"Vans". Cool sneakers that will never go out of style!

Vans Sneakers - The Birth of the Brand

It all started with Paul, who, at his mother's insistence from the age of 14, “cured himself of idleness” by working hard at a shoe factory. By 20 he had worked his way up to deputy director of the Randy`s factory, which, by the way, was one of the three leading factories in the USA at the time. 

However, Randy`s also had unprofitable productions. The friends were sent to one of them, in Gardenville, California, where they not only pulled the Gardenville factory out of debt but also made it more successful than the main production in Boston. After this experience, they decided they could manage without bosses and started their own business. 

The trio founded Van Doren Rubber Company, Van Doren's rubber company, or Vans. The factory was launched in March 1966 in Anaheim, California. That same year they also opened their first store at the factory. 

At that time, only samples in different colors and sizes lay on the counter. You had to wait a day for the right pair. This sales scheme saved them from the cost of producing shoes that nobody needed. 

On the first day, 12 pairs were sold. More precisely, given away, since the “Vans” had no change to give. Customers received the shoes on their word of honor. However, the next day everyone brought the money.

Vans Athletic Sneakers — Birth of a Legend

Men’s sneakers from Vans had no names back then, so the first model was called No. 44. The design of Style 44 (or Athletic, as they came to be called later) was based on canvas (an abrasion-resistant dense canvas fabric) sneakers or plimsoll shoes, that is, sneakers with a “waterline” — a line or groove on the side of the sole. This line marks the level to which water can rise without wetting the sneakers. 

In principle, early Vans differed in nothing but the combination of a thick and durable vulcanized sole with a canvas upper. Steve later recalled that business developed rather slowly during those six months, and 6 out of 10 stores turned out to be “losers.” The Vans, however, were not discouraged and launched another 10 “losers.” 

Things stayed that way until a checked Vans sneaker met its first skateboard. It was the skaters of the West Coast who took a liking to the first “Athletics.” Their thick sole held up well even to intense skating.

Hit Vans: Stacey Peralta’s Main Kicks

It was Californian BMXers and skaters who, at the dawn of the seventies, “launched” the fashion for Vans sneakers. The Van Dorens took advantage of this by teaming up with star skateboard pioneers Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta. Together with them in 1975, the brand’s designers created the Vans #95 model, which over time became known as the Era, taking into account skaters’ special needs.

Skaters noticed that the heel wore out faster from jumps and riding, while toes poked through the worn-out toe. Vans added protective inserts around the ankles and reinforced the rubber on the heel. Now the sneakers served their restless owners much better.

Speaking of the checkerboard. At first, teens hand-painted their sneakers. Once the factory found out, Vans launched their first “checkerboard” line. This collection, Vans #98, became the brand’s first non-laced Slip-On model. 

In 1978 Vans began taking teen athletes to skate competitions. The company gave the most famous skater a $300 check, after which he showed up at his competitions only in Vans. 

The hit of 1978 were the men’s high-top Vans #38, which can now be bought under the name Vans Sk8-Hi. The highlight of these sneakers was the ultra-dense material that reliably protected the shins.

Vans Off the Wall breaking the mold

At that time, major brands still perceived skaters, graffiti artists, street riders, and BMXers as losers and vandals. Vans, according to Stacey Peralta, took street life seriously. They gave out shoes, while others were afraid to tarnish their image. 

Interesting detail — initially the Van Dorens didn't want original Vans sneakers to be available anywhere except California. In 1982 they appeared on posters for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” with Sean Penn in the role of the stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli. As part of the promotion, a thousand pairs of sneakers ended up at radio stations across America, and millions were distributed throughout the country. 

At the same time, the slogan Off The Wall appeared — “unconventional,” “unorthodox.” The brand was developing footwear for various sports at the time, but the main focus remained sneakers for extreme athletes.

Vans Full Cab sneakers from Caballero 

Another Vans star was skater Steve Caballero, in collaboration with whom Van Doren created the high-top Full Cab sneakers. True, they turned out to be too long, so skaters often cut these sneakers and taped the cut with adhesive tape. In the end, Caballero himself asked the brand for a redesign. This is how the new “Vans” Half Cab sneakers appeared. 

In the future, the brand had the Warped Tour festival, skater hangouts and Vans Park Series, “alternative” music concerts, and a collaboration with Supreme.

The brand also actively collaborated with bands, radio stations, and music brands. Among Vans partners were: 

• Iron Maiden,
• Motorhead
• Ramones
• Metallica
• Slayer
• Kiss

Vans Top Models: Return of Classics

After the purchase of the Van Doren company by VF Corporation (Timberland, North Face and Lee) the classics were relaunched. Suddenly it turned out that despite the presence in the assortment of children's Vans sneakers or surfer shoes, women's models of Vans sneakers or capsule novelties, 80% of profits come from classic models. 

Now the classic “core” of the brand consists of: 

• Old Skool
• Slip-On
• Authentic
• Sk8-Hi
• Pro Skate
• Pro Classi 
• Half Cab 
• Classic

They also make up the classic Vans sneaker design code in the official online store vans.com. The average check for bestsellers ranges between $50 (4 000 rubles) and $70 (5 400 rubles).

Vans sneakers ordering and delivery to Russia

Considering the available shipping rates from America to Russia via the parcel delivery service from the USA Pochtoy.com this is an excellent option to buy Old School, Sk8-Hi, Authentic and many other men's and women's Vans sneakers without counterfeits or overpayments. 

Choose your favorite fits and Prostobox.com will quickly and hassle-free deliver your purchases to your city. Delivery to Moscow for a 0.5 kg package costs around 6.99 USD.

We work with the most well-known US stores:

- Amazon well-known American online store with delivery to Russia and Ukraine.

- Ebay well-known American online store with delivery to Russia and Ukraine.

Where and when are Vans the cheapest?