About Vans

In the early ‘70s, the Van Doren Rubber Company, now Vans, was opened in Anaheim, California. Started by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, the brand became the epitome of west coast cool. California was experiencing extreme drought weather at the time, and skateboarding took off thanks to a surplus of empty swimming pools — a perfect place for locals to practice their new tricks. As the local skateboarding scene grew, so did the demand for the comfort and superior board feel that the brand’s shoes provided. Vans’ model #44, now known as the Vans Authentic, was the first silhouette to achieve this kind of demand. Featuring a durable canvas upper, grippy rubber sole, and vulcanized construction, the Authentic quickly became known as the essence of skateboarding culture.