VF Corporation acquired Vans in 2004, bringing the skatewear brand into a global apparel group.
Vans was founded in California in 1966 by brothers Paul Van Doren and James Van Doren, along with Gordon Lee and Lorena Neira. The company built its reputation through durable skate shoes and strong ties to Southern California youth culture.
VF Corporation is the parent company behind several major apparel brands. Its acquisition of Vans did not create the label; it occurred decades after Vans had become established in skateboarding and streetwear.
The acquisition is sometimes confused with Nike’s ownership of Converse, another sneaker brand deeply connected with youth fashion. Vans remains especially associated with models such as the Old Skool, Authentic, Era, and Slip-On, as well as its checkerboard pattern.