OFF THE WALL : SINCE 1966

In 1966 brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren opened The Van Doren Rubber Company in California in partnership with others: Vans #44 deck shoes, soon to be known as the “Authentic” Vans shoes, are born.

Then, in 1974, skateboarders who enjoyed Vans rugged look and signature soles are seen sporting Vans all over South California.

In 1976, Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta create the Vans #95, now known as Era, with the padded collar and different colour combinations. This instantly becomes the shoe of choice for this generation of skaters, and Vans “Оff the Wall“ logo makes its debut.

In 1977 Vans #36, the Old Skool, debuts with the now famous Vans Sidestripe. The Old Skool is Vans' first skate shoe that incorporated leather panels for increased durability. What started as a random doodle by Paul Van Doren was originally referred to as the “jazz stripe“ and has become the unmistakable hallmark of the Vans brand.

The Vans #98 is also introduced and with the help of skaters Vans Classic Slip-Ons become iconic in Southern California and ultimately comes to be the original Slip-On silhouette, an iconic shoe even to this day.

In 1978, Style 38, as Sk8-Hi, silhouette is introduced. The Sk8-Hi took skate functionality to the next level: above the ankle, where skateboarders used and abused their lower extremities the most. The Sk8-Hi brought a whole new look to the park.

And since then, Vans' influential and iconic designs have become popular the world over.

https://www.vans.eu/since66.html#1966

There is a Vans store on Knez Mihailova 19 here in Belgrade.