Vans

Founded in 1966 by two brothers in California as the Van Doren Rubber Company, Vans is a stalwart of skate culture, a shoe-as-signifier of iconic subcultural connotations. The seminal waffle-rubber sole that was the company’s founding innovation travels beyond its original low-top slip-on skate sneaker. Vans produces endless variations on its timeless high-tops, mid-tops, lace-up, and slip-on sneakers, yet one thing remains the same: quality, as displayed in durable canvas and leather iterations. Perhaps why the label has maintained its cool is due to creative director Rian Pozzebon’s loyalty to core models built for skate performance as well as classics that reiterate the laid-back skate culture lifestyle of the brand. Now adopted by streetwear enthusiasts and skaters alike, Vans has evolved into an empire that reaches beyond alternative subcultures, with sneakers that remain the perfect vessel for both casual and evening menswear.