WHO WE ARE

PROTEST WAS FOUNDED BY A SMALL GROUP OF SNOWBOARDERS IN HOLLAND
That’s right: Holland. One of the flattest places in the universe. Home to exactly five hills and fourteen waves. That’s right: We counted the number of hills and waves and we said, “To hell with logic, To hell with obstacles – Let’s do what we love.” Since day one, we’ve been doing our part to make the world a better place for boarders – Both on the slopes and in the water. We do this by designing fashionable and functional boardwear at an affordable price. By reminding the world that boarding is fun. And by helping people overcome whatever stands between them and their boards.

PROTEST IS A BRAND FOR ANYONE WITH THE DESIRE TO SET FOOT ON A BOARD.
A fresh perspective for all boarders. The beginners who aren’t quite sure if they’ve got what it takes. The masters who may have forgotten the pure joy of the ride. The cynics who have had millions of ads pushed down their throats. The workaholics with too many responsibilities and too little time. We remind riders of the reason they set foot on a board in the first place – to have fun! And we inspire non-boarders with our belief that everyone can have a great time on the slopes or on the waves. Our clothes are built to support core riders. But they are also aimed at people who simply want to have fun on a board and look good doing it. Our goal is to make our clothes accessible to as many boarders as possible.

WHAT WE MAKE

WE MAKE FASHIONABLE AND FUNCTIONAL BOARDWEAR FOR BOARDERS AT ALL LEVELS.
For the core boarder and newcomer alike, our fully functional boardwear reflects the latest trends in styles and colors. We believe in keeping a strong focus on details: materials, zippers, applications, embroideries, stitchings,fabrics, textures, finishes and washes. This is what gives our range a rich and exclusive look. Our two main collections are Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Each collection features a Men’s and Women’s line, as well as a Boy’s and Girl’s line. The summer collection features a full range of highly stylish swimwear along with a series of more technical boardshorts. In Spring and Fall, we deliver full lines of streetwear. In Winter, our heritage as a snowboard brand is on full display when we deliver our fully functional boardwear.

Design is the fuel that keeps protest running. Our design team includes sixteen designers with international backgrounds in sports and fashion. In addition, we have a global network that includes international fashion gurus and innovative partners from the fashion and textile industry who enable us to work with stateof- the-art technology and the latest fashion trends. Each season, we use input from Tokyo to New York to create the latest fashion-forward designs. Our designs include the use of new construction techniques and fabric technology developments Including highly waterproof and breathable fabrics. These innovations not only provide full functionality and protection but also incorporate and add to the latest trends and styles around the world.

History

On March 16, 1966, at 704 E. Broadway, in Anaheim, California, brothers Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, and three other partners opened up their first store. The Van Doren Rubber Company was unique in that it manufactured shoes and sold them directly to the public. On that first morning, twelve customers purchased Vans deck shoes, which are now known as "Authentic". The shoes that were made in the morning were ready for pick-up in the afternoon.

The company continued to grow into the 1970s. During this period they also produced wool lined canvas and rubber mukluks under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force.

Skateboarders who liked Vans' rugged make-up and sticky sole were seen sporting Vans all over Southern California in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Vans "#95", known today as the "Era", was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. With a padded collar and different color combinations the Era became the shoe of choice for a generation of skateboarders due to the non-slip bottom being more conducive for a better grip.

In 1976, Vans introduced the "#44" shoe, and with the help of skateboarders and BMX riders the Vans "Slip-On" became all the rage in Southern California. By the end of the 1970s, Vans had seventy stores in California, US, and sold through dealers, both nationally and internationally.

1980s

Paul Van Doren began to take a lesser role in the company’s activities. Over this period, Vans started to create shoes for a number of sports, including skateboarding, wakeboarding, motor cross, and surfing, in an effort to compete with the large athletic shoe companies. Vans Slip-Ons gained international attention and appeal when they were worn by Sean Penn in the 1982 iconic youth film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Bankruptcy

Although Vans core shoes were selling well, the wide range of products that the company now offered had drained the company's resources and, with Vans unable to overcome its debt, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy in 1983. After three years, Vans had paid back all creditors and emerged from bankruptcy.

Company sale

In 1988 Vans original owners sold the company to an investment banking firm. The company has been sold several times since; most recently for $396 million in 2004 to Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corporation.

1990s

Vans closed their Orange, California factory and began manufacturing footwear overseas in 1994. In 1994, Vans sponsored the Inaugural Triple Crown series which developed into the Vans Triple Crown series. In 1998, Vans opened a 46,000-square-foot (4,300 m²), indoor-outdoor Vans Skate park at the Block in Orange County.

2000s

Steve Van Doren, the son of co-founder Paul Van Doren, remains with the company, as is his sister, Cheryl, and his daughter, Kristy.

In 2002, Vans opened an enclosed skatepark in the Festival Bay Mall on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Closed on January 21, 2012.

In 2000 and 2001, Forbes recognized Vans as one of "America’s Best Small Companies."

In 2004, Vans launched the Vans "Customs" on its website. This allowed customers to log onto the Vans website and design their own pair of Vans Slip-ons, mid-cuts, or high-tops. Nowadays, it allows for the design of custom Era, Slip-On, Old Skool, Authentic, Authentic Lo-Pro, and 106 Vulcanized shoes.