What was Vans originally called?

Vans was originally called the Van Doren Rubber Company.

The company opened its first store and factory at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California, on March 16, 1966. Its distinctive early business model was to manufacture shoes on site and sell them directly to customers, rather than relying on a conventional wholesale network.

On opening day, the company offered three styles of shoes. Twelve customers bought deck shoes that are now known as the Authentic. The shoes were made during the day and collected later, an unusual arrangement that helped demonstrate the brand’s direct-to-consumer approach.

The public soon shortened the company’s name to Vans, and the business was renamed Vans, Inc. in 1991. “Off the Wall” was not the original company name; it became a slogan in 1976, reflecting skateboard culture. Vans later became strongly associated with skateboarding after riders adopted its durable shoes and sticky soles.