Vans Shoes

The iconic 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High put Vans sneakers on the map, but the company owes its current popularity to the fashion sense and extreme sports enthusiasm of youth who weren't even born then. Vans designs and sells footwear and apparel for casual wear and for use in activities such as skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, bicycle motocross (BMX), and motocross. Vans merchandise is sold in the US by national chain stores and in skate, surf, and specialty shops. Vans, itself, operates about 200 stores in the US and in Europe. As part of its marketing strategy, Vans backs alternative rock and heavy metal bands through music festivals. Vans is owned by V.F. Corporation.