Vans Shoes. Since 1966, Vans has been the world’s leading source for skateboarding footwear. Vans shoes have become an integral part of skateboarding culture, as well as sneaker culture as a whole. Supplying the world with their cool and casual California style, the brand founded by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren was birthed from the need for more durable footwear for the then-new sport of ...