Vans Authentic The Vans Authentic, born as the #44 deck shoe in 1966, is the foundational shoe style of the Vans brand, originally designed by Paul Van Doren and his partners in their inaugural Anaheim, California factory. Its simplistic design, featuring a canvas upper and rubber waffle outsole, quickly became a favorite among Southern California's burgeoning skateboard community due to its superior grip. Over the decades, the Vans Authentic has maintained its classic design, all while being reinterpreted through various designs, patterns, and collaborations. Notable collaborations include partnerships with MASTERMIND WORLD, Odd Future, and KENZO, each adding a unique spin on this timeless silhouette and solidifying the Vans Authentic as a staple in the world of casual footwear.