vans launched in 1966 with 7 styles of canvas casuals, the most enduring & recognisable of which is the style #44, now known for good reason as the authentic. style #44 was inspired by classic circular vamp oxford (cvo) lace-ups which became popular in the 1960s for surfers & in boating circles. vans classic cvo deck shoes however utilised better quality materials & underwent superior production techniques with a multiplicity of vulcunised effects. the hard-wearing 10 duck canvas, longer-lasting nylon thread, rugged 4-stitch backstay & pure crepe rubber compound were noticed by skateboarders of the mid 70s for their improved ability to feel the board & thus the terrain. initially released in navy blue, white, loden green & red, the infamous zephyr skate team of the late 70s dogtown era donned the navy blue & as such immortalised it forever as part of their 'uniform'. the women's 4-eyelet & men's 5-eyelet varieties were originally priced at $2.29 & $4.49 respectively. the price may not have remained unchanged however the signature high profile sole of the style #44 lives on as an icon of american youth culture.
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