History of Vans in Timeline

Updated: February 23, 2025

Vans is an American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes, apparel, and accessories, founded in Anaheim, California. Currently owned by VF Corporation, Vans sponsors teams in surfing, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross. Notably, Vans was a primary sponsor of the Warped Tour music festival from 1996 to 2019, and will be again in 2025, highlighting the brand's close ties to music and youth culture.

March 16, 1966: Opening of the First Vans Store

On March 16, 1966, Paul Van Doren, his brother James, and Gordon C. Lee opened the first Vans store as "The Van Doren Rubber Company" in Anaheim, California. The store sold shoes directly to the public, with twelve customers purchasing deck shoes on opening day.

1976: Introduction of "Off The Wall" Motto and Release of New Designs

In 1976, Vans began using its "Off The Wall" motto and released the Vans Side-stripe and Vans #36, also known as the "Old Skool" design.

1982: Appearance in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"

In 1982, Vans reached nationwide popularity when Sean Penn wore a pair of Vans checkerboard slip-ons as character Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

1984: Bankruptcy Filing

In 1984, Vans lowered prices due to heavy competition and counterfeits, eventually leading to the company filing for bankruptcy protection.

1988: Sale of the Company

In 1988, Van Doren and Lee sold the company to banking firm McCown De Leeuw & Co. for US$74.4 million.

1989: Apprehension of Counterfeiters

In 1989, many Vans counterfeiters were apprehended by the U.S. and Mexican governments and ordered to cease production.

1991: International Expansion and Public Offering

In 1991, Vans expanded internationally, released new models (including snowboard shoes), was renamed Vans, Inc., and went public at US$14 per share on NASDAQ.

1996: Primary Sponsor of Warped Tour

In 1996, Vans became a primary sponsor of the annual Warped Tour music festival, a relationship that continued until 2019 and is scheduled to resume in 2025.

1998: Opening of First Skate Park

In 1998, Vans opened its first skate park at The Outlets at Orange, in Orange, California.

1999: Sponsorship of Warped Tour

Since 1999, Vans has sponsored and supported Warped Tour, the longest-running touring music festival to date in North America.

2001: Warped Tour Rebranded as Vans Warped Tour

In 2001, Warped Tour was rebranded as Vans Warped Tour.

2004: Merger with VF Corporation

In 2004, Vans merged with North Carolina–based VF Corporation.

2009: Update to First Skate Park

In 2009, Vans updated its first skate park, located at The Outlets at Orange.

2010: Opening of Second Skate Park

In 2010, Vans opened its second skate park in Huntington Beach, California.

2010: Sponsorship of Duct Tape Invitational

In 2010, Vans sponsored the Duct Tape Invitational.

2014: Title Sponsor of US Open of Surfing

In 2014, Vans became the title sponsor of the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California.

2016: 50th Anniversary Celebration

In 2016, Vans celebrated its 50th anniversary by releasing a new logo and launching a campaign to target a wider audience.

2016: "Damn Daniel" Meme

In 2016, the internet meme "Damn Daniel", featuring California teen Daniel Lara wearing Vans, went viral. In appreciation, the company gave Lara a lifetime supply of Vans shoes.

2019: End of Vans' initial sponsorship of Warped Tour

In 2019, Vans' initial run as a primary sponsor of the annual Warped Tour music festival concluded. The sponsorship is scheduled to resume in 2025.

March 2020: Closure of First Skate Park After Death

The Vans skate park at The Outlets at Orange has remained closed since March 2020, when BMX rider Tyler Kanarr died after sustaining major injuries in the park.

2022: BMX Waffle Cup

In 2022, Vans hosted the BMX Waffle Cup, a freestyle BMX invitational tournament, to commence the US Open of Surfing period. Their Huntington Beach skate park's course was modified by BMX riders for the tournament and was themed after the US Open.

2022: Launch of VR3 Product Line

In 2022, Vans launched the new VR3 product line, where 30% of the product is renewable, recycled, or regenerative.

August 9, 2023: Michael Lorenzen Throws No-Hitter in Vans

On August 9, 2023, Major League Baseball pitcher Michael Lorenzen became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Vans. The Vans will be displayed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.