Paul Van Doren, the southern California founder of VANS, sold 12 pairs of Vans trainers limited to 3 styles on his first day back in1966. Vans shoes exhibited the now renowned diamond sole pattern. Vertical lines incorporated later became the famous Vans Shoes Waffle sole. Vans was committed to providing authentic performance skateboarding shoes. Vans gum rubber soled canvas trainers grip onto boards like nothing else. Responding to skater demands for different colors the red and blue cult Vans Era was born.Vans had the skate market cornered. Now VANS universally popular footwear collection ranges from Vans Classic shoes and slip-ons to high performance skate shoes and sandals.