By: Jacob Hales

How many pairs of Vans do you see every day? So many people wear this famous shoe brand today, whether they are going to school or going for a skate with their friends. But do you know the story of how this shoe brand got started?

1966 — the year Paul Van Doren opened the Van Doren Rubber Company to the public in Anaheim, California. On the first day, the company sold 12 pairs of shoes. The original price for a pair ranged between 2 and 4 dollars. They were also ordered and manufactured at the store for pickup that afternoon. The company is now known as Vans. In the early ‘70s, skateboarders adopted the shoe brand for its sticky sole and rugged canvas material. The company released new styles such as Sk8 His and Eras every 4 to 5 years. In 1982, the the company’s checkerboard slip on vans become a hit after Fast Times at Ridgemont High hit the theaters. In the early 1990s, they started producing a line of shoes exclusively for skateboarders, which would become a trend in the business. They also began to appeal to other consumers with new colorways and styles.

Today, the style seems to be making a huge comeback with everyone. Vans offers a variety of styles and colors that appeal to consumers of all ages for a decent price compared to other brands. In August 2013, they even began selling backpacks, hats, belts, and other accessories. It appears Vans has become a big player in the shoe industry in the past few years. Will it be a fad, or will it continue to stay a trend for years to come?