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The Van Doren Rubber company was founded by Brothers Paul Van Doren and James Van Doren, They opened their first store in Anaheim, California around the summer of 1966 selling shoes directly to the public. On that first morning, twelve customers purchased the Vans deck shoes know known as the 'Vans Authentic', The Brothers had only produced three styles of shoes priced between $2.49 and $4.99, but on the day the store opened the company had only made display models and had no inventory to sell. These 12 customers came into the store and selected the colours they desired and we're asked to come back in the afternoon and in the meantime the Van Doren brothers rushed into the factory and manufactured the selected shoes. When the customers returned that afternoon to pick up their shoes, Van Doren brothers had realised they had forgotten to have cash available to make change. The customers were given the shoes anyway and asked to return the following day to pay for them. Each of the 12 customers did return the next day to make the payments.

Soon after, the Vans simple canvas shoe became a staple at the beach and throughout Southern California. Not long after, So Cal teens worked out that the vans sticky waffle sole and sturdy construction made the shoes perfect for skateboarding. More than 45 Years later, Vans strive to create durable footwear that allows the imagination to run wild. Those beach staples have evolved into a full line of Vans Classics such as the Vans Authentic, Vans Era, Vans Old Skool, Vans Halfcab and The Vans Slip on that pay homage to our Surf and Skateboard heritage. This is just a small piece of the Vans Footwear history and more about the history of the iconic brand can be seen on the recent vans since '66 documentary here.

Vans have an impressive team of riders from all over the globe with professional skateboarders who have changed the face of skateboarding as we know it such asAndew Allen, Chris Pfanner, Curren Caples, Dani