Vans

Vans is an American footwear and apparel brand rooted in skateboarding culture, founded by Paul Van Doren in 1966. The very first Vans store opened at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California, where the company began producing and selling shoes directly to customers on the same day.

Paul Van Doren, born in 1930 in Boston, brought his entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach to the brand, laying the foundations for what would become an iconic name in streetwear and action sports. Today, Vans is known not only for its durable skate shoes but also for its strong connection to youth culture, music, art, and alternative sports scenes around the world.