Product Description About VANS: Vans was founded in 1966 as a Van Doren Rubber Company in California. A few years later, the brand developed the world's first shoe specially designed for skateboarding. Typical Vans are the well-known checkerboard pattern and the waffle profile sole. Many more designs have been developed over the years. Among the most successful models are the "Vans slip on" slip on. A shoe that is especially popular with skaters. Safety Warning Safety standards: