The world’s #1 skate shoe manufacturer and original action sports footwear and apparel brand, Vans, is honored to commemorate fifty years of heritage, authenticity and progression in the year 2016. With decades of proven Vans Pro Skate performance evolution, supported by an illustrious team of skateboarding legends, icons and modern day superstars, Vans celebrates this momentous golden milestone with a striking collection of Vans Classic re-issues from the last 50 years. Ranging from iconic styles like the Checkerboard Slip-On and the original Era to breakthrough models like Geoff Rowley’s first signature shoe and innovative styles such as the inimitable Full Cab, the Vans Pro Classics 50th Anniversary Collection pays homage to the substantial mark Vans has made on the performance progression of skateboarding lifestyle, and Vans’ commitment to evolve skateboarding performance for future generations to come.

In 1977, Tony Alva modified Vans’ original silhouette, the Authentic, by adding collar padding and a heel cap for support to create the original Vans Era, the first shoe designed by skaters specifically for skateboarding. Decades later, this small innovation paved the way for the most advanced and reliable performance in skateboarding footwear—Pro Classics. The Best, Only Better.

Each style represented in the Vans Pro Classics 50th Anniversary Collection incorporates classic designs from Vans’ history, but updated and upgraded under the hood to withstand the enhanced performance requirements of today’s skateboarding demands. Identified by a distinctive PRO CLASSICS label package, Vans PRO CLASSICS are built to last longer with reinforced abrasion areas and provide the extra support and cushioning demanded by the world’s best professional skateboarders.

The complete Vans Pro Classics 50th Anniversary Collection will present 14 classic re-issued styles, to be released across three seasons in 2016. The first assortment will introduce five key silhouettes originally released in 1966-1982. Each drop reflects a timeless representation of Vans heritage, anecdoting years of creative expression and cultural lifestyle through action sports, art, music and street culture.