Vans is an American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and related apparel, established in Anaheim, California, and owned by VF Corporation. The company also sponsors surf, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross teams.

The original Vans skateboard logo was designed in Costa Mesa, California, in the 1970s by Mark Van Doren, son of then-President and co-owner James Van Doren, at age 13; Mark’s design was a stencil, allowing the logo to be spray-painted onto his skateboards.

Vans’ most popular shoe, the Era, was originally designed for skateboarders in 1975. The shoe is a low-top with a padded collar and a waffle sole. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns.

Vans is also known for its Slip-On shoes, which are laceless and have a vulcanized sole. The Slip-On was first introduced in 1977 and has become a classic shoe for skateboarding and casual wear.

Vans has a strong following among skateboarders and other action sports enthusiasts. The company’s shoes are known for their durability, comfort, and style. Vans also sponsors a number of action sports teams, including the Vans Warped Tour, a traveling music festival that features skateboarding and BMX competitions.

In addition to shoes, Vans also sells a variety of apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and hats. The company’s apparel is known for its casual and laid-back style.