Vans

Vans began in 1966 as the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California, founded by Paul and James Van Doren and Gordon Lee, making deck shoes with thick waffle soles sold directly to customers. Southern California skateboarders adopted them, and the Old Skool, introduced in the mid-1970s, added the side stripe that became the brand's mark. Owned by VF Corporation since 2004 and based in Costa Mesa, Vans also makes slip-ons, Sk8-His and skate apparel.