The Van Doren Rubber Company, what we know today as Vans, began in 1966 in Anaheim, California. From a 400-square-foot storefront, founder Paul Van Doren sold three styles of shoes of his own manufacture and design for prices that ranged from $2.49 to $4.99. Over the next few years, Van Doren opened a string of shoe stores throughout Southern California. From day one, the idea was to skip the middleman and sell his shoes directly to...Continue Reading