March 16th, 1966 saw Paul Van Doren and three partners come together to open their first ever store, on this day Vans was born. The Van Doren company was the brain child of Paul Van Doren, the idea was to design, make and sell shoes directly to the public and cutting out the middle man. In 1975 it was clear that Vans was a clear favourite for skateboarders and with the help of Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta the Vans #95, known today as the Era was designed, with the padded collar and different colour combinations the Era became the number one choice for a generation of skateboarders. Vans continues to innovate and collaborate with new styles and classics styles, a testament to the original concept and humble beginnings that now offers footwear world wide.