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 an American company that makes cool skateboarding shoes and clothes. It started in Anaheim, California, and is now owned by a bigger company called VF Corporation. Vans also supports teams in sports like surf, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross. For many years, from 1996 to 2019, Vans was the main sponsor of the Warped Tour music festival.
Contents
The Story of Vans: How It Started
Vans began on March 16, 1966. Three people, Paul Van Doren, his brother James, and Gordon C. Lee, opened the first store. They called it "The Van Doren Rubber Company." It was located at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California.
This business was special because they made the shoes right there and sold them directly to people. On their first day, twelve customers bought shoes. These shoes are now called "Authentic" and have a thicker bottom than other shoes.
The store had three types of shoes on display. They cost between US$2.49 and US$4.99. But they didn't have any shoes ready to sell! Also, Paul Van Doren didn't have change for the money. So, customers took their new shoes home and came back the next day to pay.
The Vans Logo and Skateboarding Connection
The first Vans skateboard logo was created in the 1970s. It was designed by Mark Van Doren, who was James Van Doren's son. Mark was only 13 years old at the time. He made the design as a stencil so he could spray-paint it onto his skateboards.
This cool design was later put on the back of an early Vans skateboard shoe, called Style 95. Mark loved skateboarding, and his interest led Vans to start making shoes especially for skateboarders.
In 1976, Vans started using its famous motto, "Off The Wall." This phrase was slang used by skateboarders when they did amazing tricks in empty swimming pools. Around this time, Vans also released its "Side-stripe" design and the "Old Skool" shoe.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Big
In 1984, Vans faced some tough times. Many other companies were making shoes like Vans, and there were also fake Vans shoes being sold. Vans had to lower its prices and eventually filed for bankruptcy protection.
But Vans didn't give up! In 1988, the Van Doren brothers and Gordon Lee sold the company to a banking firm. In 1989, many people making fake Vans shoes were stopped by the U.S. and Mexican governments.
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 shoes. The company's name was changed to Vans, Inc. because everyone just called the shoes "Vans." In 2004, Vans joined with a 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 started a new product line called VR3. These products are made with at least 30% renewable, recycled, or regenerative materials.
Vans and Events: Music and Sports
Vans loves to support events, especially in music and action sports.
The Vans Warped Tour
Since 1999, Vans has sponsored the Warped Tour. This was a very long-running music festival that traveled across North America. In 2001, the festival was even renamed the Vans Warped Tour.
Surfing and BMX Events
Vans 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.
In 2022, Vans held the BMX Waffle Cup. This was a special competition for freestyle BMX riders. They even changed the course at their Huntington Beach skate park to fit the tournament, making it look like the US Open.
Vans Skate Parks: Places to Skate
Vans has built its own skate parks for people to enjoy.
Orange, California Skate Park
Vans opened its first skate park in 1998 in Orange, California. It has a huge indoor street course and a deep pool for skating. There's also an area for beginners, mini ramps, and an outdoor street course. The park was updated in 2009.
Huntington Beach Skate Park
The company built its second skate park in Huntington Beach, California. It opened in 2010. This park has a large skate bowl and a big skate plaza. Vans pays the city only US$1 per year to use the land for 20 years.
House of Vans in London
There's also a Vans skate park in London, England. It's called House of Vans and is located in The Old Vic Tunnels.
Vans in Pop Culture: Movies, Memes, and Sports Stars
Vans shoes are often seen in movies, on the internet, and even worn by famous athletes.
Customizing Vans and the Checkerboard Pattern
People have always loved to draw and paint on their Vans shoes to make them unique. Vans even started using some of these popular designs for their official shoes. The famous checkerboard pattern, which was popular in ska and punk music, became a Vans design after the company saw skateboarders drawing it on their shoes.
Vans in Movies and Viral Moments
Vans became super popular all over the country in 1982. This happened when actor Sean Penn wore a pair of Vans checkerboard slip-ons in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He played a character named Jeff Spicoli.
In 2016, a video of a California teenager named Daniel Lara went viral on the internet. He was wearing Vans shoes in the video. Vans was so happy that they gave Daniel Lara a lifetime supply of their shoes!
Vans in Professional Baseball
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Major League Baseball pitcher Michael Lorenzen grew up skateboarding and wearing Vans. Even now, he plays baseball wearing special customized Vans shoes with cleats instead of regular baseball shoes.
On August 9, 2023, Michael Lorenzen made history. He became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter while wearing Vans shoes! His special Vans will even be shown in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
See also
In Spanish: Vans para niños
