The Vans Authentic, born as the #44 deck shoe in 1966, is the foundational shoe style of the Vans brand, originally designed by Paul Van Doren and his partners in their inaugural Anaheim, California factory. Its simplistic design, featuring a canvas upper and rubber waffle outsole, quickly became a favorite among Southern California's burgeoning skateboard community due to its superior grip. Over the decades, the Vans Authentic has maintained its classic design, all while being reinterpreted through various designs, patterns, and collaborations. Notable collaborations include FACTORY with MASTERMIND WORLD, Odd Future, and KENZO, each adding a unique spin on this timeless silhouette and solidifying the Vans Authentic as a staple in the world of casual footwear.
Brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, alongside partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, founded Vans in 1966. The brand, originally named the Van Doren Rubber Company, quickly gained popularity in the skateboarding community, particularly with the introduction of the #95, now known as the Era, designed by professional skateboarders Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. Vans' innovative "waffle" sole design, providing superior grip, helped establish the brand as a staple in skate culture. Over the years, Vans has also collaborated with various artists, musicians, and brands, such as Takashi Murakami, Anderson .Paak, and Dime, reflecting its amerian roots in subculture and creative expression.
