Who Owns Vans?

Vans was founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, and Gordon Lee in Anaheim, California, as the Van Doren Rubber Company. The company initially focused on manufacturing and selling directly to consumers from its own retail store, offering simple canvas shoes with rubber soles.

Throughout the 1970s, Vans gained popularity among skateboarders and surfers in Southern California for its durable, sticky-soled shoes that provided excellent grip for skateboarding. The brand's association with skateboarding culture grew as professional skateboarders began wearing and endorsing Vans shoes.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Vans expand beyond skateboarding into broader youth culture, with the brand becoming associated with punk rock, alternative music, and street culture. Vans developed iconic shoe models like the Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, and Era, which became staples in skateboarding and casual footwear.

In 2004, VF Corporation acquired Vans, bringing the brand under corporate ownership while maintaining its focus on skateboarding and youth culture. Under VF's ownership, Vans has continued to expand globally while preserving its authentic connection to skateboarding and action sports communities.