Skaters are notoriously fickle, but Vans has found a way to keep them loyal for five decades with its arsenal of great-looking high-performance shoes.
As the California brand marks its 50th anniversary, Footwear News looks back at 10 of Vans’ most iconic kicks.
AUTHENTIC
Debut: 1966
This style was Vans’ first deck shoe and has since been embraced by professional skaters for its durability and grip.
ERA
Debut: 1976
The Era style was designed by pro skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. It was also the shoe that launched the “Off the Wall” logo.
CLASSIC SLIP-ON
Debut: 1977
The iconic slip-on rose to fame after being worn by Sean Penn’s surfer character Jeff Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
OLD SKOOL
Debut: 1977
The Old Skool sneaker debuted the brand’s now-signature Jazz Stripe — a design that began as a random doodle by founder Paul Van Doren.
SK8-HI
Debut: 1978
The signature Sk8-Hi was born with a focus on new performance functions, like a higher silhouette shielding ankles from injuries.
HALF CAB
Debut: 1992
As more technical flip-tricks burst onto the scene, skaters began flipping the collar of their shoes down — thus, a lower half-cab style emerged.
CHUKKA LOW
Debut: 2006
Designed in collaboration with the Vans amateur skate team in 2006, the Chukka Low is now available in a variety of customizable finishes.
ALOMAR
Debut: 2010
This popular skate style was the premium high-top version of the “106 Low Top.”
NEXPA
Debut: 2011
The Nexpa is the look of choice for the Vans surf team. The clean, no-fuss sandal brings athletic foam comfort to its classic design.
CHIMA PRO
Debut: 2013
The Chima’s updated design features new, lightweight internal elements like a Duracap upper reinforcement that prolongs the shoe’s lifespan.
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