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Opening
On March 16, 1966, at 704 E. Broadway, in Anaheim, California, brothers Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, and three other partners opened up the first Vans store. -
Period: to
Vans
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Eras are Released
Skateboarders who liked Vans' rugged make-up and sticky sole were seen wearing Vans all over Southern California in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Vans "#95", known today as the "Era", was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. With a padded collar and different color combinations, the Era became the shoe of choice for a generation of skateboarders due to the non-slip bottom being more conducive for a better grip. -
#44 Shoe
In 1976, Vans introduced the "#44" shoe, and with the help of skateboarders and BMX riders the Vans "Slip-On" became all the rage in Southern California. -
The Debt is Paid
Vans owed $12 million in debt by the end of 1984 and the bank wanted at least $6.7 million back. Paul later filed bankruptcy for his company. It took him 2 years to pay off his debts but once he regained his company, the demands for shoes were extremely high. Vans produced over 2 million shoes and brought in over $50 million in sales. -
Paul Van Doren sold Vans
In 1988, Paul Van Doren sold his Vans company to a banking firm called McCown De Leeuw & Co. for $74.4 million. -
Vans manufacturers get shutdown
In 1989, many counterfeit manufacturers of Vans shoes were shutdown by the US and Mexicans officials. -
Vans closes Orange County, California factory
Vans closed their Orange, California factory and began manufacturing footwear overseas in 1994. In 1994, Vans sponsored the Inaugural Triple Crown series which developed into the Vans Triple Crown series. In 1998, Vans opened a 46,000-square-foot (4,300 m2), indoor-outdoor Vans Skate park at the Block in Orange County. -
Vans is in Forbes magazine
In 2000 and 2001, Forbes recognized Vans as one of "America’s Best Small Companies." -
Vans opens a skatepark
In 2002, Vans opened an enclosed skatepark in the Festival Bay Mall on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Closed on January 21, 2012. -
Vans launches the Vans "Customs" on its website
In 2004, Vans launched the Vans "Customs" on its website. This allowed customers to log onto the Vans website and design their own pair of Vans Slip-ons, mid-cuts, or high-tops. Nowadays, it allows for the design of custom Era, Slip-On, Old Skool, Authentic, Authentic Lo-Pro, and 106 Vulcanized shoes.
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