The original skateboard shoe. Vans has been a footwear staple in the counter-culture scene for over 50 years, and is responsible for the very first purpose-built skate shoe – the Vans Authentic – designed by the legendary duo of Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva in 1975. Since then, Vans has gone on to become one of the world's leading skate brands, delivering quality and style like no other.