Whether you've shredded through some skate shoes, slipped on some slip-ons to take out the trash or even educated yourself in all things pop punk by attending the Warped Tour, chances are you've interacted with Vans at some point in your life. Today, the company's co-founder and namesake Paul Van Doren passed away.
Van Doren died on Thursday (May 6) at the age of 90, though his exact cause of death has not been revealed.
The news was announced on the official Vans Instagram, where the company shared the following caption:
It is with a heavy heart that Vans announces the passing of our co-founder, Paul Van Doren. Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator. The Van Doren Rubber Company was the culmination of a lifetime of experimentation and hard work in the shoe industry. Paul's bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand. We send our love and strength to the Van Doren family and the countless Vans Family members who have brought Paul's legacy to life. Thank you for everything, Paul. You will be sorely missed.
Van Doren launched Vans in 1966 and has since built the Anaheim-based company into a global sneaker and streetwear brand.
Just last month, Van Doren released his memoir Authentic.
Van Doren died on Thursday (May 6) at the age of 90, though his exact cause of death has not been revealed.
The news was announced on the official Vans Instagram, where the company shared the following caption:
It is with a heavy heart that Vans announces the passing of our co-founder, Paul Van Doren. Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator. The Van Doren Rubber Company was the culmination of a lifetime of experimentation and hard work in the shoe industry. Paul's bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand. We send our love and strength to the Van Doren family and the countless Vans Family members who have brought Paul's legacy to life. Thank you for everything, Paul. You will be sorely missed.
Van Doren launched Vans in 1966 and has since built the Anaheim-based company into a global sneaker and streetwear brand.
Just last month, Van Doren released his memoir Authentic.
