Vans

Vans is a world-renowned brand in the skateboarding community and beyond. They have been in the industry for over fifty years and continuously innovating to provide world-class skate shoes and apparel. Vans skate shoes, in particular, are tremendously popular among celebrities, students, teens and anyone who loves stylishly cool shoes. When it's time to update your skate or casual style, make sure to order your Vans shoes and apparel here at Yakwax. All with FREE UK delivery!

Vans Skate Shoes and Clothing - UK Store

Vans is one of the world's long-standing and most iconic skate shoe brands that has transcended the skateboarding world and into the hearts and on the feet of innumerable individuals across the globe. The brand name alone is synonymous with super cool skate shoes or sneakers for non-skaters, and among celebrities and fashionistas alike.

Over the five decades of Vans' existence, the company has seen the many ups and downs of the business side. But their remarkable journey is truly a testament to their innovations, top-notch quality products and dedication to the individuals and communities they are connected with.

Vans' Rich History

First opened in 16th March 1966 by brothers Jim and Paul Van Doren, and their business partners Serge Delia and Gordon Lee in Anaheim, California, Vans' was initially called the Van Doren Rubber Company. The company is different from their competitors because they manufactured shoes within the premises and sold them directly to customers. On their opening day, twelve customers bought shoes which were made on the same day and picked up in the afternoon.

In the early 70's, skaters who loved the rugged appeal and sticky soles of Vans shoes were spotted wearing them all over Southern California. The Era, Old Skool, Classic Slip-ons and Sk8-Hi shoes were all developed in the 70's. The brand's "Off the Wall" logo debuted in 1976.

The 80's was a rollercoaster ride for the company as they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy by 1984. It was also the year when the company re-organised and cut back on everything except for the quality of their footwear. By 1987, Vans was able to pay back all their creditors and re-emerged from debt and bankruptcy. The brand's first skate shoes, Vans Steve Caballero, was introduced in 1988. It was also the year they first introduced weather-resistant materials to footwear labelled Mountain Edition.

In the 1990's, the company made its initial public offering of $14 (per stock share) on NASDAQ. The Vans Snowboard Boot was introduced in the fall '93/winter '94 season. The company sponsored the very first Warped Tour in 1995 and the inaugural Triple Crown of Skateboarding event in 1996. A series of co-branded Old Skools was established (also in 1996) together with Supreme, cementing their long-term partnership. In 1997, the company purchased the Triple Crown of Surfing which was the beginning of the world's leading action sports series and included other events in surfing, BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, freestyle motocross and supercross by 2000.

The start of the 21st century is an even bigger and busier era for Vans. The launching of more events in extreme sports and music, local and international tours of the brand's team riders, collaborations, opening of local and international stores, and other milestones were achieved. There's no stopping for Vans and its team of professional and amateur riders who rock some of the brand's finest footwear, clothing and accessories.

Team Riders

Over the years, Vans got connected and accumulated quite a number of riders from the big four of extreme sports. The brand's team riders include (skateboarding) Anthony Van Englen, Geoff Rowley, Tony Trujillo, Kyle Walker, Chris Pfanner, Curren Caples, Daniel Lutheran, Dustin Dollin, Elijah Berle, Omar Hassan, Pedro Barros, Lizzie Armanto, Ronnie Sandoval, Chris Russel, Tom Schaar, Christian Hosoi, Jeff Grosso, Steve Caballero, Tony Alva and many more; (BMX) Gary Young, Dakota Roche, Scotty Cranmer, Pat Casey, Ty Morrow, Cory "Nasty" Nastazio, Dennis "DMC" McCoy, Kevin Perava, Jason Watts, Matthias Dandois, Trey Jones, Bruno Hoffman, Larry Edgar, Sean Ricany, Travis Hughes and Dennis Enarson; (surfing) Nathan Fletcher, Alex Knost, Dane Reynolds, Joel Tudor, Wade Goodall, Gudauskas brothers, Dylan Graves, Ivan Florence, Leila Hurst, Justin Quintal, Josh Mulcoy, Mitch Abshere, Michael February, Nathan Florence, Alan Cleland Jr, Jett Schilling, Kyuss King, Wyatt McHale and Rasmus King; (snowboarding) Pat Moore, Hana Beaman, Jamie Lynn, Arthur Longo, Wolle Nyvelt, Phil Jacques, Darrell Mathes, Jake Kuzyk, Zac Marben, Dan Liedahl, Dillon Ojo, Mike Ravelson, Blake Paul, Mary Rand, Bryn Iguchi, Cole Navin and Sam Taxwood.

With such an impressive list of riders, it's not surprising to see why their fans also support the iconic brand.

Notable Collaborations

Vans has collaborated with numerous other brands and companies over the decades. Many of these collaborative projects were done to celebrate music and pop icons, and to showcase some of today's artists and meaningful advocacies.

David Bowie - The limited-edition Bowie-inspired sneakers were inspired by one of the iconic singer's most popular albums. Four Vans kicks names the Slip-On 47 V DX, Era, Skool and Sk8-Hi were each customised in colourways inspired by the albums Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Space Oddity and Hunky Dory.

Led Zeppelin - To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, Vans collaborated with the legendary band to release a limited-edition Quickstrike Capsule which includes shoes and apparel. Each of the band members' Runes are printed all over Vans x Led Zeppelin Era shoes. The classic fit, long-sleeved 100% cotton t-shirt has every member's Runes and the brand's classic Drop V logo on the left chest; while the back has an 'Off The Wall' details and Led Zeppelin poster art.

Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy - Three books authored by Ceri Levy and illustrated by Ralph Steadman were the inspirations for this collaborative effort. This collection of footwear and clothing highlights the threatened species of animals across the globe.

Taka Hayashi - The artist's Native American influence and craftsmanship are translated on this collaborative footwear.

Takashi Murakami - In fall of 2015, the Vault by Vans x Takashi Murakami came up with a limited-edition collection including a pair of Classic Slip-Ons and apparel are graced by the artist's recurring themes 'the smiling flower' and skull patterns.

Upwards is the only direction Vans is heading from this point and beyond. Their much-celebrated skate shoes are always highly anticipated by skaters and non-skaters alike. So, if you need a new pair of kicks for shredding or to simply elevate your style, check our latest drop below - all with FREE UK delivery when you order at Yakwax!