History of Vans in Timeline
Vans is an American brand owned by VF Corporation that designs, produces, and sells apparel, accessories, and shoes. While widely recognized for its skateboarding shoes, Vans also sponsors teams in various other sports such as surfing, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross. Additionally, the company served as the primary sponsor for the annual Warped Tour music festival for over two decades, from 1996 to 2019.
March 16, 1966: First Vans Store Opens
On March 16, 1966, the first Vans store, "The Van Doren Rubber Company", opened in Anaheim, California, selling shoes directly to the public.
1976: Introduction of "Off The Wall" and Iconic Shoe Designs
In 1976, Vans adopted the motto "Off The Wall" and released the Vans Side-stripe and Vans #36 ("Old Skool") shoe designs.
1982: Vans Checkerboard Slip-ons in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Vans' popularity surged in 1982 when Sean Penn wore checkerboard slip-ons as Jeff Spicoli in the film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."
1984: Vans Faces Financial Challenges
Facing competition and counterfeiting, Vans lowered prices and filed for bankruptcy protection in 1984.
1988: Vans Sold to McCown De Leeuw & Co.
The Van Doren brothers and Gordon C. Lee sold Vans to banking firm McCown De Leeuw & Co. for $74.4 million in 1988.
1989: Crackdown on Vans Counterfeiters
In 1989, the U.S. and Mexican governments took action against Vans counterfeiters, ordering them to stop production.
1991: Vans Goes Public and Expands Product Line
Experiencing high demand, Vans expanded internationally, released new models, including snowboard shoes, and went public on NASDAQ in 1991.
1996: Vans Becomes Primary Sponsor of Warped Tour
In 1996, Vans became the primary sponsor of the annual Warped Tour music festival.
1998: Vans Opens First Skate Park
Vans opened its first skate park, featuring a 20,000-square-foot indoor street course and other amenities, at The Outlets at Orange in 1998.
1999: Vans Sponsors Warped Tour
Vans began sponsoring and supporting Warped Tour in 1999.
2001: Warped Tour Renamed Vans Warped Tour
Warped Tour was officially renamed Vans Warped Tour in 2001.
2004: Vans Merges with VF Corporation
Vans merged with VF Corporation, a North Carolina-based company, in 2004.
2009: The Outlets at Orange Skate Park Renovated
Vans' skate park at The Outlets at Orange, California, was updated in 2009.
2010: Vans Sponsors Duct Tape Invitational
In 2010, Vans sponsored the Duct Tape Invitational.
2010: Vans Opens Second Skate Park
Vans opened its second skate park, a 42,500-square-foot facility with a skate bowl and plaza, in Huntington Beach, California, in 2010.
2014: Vans Becomes Title Sponsor of US Open of Surfing
Vans became the title sponsor of the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, in 2014.
2016: Vans and the "Damn Daniel" Meme
The "Damn Daniel" meme featuring California teen Daniel Lara wearing Vans went viral in 2016, leading the company to gift Lara a lifetime supply of Vans shoes.
2016: Vans Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Logo
Vans celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016 by releasing a new logo and launching a campaign to reach a broader audience.
2019: End of Vans' Sponsorship of Warped Tour
Vans ended its sponsorship of the annual Warped Tour music festival in 2019.
March 2020: Vans' The Outlets at Orange Skate Park Closes
Vans' skate park at The Outlets at Orange, California, closed in March 2020 following the death of BMX rider Tyler Kanarr.
2022: Launch of VR3 Product Line
In 2022, Vans launched the VR3 product line, featuring footwear and apparel made with at least 30% renewable, recycled, or regenerative materials.
2022: Vans Hosts BMX Waffle Cup
Vans hosted the BMX Waffle Cup, a freestyle BMX invitational tournament, in 2022, modifying their Huntington Beach skate park's course and theming it after the US Open.
August 9, 2023: Michael Lorenzen Throws No-Hitter in Vans
On August 9, 2023, MLB pitcher Michael Lorenzen, known for wearing customized Vans on the field, threw a no-hitter. His Vans will be displayed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.