Vans
sneakers , but the checkerboard slip-on became part of Spicoli ’ s wardrobe and soon the defining sneakers of mainstream 1980s skate culture .
This explosion of popularity was a gift and later a curse for Vans . It tried to capitalize on this increased recognition by expanding into basketball , running and even breakdancing . It had spread itself too thin and ended up in financial trouble . From 1984-1987 , it focused on getting out of debt before selling the company in 1988 for over $ 17 million dollars . Vans put a freeze on all marketing initiatives , including sponsorships . If you have ever watched the skate film The Search For Animal Chin , you ’ ll notice the Bones Brigade wearing clearance rack Air Jordan 1s .
This pool party spawned the high-top skate sneaker . Vans introduced the mid-cut # 37 ( Midskool ‘ 77 ) in 1977 , and by 1978 , the even higher # 38 ( Sk8 Hi ) was added to the catalog .
With the 50th anniversary of Vans just behind us , we look back at the first twenty years when the sneakers were designed by athletes and made by hand .
Another southern California export from the 1970s was BMX racing . The colorful Vans with their waffle soles were the perfect sneakers for gripping pedals . Inspiration from competition would once again make its way back to Vans design in the form of the checkered flag .
In 1980 , Paul Van Doren re-tooled an old slipon sneaker and was ready to introduce it as a new Vans style . He printed up some black and white checkerboard canvas , and just as he finished production on these new prototypes , Universal Studios called . It was looking for sneakers for a new movie called Fast Times At Ridgemont High . The lead character was the quintessential stoned-out California surfer named Jeff Spicoli . Vans sent over a bunch of
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