Vans footwear

Vans is an iconic American brand specializing in skateboarding shoes and cultural apparel. Founded as the Van Doren Rubber Company in 1966 in Anaheim, California, the brand initially differentiated itself by manufacturing shoes on-site and selling them directly to the public on the same day. This heritage is celebrated in their brand identity, often referred to as 'Off The Wall.'

While the brand's origins and design headquarters belong to Southern California, its manufacturing shifted from domestic US production to a global supply chain during the 1990s. Today, Vans shoes are primarily manufactured in China and Vietnam, with additional production facilities located in countries such as Cambodia and Turkey. This global footprint allows the brand to maintain high-volume production for its worldwide audience.

Since 2004, Vans has been owned by the VF Corporation, a large American apparel and footwear conglomerate. As of 2026, VF Corporation continues to be the ultimate owner, managing Vans alongside other famous brands like The North Face and Timberland. Despite the change in corporate ownership, members of the founding Van Doren family have traditionally remained involved in the brand's operations and marketing to preserve its authentic 'skate culture' roots.