Vans

Vans – US based skate apparel company Vans was founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, when he and three partners opened up their first store. The company at this time was called The Van Doren Rubber Company and instead of retailing shoes from other brands, Vans manufactured and sold their own shoes to the public. The first pair of Vans sold were the Vans deck shoes, which are known today as Vans Authentic shoes. Vans shoes became extremely popular with skateboarders, due to their rugged design and sticky soles. In 1975 Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta designed a shoe for Vans called the Vans #95, which is today known as the Vans Era shoe – designed specifically for a generation of skateboarders. In 1979 the Vans #44 shoe was born – designed for both skateboarders and BMX riders, this became the Vans Slip-On. In the 1980’s Vans expanded to cater for a number of other sports including baseball, basketball and wrestling. Despite a 3 year bankruptcy situation in the early 80’s, Vans became one of the most recognised footwear brands in the skate industry. Today they stand by many of their original designs, known famously for their checker pattern, Vans cater for men, women, kids and even babies. We stock a wide range of mens Vans, ladies Vans through to baby Vans, but we can also order pretty much anything in – so any unique design you may have seen elsewhere – just ask!