Originally introduced in the 1970s, Vans Style 36 quickly became an iconic pair of 80s shoes for skaters and was a defining aspect of youth culture.
Today, Vans are synonymous with skate culture and casual streetwear. Their popularity flourished during the 80s, as skateboarding surged into the spotlight. Skaters had their very own media outlet back in 1981 when Thrasher was first published. This helped to push skating into the mainstream, and one of the most popular shoes at the time were Vans . By the mid-80s, Vans became a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the era and helped to reshape the cultural landscape of the decade.
The Most Popular 80s Shoes for Skaters Were Vans Style 36 The 80s were without a question, transformative and filled with many social and cultural changes . There was a rise in punk rock, hip-hop, and of course skateboarding. A whole new youth subculture emerged that valued the idea of self-expression, nonconformity, and rebellion. Skateboarding became more than just a simple sport. It evolved into an entire lifestyle and an art form. With the help of the economic prosperity in the middle class during the 80s, there was plenty of disposable income for families to spend on extreme sports and fashion trends.
It was during this time that Vans managed to establish itself as a prominent brand within the skateboarding community. It did not take long for the Jazz Stripe to become a key element in the brand’s identity. It was a distinctive design. But, it appealed to more than just skaters. Eventually, it made its way into mainstream fashion across the subcultures. As the 80s progressed, Style 36 became an emblem of the adventurous spirit of the youth .
Why 80s Shoes for Skaters Were Needed Skaters of the 80s needed a pair of shoes that could grip the board better than traditional tennis or running shoes. There was a need for 80s shoes for skaters, and Vans helped to fill that void.
The Rise of Skater Subculture and the Need for 80s Shoes for Skaters The early 80s witnessed the growth of the skate culture. The popularity of skating was driven by the release of skateboarding videos, various competitions across the country, the publication of Thrasher, and of course, the emergence of iconic stars like Steve Caballero and Tony Hawk. The movement provided the perfect backdrop for vans to gain traction – quite literally. They capitalized on this growing trend by sponsoring events and athletes, in order to solidify their status as the go-to brand for skaters.
Basketball shoes in the 80s were designed to provide players with grip on a basketball court, but they interfered with the feel of the skateboard. There were very few shoes available in the 80s that provided skaters with the right balance of grip and feel. This is what made the Vans Style36 the perfect 80s shoes for skaters.
The Influence of Music and Media on 80s Shoes for Skaters Of course, vans were not just worn by skaters, as they were seen everywhere, as a form of casual streetwear. Popular punk rock bands of the decade such as the Dead Kennedys and The Misfits were known to sport a pair of Vans Style 36 in their music videos. This helped to link the issues with the counterculture movement of the decade.
Then there were the popular skateboarding videos released during the early 80s. One of the most popular was the Bones Brigade Video Show which showcased skaters and the fashion that came with the sport. This helped to push Vans into the spotlight. And, with skaters like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen sporting them on the ramp, they quickly became synonymous with the skateboarding subculture.
The Casual Wear Revolution After all, the 80s was all about casual wear . Vans simply fit into that trend. As society began to shift more towards more relaxed and comfortable clothing options, vans capitalized on this trend. They provided people with a stylish yet very functional form of footwear. And, the stripe design was very simple yet eye-catching. This made it appealing to both skaters as well as the general public.
There was a rise in streetwear during the 80s, and Vans became an iconic fashion statement. The combination of comfort and style helped to make Vans a more versatile option in various settings. From the skate park to concerts, Vans were worn everywhere. They perfectly straddled the line between function and fashion, which helped make them a favorite among the youth culture.
The People Who Made Vans Style 36 Iconic 80s Shoes for Skaters Naturally, Vans Style 36 would not have become such an iconic 80s shoes for skaters, if it weren’t for people like Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero. Skaters not only showcased their talents in competitions, but they also became style icons. By wearing Vans in competitions, top-name skaters were effectively endorsing the brand.
Then, there were the founders of Vans, Paul and Jim Van Doreen. They played a crucial role in not only establishing the brand identity but connecting it to the skating world. They prioritize the needs of skaters and listen to their feedback. This helped them to improve the design of Vans in order to create products that resonated within the community. Ultimately, their close connection with the skating community helped to solidify their status as a staple of the skate subculture.
The Cultural Legacy and Impact of 80s Shoes for Skaters The cultural impact of Vans extended well beyond the 80s. Skateboarding eventually evolved into a global phenomenon. And as skateboarding continues to evolve, so too did Vans. Their commitment to authenticity is rooted deep within the skate subculture. And, this allowed it to remain relevant throughout the decades.
Even today, Vans continue to be a symbol of youth culture. They are embraced by generations of skaters, fashion enthusiasts, and musicians. Over the years they have expanded their offering to include collaborations with designers and artists. This has allowed them to continuously refresh their image while maintaining their core aesthetic within the skating community. Although Vans now has a wide selection of different shoes to choose from, Style 36 still remains a hallmark of 80s shoes for skaters.
Conclusion In the end, Vans Style 36 stands as an iconic representation of 80s streetwear. It embodied the spirit of rebellion and self-expression that defined an entire decade. And, its origins within the skate culture help to solidify its status as a symbol of youth and creativity.
