Vans was first set in to motion in 1966 when Paul Van Doren opened his first store in Anaheim, California. 10 years later in 1976, Skaters and skateboarders began wearing Vans and insisted that the footwear came in more colours. Designed by Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva, these shoes were available in several colours and had padded collars. The Era became the favourite footwear of thousands of skateboarders, partly due to the stickiness of their soles. During the 80s, Vans created shoes and Vans trainers for such diverse sports as basketball, baseball, wrestling and even skydiving!

Actor Sean Penn wore Vans shoes in the 1982 movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", ensuring Vans trainers became known the world over. Vans shoes came under new ownership in 1988 and from then on gradually expanded worldwide, to include trading as Vans shoes UK in Britain.  Today, the southern Californian based footwear offers over 60 styles varying from the classic slip ons and deck shoes to casual sandals and high performance skate shoes. Not only are Vans funky, famous and fashionable, they are also sensationally comfortable with their cushioned rubber soles and padding around heel.

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