Paul Van Doren, cofounder of Vans shoes, dies at 90
Paul Van Doren, who cofounded the action-sports brand Vans, died May 6, just days after the publication of his memoir.
(Vans)
May 7, 2021 5:18 PM PT
Print
Paul Van Doren, cofounder of Vans, a shoe brand that became a multi-billion-dollar action-sports empire thanks to the SoCal skate community and a focus on custom kicks, died Thursday at 90.
His death, confirmed Friday by Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Vans, comes just nine days after the publication of Van Doren’s book, “Authentic: A Memoir by the Founder of Vans.” No cause of death was given, but, according to Vans, Doren died at home surrounded by his family.
This undated photo provided by Vans shows one of the co-founding brothers Paul Van Doren. Doren, who co-founded the Vans company that created a sneaker brand that shod the feet of skateboarders around the world and grew into a global powerhouse offering sports apparel and sponsoring sports teams and rock festivals, has died. (Vans via AP
Vans Shoe Company Co-Founder Dead at 90 By City News Service Costa Mesa PUBLISHED 5:02 PM PT May. 07, 2021 PUBLISHED 5:02 PM PDT May. 07, 2021
SHARE
COSTA MESA (CNS) Paul Van Doren, co-founder of Costa Mesa-based Vans, has died at the age of 90, the shoe company announced Friday. 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, a company statement read. We send our love and s
Vans shoes co-founder Paul Van Doren dies at age 90
Paul Van Doren, the co-founder of Vans sneaker and clothing company, has died at age 90, the company announced Friday.
“It’s with a heavy heart that Vans announces the passing of our co-founder, Paul Van Doren,” the company tweeted. “Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator.”
Van Doren, a high school dropout, launched the brand renowned in skateboarding circles alongside his brother Jim Van Doren and two other partners. The first Vans store opened in 1966 in Anaheim, California. On the store’s opening day, 12 customers purchased shoes, the company said.
Vans via AP
Paul Van Doren, co-founder of Costa Mesa-based Vans, has died at the age of 90, the shoe company announced Friday. 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, a company statement read. 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. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get the latest breaking news and local stories.
It s 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/5pDEo6RNhj Vans (@VANS 66) May 7, 2021