This week see's the 50th anniversary of the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, Vans!  Way back in March 1966, the Van Doren Rubber Company opened for business in Anaheim, California, making deck shoes on its very own premises and selling them directly. Their rugged make-up and sticky rubber sole quickly made them the best companion for skateboarding as the subculture became more and more popular. These small but humble beginnings have now lasted into a 50 year history of Off The Wall moments within action sports, art, fashion and music, taking a simple pair of canvas shoes and turning into a platform for creative expression all over the world!     Now in 2016, Vans commemorates its 50 year rich history with some special product releases including the Vans Pro Classics Anniversary Collection. Some of the most influential models are back and have been enhanced with more performance features like upgraded cushioning and durability specifically designed for skateboarding. The Pro collection has been modernized with Vans' Pro Skate performance technology, reinforced DURACAP underlays in high abrasion areas for premium durability and fit, ULTRACUSH HD sock liners for more comfort and cushioning, a slimmer shape for a closer fit in the heel, arch and forefoot. They have been designed to withstand the day to day wear and tear that us modern day skateboarders go through.     Anecdoted by the original year that they were released, each style in the Vans Pro Anniversary Collection pays tribute to significant social breakthroughs from Vans' ground breaking era from 1966 to 2000. We are going to have five styles for you to choose from which you can see below!     1966 - Authentic Pro "66 - Duke Kahanamoku helped spread surfing throughout the world. Five time Olympic medalist, actor and surf legend handed Paul Van Doren the shirt off his own back to make his custom shoes! The Authentic Pro "66 celebrates Duke's iconic Aloha print and the now legendary meeting between Paul and himself!   1974 - Authentic Pro "74 - Peggy Oki was one of the original members of the 70's Z-Boys skateboard team, He revolutionized skateboarding along with other peers like Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta. The Authentic Pro "74  pays tribute to the Zeypher skate team exploding onto the skateboard scene at the Del Mar  Classic in 1974.     1976 - Era Pro "76 - Film maker, original Z-Boy and co founder of Powell Peralta Skateboards, Stacey Paralta, brought his skate prowess into the design of the Vans classic Era style back in 1976. The Era Pro "76 combines next generation function with the classic style of the first ever Off The Wall shoe!       1979 - Mid Skool Pro "79 - Without a doubt, one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, Tony Alva brought his aggressive but yet powerful influence of always going further into modern skateboard culture. The Mid Skool "79 continues what Alva started, skater driven design built for progression.     1982 - Slip On Pro "82 - One of Vans' most iconic styles was first shown to the world in the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The classic slip on and Californian youth culture became a widespread sensation, all thanks to a surfer and his shoes. Jeff Spicoli's checkerboard colour way now gets the modern Pro treatment.     Remember that these are a super limited release, with only certain stores getting these in stock so keep your eyes peeled and get yours while you can!   There coming soon!!!! See our full range of Vans here > http://www.blacksheepstore.co.uk/vans-skate-shoes.html