[Photo: Instagram]
In 1966, the first Vans shop was open for business in Anaheim, California by brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren along with partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia. However, the company was actually a rubber company and went by the name The Van Doren Rubber Company. They manufactured shoes on the spot so customers would purchase a pair and come back later in the day to pick them up. On their first day of operation, they sold shoes to 12 customers.
[Photo: Instagram]
In the early years of Vans, each shoe style had a specific number instead of a name. For instance, in the 1960s, Vans #44 was born, which is known today as the Authentic. The Era was known as Vans #95, the Old Skool was Vans #36 and Vans #98 is now one of the most popular styles. Can you guess it? Hint: Vans Classic Slip-Ons.
[Photo: Instagram]
Vans Classic Slip-Ons reached international fame when their checkerboard pair was worn by the character Jeff Spicoli (played by Sean Penn) in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
[Photo: Vans]
In 1995, Vans sponsored their first-ever Warped Tour and in 2001 the company bought a controlling interest. The tour is now known as Vans Warped Tour and is the longest-running concert series in America.
[Photo: Instagram]
In 2011, Vans exceeds $1 billion in annual global sales for the first time ever in company history! This is a huge achievement as Vans is the only (and largest) company rooted in skateboarding to do so.
[Photo: Instagram]
Twilight star Kristen Stewart wore a pair of checkerboard Slip-Ons to cement her footprint on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, Vans' iconic waffle sole will be there forever for millions of people to see.
[Photo: Splash News]
This is a huge year for Vans because on March 16, 2016, the company will be celebrating their 50th anniversary!
[Photo: Instagram]
