A Brief History of the World’s Coolest Shoe
Fifty years is longer than anything has a right to be cool — and yet, Vans has managed to do just that. Today is the iconic shoe brand’s 50th birthday. Since 1966, they’ve gone from one store in Anaheim, Calif., catering to the nascent skateboarding culture, to a global phenomenon and cool kid’s shoe of choice, thanks in large part to the brand’s sponsorships and collaborations with skateboarding legends like Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva. These days, even if you don’t know a hard flip from a halfpipe, chances are you’ve owned a pair of Old Skools (and worn those famous waffle soles flat with daily wear).
To celebrate, we’re looking back at the skateboarding legends and classic kicks that made Vans the coolest 50-somethings on the block. Relive the last days of Dogtown straight ahead (and get to know the iconic shoe inside and out here).
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