VANS SHOES: THE HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIAN BRAND

Vans is one of the biggest iconic brands in the global skateboarding scene, and this legendary brand remains as strong as ever today. Its founder worked tirelessly and with dedication for years, making Vans skate shoes one of the most established brands in the world.

We are, of course, talking about Paul Van Doren, the founding father of Vans shoes.

To understand the history of the legendary California-based skate shoe manufacturer, one must first understand the story of its creator and inventor, Paul Van Doren.

Paul was 14 years old and loved horse racing; his mother, Rena, managed to find her son a job at a company that produced footwear.

HISTORY, HARD WORK, AND DEDICATION

Paul Van Doren, young and enterprising, started working at the bottom of the factory, cleaning the bathrooms and tidying up. It didn’t take him long to figure out how the place worked, and thanks to his dedication, he soon became in charge of the entire company—which was called “Randy’s”—and Paul became vice president at just 34 years old.

After years of working for others, Paul Van Doren started producing shoes on his own with his brother, and with the wealth of experience he’d gained in the past, it wasn’t very difficult.

And it was during that period that the first Vans store took shape in California, specifically in Anaheim. At the time, the store was called “The Van Doren Rubber Company,” and the Vans logo was designed by the 13-year-old son of Paul’s brother.

VANS OLD SKOOL AND THE FIRST ICONIC SKATE SHOE MODELS

The Vans store was an instant success; the comfort of the Vans shoes produced by Paul and his brother was certainly an extraordinary innovation for the time.

The waffle sole provided exceptional grip on the ground, and people were enthusiastic about the new Vans shoes created in California, where Vans sneakers have always been a must-have.

The opening day of the first official Vans store was a success; 12 pairs of shoes flew off the shelves during the store’s grand opening.

From that day on, the history of Vans SK8 began, and the first men’s shoes created were the iconic Vans Authentic. Decades later, this model remains a top seller, worn today by millions of people around the world.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF WORLD SKATEBOARDING

The brand’s success in the 1970s and 1980s was overwhelming; through skateboarding, the brand found a massive audience because Vans shoes have always been the ultimate skate shoes.

Models like the Vans SK8-Hi are icons that will never fade; this model is perfect for those looking for a shoe that also protects the ankles.

Skaters loved them for their hardcore sessions in the bowls, and models like the legendary Vans Era and Old Skool were even designed by skateboarding icons such as Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva—it’s no wonder we’re talking about a giant in the skate business and not just some newcomers.

Their tapered shape and super-grippy sole were perfect for all types of skateboarding; even models like the Vans Old Skool made history not only among skaters but also among thousands of young people who wore the legendary Vans Off the Wall.

VANS SKATE SHOES: A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY SKATEBOARDER

With the skateboarding boom of the 1980s, the brand ran into trouble because, having been a core brand in the surf and skate scene, it began producing baseball and American football shoes—and that wasn’t a good idea, as the brand very quickly lost credibility.

The company was sold by its owners to major banks, which took the reins while still allowing Paul and his team to operate internally, ensuring the brand was developed by those who had created and built it up to that point.

Shortly thereafter, the legendary Vans Cab Pro Model by Steve Caballero was born, and with the creation of the most iconic skate shoe ever, the brand resumed its rise to become a global leader in skateboarding footwear. The Cab has been worn by generations of skaters who used the legendary Vans Steve Caballero for their sessions.

The Cab was only sold in the high-top version, and so it was that the first street skaters in the 1990s, needing low-top shoes, decided to cut the Caballeros at the heel to make them more comfortable.

Thousands of shoes were “decapitated” by skaters, and Vans decided it was time to release the legendary Vans Half Cab, a mid-top version of the classic Cab.

THE BRAND’S CONTINUING SUCCESS AROUND THE WORLD

Since then, the brand has continued to grow, thanks to its skate-core, surf, and underground philosophy.

The brand’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks in part to collaborations with the world’s most famous brands in sports fashion and beyond; the Vans skateboard brand has become one of the major global footwear giants. In every corner of the globe, people are wearing a pair of Mr. Paul Van Doren’s shoes.

Skateboarding in the new millennium is growing rapidly, and the brand is no longer just a maker of skate shoes but has become a true streetwear icon with clothing for everyone. Wearing a Vans hoodie, Vans jacket, Vans t-shirt, or a Vans cap is a must not only for skaters but also for everyday people.

Every piece of clothing and accessory is produced by the Californian brand, and many pro skaters are sponsored by it. In particular, during the 2000s, the Geoff Rowley model became another Van Doren icon, and with the Rowley, the brand hit the jackpot, selling it all over the world.

They’re practically perfect for skateboarding, ranging from the most classic models to the Vans Pro Models, which offer greater protection and superior durability.

All shoes are impeccably finished and stitched, and the technology incorporated into the soles and materials is cutting-edge, as the company is constantly researching and experimenting to always provide you with maximum comfort.

A SUPERTEAM OF GREAT SKATERS

The brand continues to rack up successes, and today it offers many models—both iconic and cutting-edge—such as the Vans Wayvee, the Slip-On, and the Rowan. The company’s marketing focuses on the iconic female skater Lizzie Armanto.

All the great legends of the past have skated in Vans skateboard shoes, including riders of the caliber of Geoff Rowley, Anthony Van Engelen, Gilbert Crockett, and Kyle Walker.

A perfect team made up of both legends of the past and stars of the present—the cream of the global skateboarding world is represented on the team. Then as now, the brand knows no barriers that can stop it, and Paul Van Doren can rest easy knowing his brand will live on forever.

ZHABA ZION WRIGHT VANS: THE NEW HIT

Released just a few weeks ago, the Zhaba Zion Wright is already a huge hit. Perfect for your technical tricks and heavy-duty skating, try it on any terrain—from the park to the bowl to the roughest street skating. Comfort and style await you.

VANS SKATE SHOP AT PLEASURESMILANO

At our Pleasures Milano skate shop, you’ll find a wide selection of products. Try the legendary black Old Skools—this model has been one of the all-time bestsellers. At our Vans Milano store, you’ll find every type of shoe.

The quality of the products is top-notch and guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience because the fit of Vans shoes is unmatched and truly unique.

They’re perfect for skateboarding. From the most classic models to the pro models that offer greater protection and durability. All shoes are perfectly finished and stitched.

The company is constantly researching and experimenting to always provide you with maximum comfort. Buy Vans at our store and you’ll get: