Vans: American Skateboarding Shoe and Apparel Company
Vans, a leading American skateboarding shoe and apparel company, has been the preferred choice of skateboarding enthusiasts since its founding in 1966. Today, Vans shoes and apparel have become a household name, and the company is beloved by skaters, hip-hop aficionados, surfers, and a whole host of pop-culture supporters. In addition to shoes and apparel, Vans also produces accessories, outerwear, and bags. Whether you’re a new skater or a seasoned pro, Vans has something for everyone in its comprehensive line of products.
History and Subcultures of Vans
Back in 1966, when Vans was first founded by Paul Van Doren, the fledgling company was making just 12 pairs of shoes a day. But those first pairs of shoes quickly caught on and soon, skaters, especially in the West Coast and Southern California skate scene, were getting their hands on the shoes and Vans quickly gained popularity. Riders like Natas Kaupas, Eric Dressen, and Steve Caballero all helped to spread the Vans name and soon, the “Off The Wall” lifestyle label was born. Vans has since then become an integral part of skateboarding culture, as well as hip-hop culture, and the brand is now firmly planted in the hearts of many teens and young adults.
Today, Vans is respected as one of the original skate brands and its collection speaks to a variety of fans and subcultures including punk rock, surf, hip-hop, and more. Plus, Vans is continually producing collections to celebrate skateboarding history, and carries a legacy of authenticity and progression that makes it a trusted name in the skateboarding world.
Components of the Vans Collection
Vans has numerous iconic silhouettes within its shoe collection, all of which feature the distinct “Off The Wall” markings. From the now-iconic slip-on style, to the timeless Sk8-Hi, Vans has something for every skater and their streetwear-inclined fans. In addition to shoes, Vans also has an extensive apparel collection ranging from caps and sweatshirts to wet-suit starters and sunglasses.
Here’s a look at the components of the Vans collection:
Shoes
-Slip-On
-Authentic
-Old Skool
-Sk8-Hi
-Era
-Ultrarange
Apparel
-T-Shirts
-Hats
-Sweatshirts
-Jackets
-Swim Shorts
-Tops
-Shorts
Accessories
-Backpacks
-Sunglasses
-Wallets
-Keychains
-Laces
Collaborations with Vans
The brand Vans is so much more than just shoes and apparel; the Vans philosophy is about making connections with the fans and giving back to the community. To further this goal of connecting with fans, the company has collaborated with numerous outside outlets to create unique and limited-edition collections. From Supreme to Tyler, the Creator, and many in between, Vans has worked with a variety of fashion labels, creatives, and skate shops to create one-of-a-kind products.
Vans has also recently started collaborating with organizations such as We Are Blood, the skateboarding-focused charitable organization, and the International Women’s Skateboarding Day, in order to encourage inclusivity of all types within the skateboarding world.
To date, Vans has collaborated with:
-Supreme
-Street Machine
-Kill City
-Nasa
-Tyler, the Creator
-Off White
-Kenzo Paris
-Stüssy
-Bad Brains
-Alphabet City
-Wood Wood
Vans is an iconic skateboarding shoe and apparel company that began in 1966 and has since become an integral part of skate culture. From shoes to apparel to accessories, Vans has something for everyone in their comprehensive line of products. The Vans brand is also known for collaborating with outside outlets, charitable organizations, and fashion labels, to create unique collections and spread the importance of inclusivity within the skateboarding world. Whether you’re an avid skater, hip-hop enthusiast, or everyone in between, Vans has something for you.
