Collection: Vans

Vans is a skate shoe company founded in 1966 in Anaheim, California, known for the Old Skool, Half Cab, Sk8-Hi, Authentic and Slip-On. Garage Skateshop, a Southern California skate shop in business since 1995, carries the Vans Skate line, Vans pro models, Vans snowboard boots and Vans apparel, shipped from Orange County, California.

What's the difference between Vans Skate and regular Vans?

Vans Skate shoes are the versions built to be skated. They look like the classics but add Duracap reinforcement in the high-wear areas and PopCush insoles for impact. Regular Vans Classics skip those upgrades, so they wear through faster on a board. At Garage Skateshop, the Skate Old Skool, Skate Half Cab, Skate Authentic, Skate Era, Skate Sk8-Hi and Skate Slip-On all come in the Skate version.

Is Vans a good skate shoe?

Yes. Vans has made skate shoes for decades, and the Vans Skate line is built specifically for it. Most classic Vans use a vulcanized waffle sole, which gives a lot of board feel. For more cushion and support, the Wafflecup versions combine a cupsole's support with vulc board feel. For more on picking a skate shoe, see skate shoes.

What Vans are best for skating?

The best Vans for skating are the Vans Skate versions of the classics. Pick by how you skate:

What is the Vans Half Cab?

The Half Cab is a mid-top version of Steve Caballero's pro shoe. Street skaters were cutting the original high-top Caballero down to a mid top so it moved better for flip tricks, and Vans made the Half Cab official in 1992. The original uses Vans' vulcanized Waffle sole. Garage Skateshop carries the Skate Half Cab and the Skate Half Cab Wafflecup.

Vans pro models at Garage Skateshop

• Curren Caples: the Skate Curren Caples.
• Rowan Zorilla: the Skate Rowan Z3, plus a Vans x Rowan apparel collection with Double Knee denim, tees and a quarter-zip hoodie.
• Anthony Van Engelen: the Skate AVE Classic.
• Atiba Jefferson: the Skate Old Skool 36+ by Atiba Jefferson.

Vans snowboard boots

Vans also makes snowboard boots, including the Hi-Standard, Aura and Encore. Shop Vans snowboard boots, or see all snowboard gear.

Vans FAQ

Did Vans start as a skate shoe?

Vans started in 1966 in Anaheim, California, selling a canvas deck shoe now called the Authentic. It released the Old Skool, the first Vans with the side stripe, in 1976, and grew into a major skate shoe brand.

Does Vans still make skate shoes?

Yes. The Vans Skate line covers the Old Skool, Half Cab, Sk8-Hi, Authentic, Era and Slip-On, plus pro models from skaters like Curren Caples and Rowan Zorilla.

Who owns Vans?

Vans is owned by VF Corporation, which bought it in 2004. Vans is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.

How do Vans fit?

Start with your usual sneaker size. Skate shoes should fit snug with your heel locked in, and they loosen up a little as they break in.

Can you ship Vans internationally?

No. Garage Skateshop can't ship Vans outside the United States. Other brands can ship internationally with PayPal checkout.

Can I return Vans?

Yes, within 30 days of shipment if the shoes are unworn and come back in the original, undamaged box. Try them on on carpet so the soles stay clean.