Vans was originally founded as the The Van Doren Rubber Company in 1966 by the Van Doren brothers and at the time was unique in that it manufactured shoes and sold them directly to the public. Vans 'Authentic' sneaker soon found a core market with the local skateboarders thanks to its rugged make-up and sticky sole and could be spotted all over Southern California in the early 1970s. Vans have continued to go from strength to strength. Inspired by the pro-skate, surf, snowboarding and BMX teams they sponsor, Vans produce some of the most widely worn shoes and trainers in the world.