50 YEARS OF VANS

You know what they say: “Never change a running system.” While this seems like one of those obnoxious truisms like “Still waters run deep” or “The heart feels what the eyes cannot see” which seem to cover today’s Facebook feeds with a film of vomit-inducing pseudo-profundity, this statement sometimes proves to be true – just like in the case of Vans. Founded in Anaheim, CA, by brothers Paul and James Van Doren in 1966, Vans immediately created its first classic model still available today: the Vans Authentic. A traditional Plimsoll shoe, the Authentic made use of Vans’ signature Waffle sole. As Authentics came without padding, then-juggernauts Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta designed the Vans Era, an updated, collar-padded version of the Authentic. Today, the Vans Era is still one of the most popular skate shoes worldwide thanks to recent improvements made by the Pro line, which added Duracap reinforcement and UltraCrush HD footbed technology to the shoe while leaving the design alone.

However, the perhaps most famous Vans shoe is the Sk8 Hi. Its slim silhouette and old school appearance appeals to skateboarders and non-skaters alike. Speaking of old school looks, one of the most underrated shoes in skateboard history is the Old Skool, a low-top hybrid of Sk8 Hi and Authentic which debuted in 1977. It was the first Vans shoe to feature the company’s signature side stripe. Both the Sk8 Hi and the Old Skool are featured in the Pro line. While the reasons for the popularity of classic Vans models are plenty, one stands out as the most important: the Old Skool, 
Sk8 Hi, Slip On, Authentic and Era simply go great with any outfit. They’re clean, easy-to-wear shoes that fit almost any occasion. Their utilitarian design makes Vans shoes true American classics. Also, stay tuned for Vans’ 50^th anniversary in 2016 which will be celebrated by special product releases and projects that highlights the company’s heritage and innovative character. Abraham Lincoln, another American classic, once said: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” Just in case you need another quote for Facebook. Also you can buy Vans in store or online.