The Vans brand was founded in 1966 in California, USA by the Van Doren brothers and two other partners. Their specialty is skate shoes with a rubber (volcanic) sole, which has a characteristic waffle design. On the very first day of operation, they produce and sell 12 pairs of shoes that same day.

Among their most famous models that have survived to this day are the well-known Vans Old Skool, Era, TNT, Half Cab, or Vans Sk8-Hi, Authentic, and Slip-On shoes. Vans is probably the most famous skateboard brand, operating for over 50 years. Among the most famous skateboarders who have been associated with this brand or are still associated with it are names such as Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Steve Cabalero, Anthony Van Engelen, Jason Dill, Geoff Rowley and many others.