Vans Shoes

Few brands in skateboarding can claim such legacy as Vans; the Californian born company is synonymous with the laid-back skate vibe, which of course is something that is embedded deep in their origins.

The first Vans store opened its doors in 1966, founded by none other than brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren and was originally the Van Doren Rubber company, known for creating #44 deck shoes, the style which later became the Vans Authentic and recently re-released as the Vans Authentic 44 DX Anaheim Factory, which emulated the original. Skip forward to the 1970’s and skateboarders soon began to recognise the capability and functionality of Vans shoes for skateboarding, this was a spearhead in the brands history, with the rise of the Z-Boys. Arguably the Z-Boys most celebrated riders are Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, known for their raw and organic skating style, the two went on to create the #95, otherwise known as the Vans Era.

As the times and skateboarding evolved, so did Vans, the Off The Wall Branding came into place and with it more series of shoes including the Vans Old Skool in 1977, Vans Sk8-Hi in 1978 and Vans Half Cab in 1988, all which accurately tell the tale of their respected era’s within aesthetics.

In recent years Vans skate team has continued to reflect the brands vision and essence, with the introduction of team riders such as Gilbert Crockett, Chima Ferguson and Kyle Walker, all who have released pro model footwear including the Vans Gilbert Crockett Pro, Vans Kyle Walker Pro and Vans Chima Ferguson Pro.

Vans are not only pushing new pro footwear, but continuing to keep their classics contemporary with a range of Vans Pro Skate Classics, comprised of the Vans Authentic Pro, Vans Old Skool Pro, Vans Half Cab Pro, Vans Sk8-Hi pro and the Vans Slip On Pro, all which encompass modern, innovative footwear technology including the original Wafflecup, Duracap and UltraCush but never losing sight of the significance of the OG Vans Waffle outsole.

Related Features: The Old Skool by Vans / Preview: Vans Pro Footwear Fall 17 - August Drop