Founded in 1966 as The Van Doren Rubber Company by Paul and Chris Van Doren and partner Gordon Lee, Vans have maintained a legacy of being the most popular brand of shoe in the South Bay since then. The only thing exciting about going back to school was the fact that you were getting a new pair of Vans. And while the business started in Anaheim and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Vans has made an indelible mark on the culture and history of the South Bay.
Vans has been at the forefront of skate culture and have expanded into BMX as well. In addition, you Vans was the sponsor of the Warped Tour, the longest running music festival in North America.
Vans is still going strong with stores throughout the world and in 2016 celebrated 50 years of operation. You will often find son Steven Van Doren out and about at events with his good friends Tony Alva and Christian Hosoi meeting with kids and keeping the spirit of skateboarding alive.