"Got My Vans on but they Look Like Sneakers"

On March 16, 1966 something happened that would change the world as we know it. No it was not a terrorist attack or the cure for some terminal disease (at least we don't think so). Hmmm.... What could be of such importance? The story goes that Paul van Doren and three partners opened up a shoe store in Anaheim, California. What made their store special was the fact that they made shoes and sold them right to the public. That morning they opened up, twelve customers came to buy these shoes. The shoes would be made in the day and be ready for pickup in the afternoon. "Vans" was born.

Vans deck shoes, which you probably now know as authentics, were the first style of Vans made. Authentics are very simple, yet stylish. I'll let the pics speak for themselves. Here Chris is wearing a vintage Marco Polo burgundy Cardigan, a matching tie, a Lands End Button-up, Hiking shorts, navy argyle dress socks, and yes of course the navy authentics. Still using the authentics (his are black if you did not obviously notice), Savion took a more laid back approach. He is wearing cargo shorts, a red plaid shirt, and a Cincinnati Reds fitted hat.

In 1975, the world would be changed yet again (don't worry you didn't fall asleep in history class). Mr. Tony Alva and Mr. Stacy Peralta created the Vans #95 a.k.a. the Era. Eras and Authentics look very similar but there are three main differences. Authentics lack the side padding the eras have. On the Eras is also a seperatle heel panel that the Authentics do not have. Authentics also tend to have solid and plain colorways while the eras tend to be more colorful. Here I am wearing purple vans eras, a blue and purple H & M hoodie, brown Levi's 511 skinnys, and to be random an orange G-Shock watch.

The next shoe up for discussion is the Vans Chukka low. Chukka lows are bigger then Eras and authentics. They are actually a composite of the Authentics and the Chukka Boots (look at a pic of both shoes and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about). Mr. Adrian's outfit : a royal blue cardigan, H & M graphic tee, super skinny jeans, dark blue and turquoise chukka lows (fire!!!), and to "top" it off, a fedora.

Last but not least we bring it to Justin. He is sporting Vans' rendition of a boat shoe, el zapato del barco. Seems like we have an infatuation with boat shoes huh? Justin's outfit is not too flashy and not too dull, just a perfect balance. On him is a black sweater, a white Button-up underneath, ripped super skinny jeans, those "negros zapatos del barco", and even though you can't see it, a black beanie. Enjoy this lesson on Vans........(Leon)