Vans (Off the Wall) is a well-established skate shoe company dating back to the 1960s; where brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren – along with partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia – opened their first store on 16th March 1966. Located at 704 E. Broadway, California. Fun Fact! – The first morning of their opening, 12 customers purchased their shoes, ready for pickup that afternoon.

This already showed the level of commitment from the community, but also the appeal it had when it comes to a fashion aspect. Although the 60’s was a time where Vans would establish their name; the 1970’s was the decade for the company. 1976 was the year known as the “Era” for Vans. Why was this the main period where Vans established their brand? It all begins with the padded collar and different colour collaborations; designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. This results in being the shoe of choice a generation of Skateboarders in West America, which in turn allows for the slogan “Vans – Off The Wall” to make its debut.