Vans is an American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes, based in Costa Mesa, California. On March 16, 1966, at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California, brothers Paul Van Doren and James Van Doren, Gordon C Lee, and Serge D'Elia opened the first Vans store under the name The Van Doren Rubber Company. The business manufactured shoes and sold them directly to the public. On that first morning, twelve customers purchased Vans deck shoes, which are now known as "Authentic". On March 16, 2016, Vans celebrates 50 years of “Off The Wall” heritage with the launch of The Story of Vans campaign. The historical multi-media campaign breaks records in viewership and is seen around the world in multiple languages. With a nod to the past and eyes on the future, Vans also expands the House of Vans by hosting ten activations around the world to honor the brand’s diverse history, while welcoming newcomers to the Vans family.
