Vans

Vans is an American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and related apparel, established in Anaheim, California.

History

Paul Van Doren; his brother, James; and Gordon C. Lee opened the first Vans store as “The Van Doren Rubber Company” on March 16, 1966, at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California.Upon opening, twelve customers purchased Vans deck shoes (now called “Authentic”).The store had display models of three styles of shoes, priced between US$2.49 and US$4.99.In 1976, Vans began using its “Off The Wall” motto, a slang phrase used by skateboarders while doing tricks in empty pools. Around this time, Vans released its Vans Side-stripe and Vans #36, also known as the “Old Skool” design.Vans opened its first skate park in 1998 at The Outlets at Orange, in Orange, California.In 1982, Sean Penn wore a pair of Vans checkerboard slip-ons as character Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.