In March 1966, the Van Doren Rubber Company opened for business in Anaheim, Calif. manufacturing deck shoes on its premises and selling them directly to the public. Vans’ rugged make-up and sticky rubber sole made them the perfect companion for skateboarding and they were quickly adopted by the rising subculture. These humble beginnings led to a 50-year history of “Off The Wall” moments in action sports, fashion, music and art, rendering a simple pair of canvas shoes into a platform for creative expression around the world.
In 2016, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand will honor its rich heritage with special product releases throughout the year, showcasing Vans’ timeless design and innovation.
The ultimate culmination of Vans’ 50-year legacy will kick off this March with the global expansion of Vans’ cultural hub, House of Vans. It is through the House of Vans experience that the brand will come to life, as it celebrates the milestone across the globe alongside the extended Vans family that have made the brand what is it today.
Stay tuned for more information as Vans looks forward to the next generation of those who embrace the “Off The Wall” spirit and visit www.vans.com to get updates on what’s to come.
“It was never about waving around the brand like a flag. It was always about the people.” – Paul Van Doren, Founder of Vans