How Vans Became a Classic Fashion Sneaker

Vans was first established in 1966. The company has gone through some major changes throughout the years, and they have become a major presence when it comes to motocross, BMX, skateboarding and snowboarding. The brand has gone through highs and lows, and although Vans shoes on sale have never truly gone out of style, they have enjoyed a resurgence over the last few years. Here is the story of how Vans rose through the ranks to become a premier place to sell shoes for women, men, children and everyone else in the world.

Rian Pozzebon Joined the Vans Team

In 2002, Rian Pozzebon did not have much of a reputation in the sneaker world. However, he received an offer to join the Vans team, and he had one major idea in mind. He wanted to mess with the classics. In the early 2000s, Vans had no plans to revisit its old, core models, such as the Authentic and Old Skool. Vans enjoyed great success in the 90s with the BMX and skateboarding boom, but they were falling behind newer companies like Osiris and DC. The company initially felt like looking back was a mistake, and when Pozzebon was not even an employee yet, he was suggesting a radical change.

Trial and Error

Throughout the early process, Pozzebon made plenty of mistakes. His early shoes were too wild and experimental to have any mainstream appeal. They looked nothing like the men’s shoes online you find now. By the time 2003 came around, Pozzebon had refined the process, and these shoes were initially sold in the back of Vans speciality stores. While they were not first available for public consumption, they did begin to build a reputation. In 2004, the company was purchased by VF Corp. in the sum of $396 million, which allowed Pozzebon to pursue those classic styles even more.

The Five Main Styles

With influencer culture and a heavy emphasis on nostalgia making its way into the zeitgeist, the 21^st century was the perfect time to bring back the five classic Vans shoes. These include the Era, Authentic, Slip-On, Sk8-Hi and Old Skool. Each one has spent its time in and out of the spotlight over the last decade, but all of them combined helped put Vans on the map once again. The Authentic has become a go-to sneaker for male influencers who label every post with #menswear. Vans has become a powerhouse worth over $2.3 billion, and the company was able to acquire a massive headquarters in Costa Mesa. Not all companies were able to make the transition into the 21^st century, but thanks to a little intuition, Vans was able to make the cut.

These days, Vans are everywhere. They are comfortable, stylish and perfect for practically everyone. If you are in the market for a new pair of sneakers, then you should browse through the selection at an online shoe store. Everything you need to look your best can be found at one of these shops, so it all comes down to finding the right one for you.