canvas upper, it quickly became a favourite amongst the local beachgoers and skateboarders.
In 1976, Vans created a shoe made specifically for skating. The brand had become a staple of skate culture without even trying due to the perfect combination of grip and durability in their shoes, and with the help of riders Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, designed the iconic Era model. Its padded collar and different colour combinations made it the sneaker of choice for skaters.
A year later, the brand also launched the Old Skool, which was the first shoe to feature the Jazz Stripe, and the Slip-On, which would become one of its most recognisable models.
The Sk8-Hi appeared on the market in 1978, bringing a whole new look to Vans’ range with its high-cut silhouette. Shielding skater’s ankles, where they suffered the most abuse when skating, ensured their popularity.
By the 1980s, Vans were a cultural phenomenon. When Sean Penn famously wore checkered Vans Slip-Ons in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the brand was catapulted into the mainstream.
Entering the 90s, Vans doubled down on its skateboarding legacy. Their first signature skate shoe, the Vans Steve Caballero, had been launched in 1988, and after witnessing skaters cut the collar of this high-top sneaker for increased flexibility, launched the Half-Cab in 1992.
In 1996, Vans began collaborating with artists, musicians and designers, launching a long-term partnership with Supreme that paved the way for brand collabs on sneakers.
Vans expanded globally in the 2000s, and assisting with the production of ‘Dogtown and Z-Boys’, a look at the beginnings of skateboarding, Vans further cemented its heritage in skateboarding after the film takes the Audience Award and Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001.
In 2012, UltraCush Lite technology was introduced, a custom blend of foams designed for superlight cushioning. The brand also combined the support and durability of a cupsole and the boardfeel and grip of the traditional Vans shoe in new WAFFLECUP technology, in the first vulcanised cupsole.
It’s Vans’ incredible versatility, able to be worn by all ages, genders, and backgrounds, that gives the brand the ability to be picked up through different cultures and around the world time and time again.
Their silhouettes have become a canvas for all sorts of creative collaborations, from designer powerhouses like Karl Lagerfeld and Gosha Rubchinskiy, to beloved franchises like Star Wars, Disney, The Simpsons and Harry Potter.
Staying true to its roots, Vans sponsors many professional athletes in the skate, surf and BMX scene, like Tom Schaar, Lizzie Armanto, Omar Hassan and more.
Their classic models continue to be bestsellers due to their timeless design and rich history.
Vans Warped Tour
One of the biggest cultural movements Vans championed was music. From 1995 to 2019, the Vans Warped Tour became a legendary summer staple, merging punk rock, skate culture, and youth rebellion.
The Warped Tour was a mobile music festival that traveled around the USA and Canada every Summer for decades. The tour was instrumental in launching many bands and artists, propelling (among others) Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Sum 41, and Bebe Rexha into the spotlight.
In 1999, the Black Eyed Peas performed, notable as the first time a non-punk band group played at the festival. Since then, artists and groups from many different genres were included in the line-up, including Ice-T, Eminem, and Katy Perry.
Sadly, the festivities were wrapped up in 2019, with the final tour hosting more than 50 bands on multiple stages, extreme sports like motocross and skateboarding, and an art exhibit on the tour’s history in a last goodbye.
Vans: Answering Your Questions
When did Vans come out?
Vans was founded in 1966 in Anaheim, California, where Paul and Jim Van Doren, Gordon Lee, and Serge Delia, opened The Van Doren Rubber Company. They began selling the #44 Deck Shoe, now known as the Authentic, directly to consumers, which was unusual at the time.
Who owns Vans?
Vans is currently owned by VF Corporation, and American company that is also the parent company of well-known brands like The North Face, Timberland, and Supreme. It was acquired in 2004.
Are Vans comfortable?
Vans are designed to be lightweight and grippy, intended for casual wear with a simple structure. Some people may find the flat soles, minimal padding and break-in period uncomfortable, but newer models like the ComfyCush, UltraRange, and Range EXP offer extra cushioning and arch support.
Are Vans slip resistant?
While Vans are very grippy on dry, flat surfaces, thanks to their waffle rubber outsoles, they are not officially slip resistant, meaning they may not be reliable on the slick or greasy floors of a restaurant, kitchen or hospital. They still provide better-than-average traction compared to other flat-soles shoes, however.
What technologies do Vans use?
Vans have introduced many technologies over the years designed to enhance performance, support, durability and grip.
