If you're a '70s, 80s, or '90s baby, you've definitely gone through a phase where a pair of Vans skate shoes was your go-to footwear. From school playgrounds to hanging out with friends during the weekends, these shoes have been a staple in the fashion industry for decades.
The origin of Vans
In 1966, brothers Paul and James Van Doren, along with Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, started The Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California. They hoped their thick-soled shoes would catch the interest of locals. To their delight, people soon lined up outside their small shop to buy the first pairs of Vans.
It wasn't until the mid-70s that the rise of skateboarding in the United States made Vans shoes widely popular. This turning point occurred when iconic skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta proposed the idea of designing a shoe made for skateboarding. This was the birth of the #95, now more commonly known as the Era. The shoe was designed with a padded ankle collar for protection and durability.
Vans in fashion
The rest of the '90s and early '00s saw Vans rise as a top streetwear brand globally. With a distinctive checkerboard design and classic slip-on style, these shoes won the hearts of non-skaters, too. They were seen on the feet of rock stars, dancers, surfers, models, and fashionistas alike.
Today, Vans are still a top choice for skateboarders, but they've also become a staple in popular culture and fashion. Wherever you go, you'll see Vans skate shoes being rocked by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Order your pair of Vans skate shoes with Millenium Shoes today and call us at (310) 590-1785 for any questions or concerns. We carry multiple styles and colors of Vans and other brands that are sure to fit your personal fashion taste.