VANS since 1966
Vans, or more precisely the Van Doren Rubber Company, has existed since 1966. Since then, some silhouettes have remained to this day. The Authentic and Old Skool are two of many models that must not be missing in any shoe closet and reinvent themselves year after year – an end to this success story is not in sight anytime soon.
Vans, or more precisely the Van Doren Rubber Company, has existed since 1966. Since then, some silhouettes have remained to this day. The Authentic and Old Skool are two of many models that must not be missing in any shoe closet and reinvent themselves year after year – an end to this success story is not in sight anytime soon.
In 1966, Paul Van Doren made the first shoe specifically designed for skating with the Sk8 Hi. It stood out from the competition due to increased stability. No wonder, since the first skateboarders mainly used thin boots and canvas shoes to pursue their passion. The original skate shoe already had the famous Vans waffle sole, whose pattern – albeit with different rubber compounds – has remained to this day. Vans is used worldwide as a synonym for skate shoes and is and remains simply the original.
Icons with waffle soles
Vans Old Skool & Vans Authentic
The Vans Old Skool is one of the classics from Vans and one of the most famous skate sneakers ever. In 1977, the Old Skool was first introduced under the name Style 36. By now, the simple, slim-cut, and elegantly stylish sneaker has long made its way into the mainstream. Not least because of its great versatility with various outfits, the Old Skool has become so popular. Thanks to the enormous board feel and the clean look, it is still gladly worn by hardcore skaters. The Authentic, which was also marketed under a different name – Style 95 – with its waffle sole, low cut, and extremely clean look, is not only an all-time favorite in skating circles. The sneaker has proven itself since 1966 as the weapon of choice for many skaters and fits perfectly with everything from chinos to jeans.
The modern era
That Vans not only knows how to maintain its "legacy" but also sets innovations in skateboarding sneakers is proven by the new pro model from team rider Anthony van Engelen. Vans has incorporated all their existing technologies such as Duracap™, Rapidweld™, Luxliner™ and complemented it with the unique Ultimatewaffle sole. But other signature models like those from Elijah Berle, Gilbert Crockett, Chima Ferguson and Kyle Walker are also full of proprietary new innovations like the Wafflecup sole or the Ultracush® cushioning systems.
