Vans facts for kids
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Vans store in Midtown Manhattan
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Formerly
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The Van Doren Rubber Company |
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | March 16, 1966 in Anaheim, California |
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| Headquarters | Costa Mesa, California, U.S. |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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| Parent | VF Outdoor |
Vans is a famous American brand known for its cool shoes, clothes, and accessories. It started in Anaheim, California. Vans is especially popular for its skateboarding shoes. The company also supports teams in sports like surfing, snowboarding, BMX biking, and motocross. Vans has been a big sponsor of the Warped Tour music festival for many years.
Contents
The Story of Vans
How Vans Started
The first Vans store opened on March 16, 1966. It was in Anaheim, California. Paul Van Doren, his brother James, and Gordon C. Lee started it. They called it "The Van Doren Rubber Company."
They made shoes right there and sold them directly to people. On the first day, twelve customers bought shoes. These shoes are now called "Authentic" style. They were similar to other popular shoes but had a thicker sole.
The store had shoe models on display, but no shoes ready to buy. Customers picked their shoes and came back the next day to pay. Paul Van Doren even had to ask customers to return later because he didn't have enough change.
Growing with Skateboarding
The original Vans skateboard logo was created in the 1970s. Mark Van Doren, James's son, designed it when he was only 13. He made it as a stencil so he could spray-paint it on his skateboards.
This design was later put on the heel of Vans' early skateboard shoes. Mark's love for skateboarding helped Vans become a brand for skateboarders.
In 1976, Vans started using its famous motto, "Off The Wall." This was a slang phrase skateboarders used when doing tricks in empty swimming pools. Around this time, Vans also released its "Side-stripe" design. This design is now known as the "Old Skool" shoe.
Changes and Growth
In the 1980s, Vans faced tough competition. Many fake Vans shoes were also being sold. The company had to lower its prices. In 1984, Vans even had to file for bankruptcy protection.
In 1988, the Van Doren brothers and Gordon Lee sold the company. It was bought by a banking firm. The next year, many people making fake Vans shoes were stopped by the government.
By 1991, Vans shoes were very popular. The company grew and started selling shoes all over the world. They also made new types of shoes, like snowboard boots. The company's name was officially changed to "Vans, Inc." because everyone called the shoes "Vans."
Vans Today
In 2004, Vans joined a bigger company called VF Corporation. In 2016, Vans celebrated its 50th birthday. They launched a new logo and a campaign to reach even more people.
In 2022, Vans launched a new product line called VR3. These products are made with at least 30% renewable, recycled, or regenerative materials. VF Corporation plans to use this VR3 idea for more shoes and clothes.
Vans and Sports Events
Music and Surf Events
Since 1999, Vans has been a big supporter of the Warped Tour. This was one of the longest-running music festivals in North America. In 2001, the festival was renamed Vans Warped Tour.
Vans also became the main sponsor of the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, in 2014. They also sponsored the Duct Tape Invitational surfing event in 2010.
BMX Waffle Cup
In 2022, Vans hosted the BMX Waffle Cup. This was a special competition for freestyle BMX riders. It happened during the US Open of Surfing period.
Vans changed the course at their Huntington Beach skate park for the tournament. BMX riders helped design the changes. The event was a big success for BMX fans.
Vans Skate Parks
Vans has opened several cool skate parks. These parks give skateboarders and BMX riders a safe place to practice.
Orange, California Park
Vans opened its first skate park in 1998. It is located at The Outlets at Orange, in Orange, California. This park has a large indoor street course. It also has a deep pool for skating. There are areas for beginners and mini ramps too. This park has been closed since March 2020 for important updates.
Huntington Beach Park
The company built its second skate park in Huntington Beach, California. It opened to the public in 2010. This park has a huge skate bowl and a large skate plaza. The entire park is very big. Vans pays the city a small fee each year to use the land for 20 years.
House of Vans London
There is also a Vans skate park in London, England. It is called House of Vans. This park is located in The Old Vic Tunnels.
See also
In Spanish: Vans para niños
