Here's an interesting interview with Steve Van Doren, the son of the man who created Vans. The first time I ever saw Vans were the slip-on black and white checker ones in the early to mid 80's. Most of the older guys around town who BMXed were wearing them. I remember I wanted a pair but my Mom said they were too expensive so she got me knockoffs at the local department store.
Nice link; thank you for that. My first memory of Vans is the checkered slip-ons as well. It was back in '98-'99 before the revival really hit and my brother was dying to have a pair. We struggled to find a pair anywhere in San Diego. I got my first pair of slips on in 2001 when I was a freshman in high school and people actually made fun of me for wearing them. Now, Vans are EVERYWHERE!
ReplyDeletePS: Totally love your blog. My dad is an old skater - now he just surfs - who owns a golfshop, so I'm definitely feeling the split vibe going on here. Cheers
That's awesome Street Piracy. What's the name of your Dad's golf shop and where is it?
ReplyDeleteI always thought it would be cool to have a custom golf and skate shop. Pick all your own parts, have it custom assembled. That's typical for skateboards but not so much for golf clubs where off-the-rack is the norm.
It's Escondido Golf Shop in Escondido, CA - just north of San Diego. Stop by if you ever get a chance. He always talked of a similar idea but with surfing in there as well. I thought it was cool and unique, although is such a niche interest.
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