50 Years of “Vans Off The Wall”

The legendary brand Vans celebrates 50^th anniversary! Happy birthday!!!

Vans is the original action sports footwear and apparel brand famous around the world. On March 16, 1966 Vans opened in Anaheim, Calif. as a small family-owned brand with big dreams. 50 years later, the Van Doren spirit lives on as one of the largest youth culture brands in the world, fostering a culture of creative expression through action sports, art, music and street culture. 

The story of Vans

Vans story and big names

Each story is narrated by a renowned individual and long-time Vans enthusiast. Professional skateboarder and historian of the sport, Jeff Grosso, voices the leading story while iconic skateboarding legend Tony Alva speaks to his own history with the brand in the action sports short. Artist and musician Ray Barbee, Chuck D of Public Enemy and fashion icon and actress Chloe Sevigny lend their vocals for the art, music and fashion shorts, respectively. 

The Van Doren Rubber Company opened for business in 1966 manufacturing deck shoes on its premises and selling them directly to the public. Vans’ rugged make-up and rubber sole made them the perfect companion for skateboarding and they were quickly adopted by the rising subculture. These humble beginnings led to a 50-year history of “Off The Wall” moments in action sports, art, music and street culture rendering a simple pair of canvas shoes into a platform for creative expression around the world.

Iconic models

Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries and also owns and operates more than 450 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.

 

We wish Vans more success to other years!