Forged by the counterculture

The Van Doren Rubber Company opened its doors in 1966 and began making shoes with a signature rubber tread for the inhabitants of Southern California. These shoes quickly caught the eye of skateboarders who needed durable uppers and grippy outsoles. In the ’70s, local skateboarders coined the term “House of Vans,” and it stuck.

Release of the classics we know today

During the ’70s, the Authentic, Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, Era, and Classic Slip-Ons were released and have maintained their classic look to this day. During the early ’80s, the black and white checkered Classic Slip-On was featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, taking an already popular shoe to further stardom.

For the people

In the late ’80s and early ’90s Vans released its first signature skate shoe, an endorsement with Steve Caballero, and became a publicly traded company. Becoming entwined with the culture of the time, Vans began creating snowboarding gear, started the Vans Warped Tour, which further solidified Vans shoes with skaters and punks, and began to support the skate and youth community, staying true to its roots.

Vans maintains its presence and popularity within the skate, surf, and snowboarding communities, but it has also branched out into casual everyday wear. It was only a few years ago when you couldn’t walk down the street without seeing a classic pair of Vans. Due to their quality craftsmanship and sleek design, Vans shoes are a silhouette that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. They have truly reached the level of ubiquity shared by brands like Jordan, Nike, adidas, and more.

Kids’ Vans give them their own piece of that time-tested culture.

Fly looks from head to toe

Keep your little ones looking fly with kids Vans apparel or clothing from other premium brands like Champion, Timberland, FILA, and more. Basic tees, joggers, caps, and shorts will help your kids stay true to the casual Vans look.

Vans Skateistan Collection Kids' Vans x Sesame Street