SICKSTICK is an advanced rubber compound that improves the outsole with better grip, flexibility, and durability. The WAFFLECUP vulcanised cupsole provides much-needed support and stability of the cupsole, and enhances both boardfeel and grip for skaters.
Protecting skaters from hard landings, the POPCUSH polyurethane-based insole cushioning is specially designed to not interfere with boardfeel.
Lastly, DURACAP rubber layers on the front outsole and shoe upper gives that all-important extra grip and reinforces the high-wear areas.
Where are Vans manufactured?
While Vans started out making their own shoes in California, the company now manufactures most of its products in countries including Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Cambodia and India for cost efficiency.
Are Vans sustainable?
Vans are making steps towards sustainability, aiming for 100% of their top 4 CO2 impact materials to be regenerative, renewable, or recycled by 2030. At the moment, you can check their shoes for the checkerboard globe logo, which indicates that the product has been made with at least 30% of replenishable, regenerative or recycled materials.
Do Vans fit true to size?
For the full guide on how different Vans sneaker models fit, check out our Vans sizing guide here!
How do you tie Vans sneakers?
For guidance on tying your Vans laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do I clean my Vans sneakers?
A Vans sneaker should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy Vans?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse Vans at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Vans restocks and new releases!
Notable Vans Collaborations
Vans x Star Wars (2014)
Featuring artwork from the original (and some say best) Star Wars trilogy, this spacy collection includes characters such as Boba Fett, Yoda, Stormtroopers and Darth Vadar on six models.
Three Authentics, a Sk8-Hi Reissue, a Classic Slip-On and an Era all joined the Force.
Vans x Disney (2015)
Disney and Vans release the ‘Young at Heart’ collection, plastering the colourful characters of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and even Winnie the Pooh over a range of Classic Slip-Ons and one Sk8-Hi model.
Unsurprisingly, the pack was an instant bestseller!
Vans x Van Gogh (2018)
A partnership between Vans and the Amsterdam-based Van Gogh Museum produced a special collection of several silhouettes portraying the artist’s work.
A number of paintings including Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, Self-Portrait as a Painter, and Skull were incorporated into the designs, on models such as the Sk8-Hi and Authentic.
Vans x Harry Potter (2019)
Four classic silhouettes were given a Harry Potter House makeover in this collaboration with Warner Bros. Gryffindor received a Sk8-Hi, Ravenclaw got an Authentic, a Classic Slip-On was given to Hufflepuff, and Slytherin rounded off the pack with an Era.
For the undecided, there was also a ComfyCush Era wrapped in a print of the wizarding newspaper, The Daily Prophet.
Popular Vans Models
Vans Authentic
The very first model in the Vans line-up, the Authentic has roots going back to 1966. Featuring a low-cut canvas upper and flat waffle sole, its simplicity and clean silhouette still makes it a favourite amongst surfers and skaters today.
It’s minimalistic, versatile, and timeless.
Vans Era
First released in 1976, the Era was the first Vans model designed by and for skaters. It built on the Authentic’s design but added padded collars for better ankle protection and increased comfort.
It also introduced bold colour-blocking, and is a go-to for those who want the simplicity of the Authentic with a bit more structure and flair.
Vans Old Skool
The Old Skool was the first Vans model to feature the iconic jazz stripe, first released in 1977. It’s designed for durability, with reinforced toe caps, padded collars, and suede overlays.
The model is tougher than the Era and Authentic, while still maintaining a low-profile, skate-ready silhouette.
Vans Slip-On
The Slip-On is most known for its checkerboard pattern and offers effortless style and convenience. Its elastic side accents, low profile, and comfortable footbed make it a favourite for casual wearers.
It’s ideal for anyone who loves throw-on-and-go style.
Vans Sk8-Hi
Taking everything people loved about the Old Skool, the Sk8-Hi gave it a high-top upgrade in 1978.
It’s designed to offer ankle protection for skaters, featuring padded collars, durable uppers, and the same waffle sole.
Vans Half-Cab
The Half-Cab was born in 1992 when Vans noticed skaters were cutting down their Steve Caballero high-tops for increased flexibility.
This mid-top silhouette sports a padded tongue, suede upper, and double stitching for increased durability.
Vans Knu Skool
First released in 1997, the Knu Skool puts a modern twist on the Old Skool's timeless design.
With a chunky tongue, a larger upper and an eye-catching 3D Jazz Stripe, the model still stays true to the original design with its slim midsole and vulcanised outsole.
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