In 1966, the Van Doren Rubber Company opened its doors for business in Anaheim, California. With the ability to make shoes one pair at a time to meet specific consumer requests, Vans simple canvas shoes soon became a staple at the beach and throughout Southern California. In the mid '70s, the first skateboard-specific shoe the Era, was born and within a few years, the Vans Sidestripe and waffle sole came to