Vans Footwear and Apparel

Vans is a globally recognized American brand synonymous with skateboarding culture and action sports. Founded on March 16, 1966, by Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, and Gordon C. Lee in Anaheim, California, the company was originally named The Van Doren Rubber Company. It gained immediate popularity for its unique manufacturing process where shoes were made and sold directly to the public on-site. The brand's signature 'waffle' sole and 'Off The Wall' motto became cultural icons within the skateboarding, surfing, and BMX communities.

While Vans maintained manufacturing in California for nearly three decades, production moved overseas in the late 1990s to accommodate global demand and optimize costs. Today, Vans products are manufactured in multiple countries, primarily within Asia, including Vietnam, China, and Cambodia. Despite the shift in production locations, the brand continues to be designed and managed from its corporate headquarters in Costa Mesa, California.

In 2004, Vans was acquired by VF Corporation, a major American apparel and footwear powerhouse. As of 2026, VF Corporation remains the ultimate owner of the brand, integrating Vans into its extensive portfolio alongside other outdoor and lifestyle giants like The North Face and Timberland. The brand continues to evolve by blending its vintage heritage with modern sustainability initiatives and high-profile creative collaborations.