Which 1982 film boosted the popularity of Vans slip-ons?

Which 1982 film boosted the popularity of Vans slip-ons? Fast Times at Ridgemont High boosted their popularity.

The film featured Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli, a laid-back surfer whose distinctive footwear included black-and-white checkerboard Vans Classic Slip-Ons. That highly visible appearance connected the shoes with California youth culture, surfing, and the rebellious teen-comedy atmosphere of the early 1980s.

Vans had already built a following among Southern California skateboarders before the movie. The Slip-On, introduced as style #98, was valued for its simple design and sticky rubber sole. Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped move the shoe from a regional skate and surf staple into a nationally recognizable fashion item.

People sometimes remember the film as launching Vans from nothing, but that is an exaggeration. The brand had operated since 1966 and had developed important skate shoes during the 1970s. The movie’s real significance was the enormous pop-culture boost given to the checkerboard Slip-On and the Vans name.