Fact 1: The Humble Beginnings at Anaheim, California
What we know now as the famous global brand Vans, actually started in Anaheim, California. Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, Gordon C. Lee, and Serge D'Elia founded the company on 16th March 1966, creating a unique brand that is synonymous with stylish, customizable footwear.
Fact 2: Vans – The House of Van Doren’s Rubber Company
The brand was originally named "The Van Doren’s Rubber Company" after its co-founder, Paul Van Doren. It wasn't until several years later that the name was abbreviated to the catchier, "Vans" that we know and love today.
Fact 3: There were only 12 designs to start with
Believe it or not, at the beginning of their journey, Vans only had 12 designs on the shelf. This limited number of designs eventually blossomed into the plethora of choices that we see in the market today.
Fact 4: Customers had to wait for their shoes
Back in the early days, when a customer purchased a pair of shoes from Vans, the company would manufacture them overnight and have them ready for pickup the next day! Talk about customized service!
Fact 5: Vans were originally designed for Skateboarders
The brand's iconic rubber-soled shoes were initially designed keeping skateboarders in mind. The sneakers’ rugged soles were perfect for providing grip on the skateboard, making them an instant hit among this community.
Fact 6: The Iconic "Off The Wall" Slogan
The famous phrase "Off The Wall" -- which is the tagline of Vans and is also found on the heels of many shoes -- is actually a skateboarding term that means performing tricks on the wall and successfully landing back on the board.
Fact 7: Vans and Hollywood
The popular Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons gained international recognition and massive sales after being featured in Sean Penn's 1982 film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Penn's character, Jeff Spicoli, is seen hitting himself over the head with the shoes.
Fact 8: Vans in the Land of Rising Sun
The first international store of Vans was opened in Tokyo, Japan in the 1990s. Since then, the brand has expanded to over 50 countries around the world.
Fact 9: Took Bankruptcy by the Horns and Re-emerged Stronger
At some point in the ’80s, Vans filed for bankruptcy due to a debt of over $12 million. However, they re-emerged stronger and better, focusing on the skateboarding market that originally brought them fame.
Fact 10: Sponsor of Warped Tour
From 1996 to 2018, Vans was the main sponsor of the Warped tour, a music and extreme sports festival. The event was known as the "Vans Warped Tour".
Fact 11: Eco-Friendly Shoes
Vans, in partnership with surfer Dane Reynolds, released the Eco Theory collection of footwear and apparel which emphasize sustainable materials. The products use organic cotton, natural rubber, and hemp, among other earth-friendly materials.
Fact 12: DIY Custom Shoes
The brand gives you an opportunity to bring your creative ideas to real life. Vans lets you customize your own shoes on their website, so you can let your imagination run wild and create a masterpiece of your own!
Fact 13: House of Vans"
"House of Vans" is a series of indoor skatepark and concert venues in New York, Chicago, and London, where the company hosts free concerts and art shows, aside from having an indoor skateboard park.
Fact 14: The Guinness World Record for Most Vans Worn at Once
The current Guinness World Record for wearing the most pairs of Vans at once is 68, which was set by Chris Scott on January 11, 2019 in Medway, England.
Fact 15: Vans X
Vans collaborates with renowned brands and artists for special edition collections. The collaborations range from top brands like Disney and Supreme to influential artists like David Bowie, and Star Wars.
Fact 16: Vans’ Contribution to Education
Vans annually hosts a high school art competition in the U.S., and the winning school is awarded with $75,000 for their art program.
Fact 17: Vans by Pets
Vans has even found fashion inspiration from pet dogs and cats. The brand once launched a collection inspired by pet owners and included dog and cat prints on the shoes.
Fact 18: Vans’ Shoe Donations
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vans made an initiative to support the global skateboarding community by donating over $4 million to small, local skate shops worldwide.
Fact 19: Special Shoe Designs for Chefs
Understanding the grueling working conditions of chefs, Vans has a special line of shoes specifically designed for them. These "Made for Makers" shoes are comfortable and resistant to kitchen spills.
Fact 20: The Vans’ Logo
Vans' famous logo, also known as the "jazz stripe", was doodled by Paul Van Doren in a casual streak. Little did he know it would become the world-recognizable emblem of the Vans brand.