The Van Doren Rubber Company started out more than forty years ago and was one of the first American companies to manufacture shoes and then sell it straight to the customer.
This shows just how dedicated the early incarnation of Vans was to putting the customer first. It certainly worked too, with skaters from all over the US wearing their trainers by the mid-1970s. The rest of the world would soon follow suit – now they’re footwear icons.
What made Vans shoes so popular?
While we all know and love Vans shoes for their timeless style, it was actually their trainer construction that appealed to most wearers first. The sturdy build meant that the shoes were hard wearing, but as important, the tacky rubber sole was (and is) perfect for gripping the deck of a skateboard.
Skaters still swear by Vans shoes today – even skating legend Geoff Rowley is sponsored by the brand. The Liverpool-born skater, and co-owner of skate brand Flip, actually recently celebrated a decade of signature Vans trainers. He’s one of the best in the world, so we certainly aren’t going to argue with his taste in shoes.
These days, you’re just as likely to see someone in Vans trainers on the high street as you are at the skate park.
They look good with just about any casual getup, and with the range that’s out there, there’s always going to be a shoe to go with your outfit. It’s not just you and me that loves Vans trainers either; celebrities wear them too, such as world famous rock bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden and KISS have their own branded Vans trainers.
At Standout, we’ve got a killer selection of Vans shoes including:
Whatever your style, there’s a pair of Men’s Vans shoes in our online store just for you.
Posted by Roger Martin for Stand Out.