Back in 1966 two brothers, Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren with their business partners Dorden Lee and Serge Delia, opened up the Van Doren Rubber Company in California. The Van Dorens had the idea that they would make Vans shoes on premises and sell them directly to their customers. On the day that they opened, they sold 12 pairs of shoes that were made to order.
During the 1970s Vans became a massive hit with skateboarders because of their rough cut and sticky tread. That reputation still stands today. In 1988 the Vans Steve Cabello was released which was the first signature skate shoe and an event that solidified Vans shoes in the skateboarding world.
Vans Warped Tour
Vans shoes have always been a massive part of skateboarding but their position as number 1 was set in stone when in 2001 they bought the controlling share of Vans Warped Tour, America’s leading action sports and music festival.
Vans shoes have had constant celebrity endorsements throughout their lifetime. Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart, all the member of Metallica and countless skateboarders are just some of the celebrities that have helped propel Vans shoes to their legendary status.
