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Vans is a U.S based manufacturer of sneakers, skateboarding shoes, BMX shoes, snowboarding boots and other shoe types.

History
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. The Van Doren Rubber Company 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".

The company continued to grow into the 1970s. During this period they also produced wool lined canvas and rubber mukluks under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force.

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.

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. By the end of the 1970s, Vans had seventy stores in California, US, and sold through dealers, both nationally and internationally.

1980s
Paul Van Doren began to take a lesser role in the company’s activities. Over this period, Vans started to create shoes for a number of sports, including skateboarding, wakeboarding, motor cross, and surfing, in an effort to compete with the large athletic shoe companies. Vans Slip-Ons gained international attention and appeal when they were worn by Sean Penn in the 1982 iconic youth film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Bankruptcy
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 so high. Vans produced over 2 million shoes and brought in over $50 million in sales.

1988-1989
In 1988, Paul Van Doren sold his Vans company to a banking firm called McCown De Leeuw & Co. for $74.4 million.

In 1989, many counterfeit manufacturers of Vans shoes were shutdown by the US and Mexicans officials.

1990s
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 46000 sqft, indoor-outdoor Vans Skate park at the Block in Orange County.

2000s
Steve Van Doren, the son of co-founder Paul Van Doren, remains with the company, as is his sister, Cheryl, and his daughter, Kristy.

In 2000 and 2001, Forbes recognized Vans as one of "America’s Best Small Companies."

In 2002, Vans opened an enclosed skatepark in the Festival Bay Mall on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Closed on January 21, 2012.

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.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High
In this 1982 film, Sean Penn plays a surfer who does not have a job. He enjoys smoking marijuana and is always late to class. Penn wears black and white checkered pairs of Vans. People who do not skate or never stepped foot on a skateboard started buying and wearing Vans shoes.

Products
Today, Vans sell variety of products including shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, socks, watches, Iphone cases, hats, beanies, and backpacks.

Sponsorship
Vans has been sponsoring the Warped Tour for over 15 years. The company also sponsors famous team riders in different sports like: Shaun White in snowboarding and Leila Hurst in surfing.

Public skate parks
The company is currently building its first free skate park in Huntington Beach, California which is going to be open to the public. It will include a 15,000 square foot skate bowl and a 12,000 square foot skate plaza. The park will be 50,000 sqft and Vans will pay the city $1 per year for the 20 year lease. This park would be open 7 days a week.

The first skate park was opened in 1998 at the Outlets of Orange. It features a 20,000 square foot indoor street course, a Combi pool, which is 12 ft. deep, an area for amateurs, mini ramps, an outdoor street course, and an arcade.