Vans
Vans Skate Shoes
Vans began life small. Back in 1966 it was just a family business, but right from the beginning, its creators dared to dream big. Paul Van Doren and three partners opened up their first ever store in Anaheim, California, and decided to go against the norm by making and selling their own shoes direct to the public.
Vans include some unique features that skateboarders instantly fall in love with – ‘soles like waffles that stick like syrup’. Surfers liked the custom design uppers part of shoe, and skaters dug the grip. They boasted more comfort, a reinforced heel, padding, arch support, and were super grippy. They were able to do what others struggled to, take the nerdy details that gives a skate shoe better performance, marry it with design, and give skaters the chance to express themselves with their feet.