A Pocket Guide to Vans

In this illustrated guide, bestselling style writer Josh Sims explores the Vans phenomenon from the brand’s overnight success thanks to Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to its status as a style staple worn by the diverse likes of Justin Bieber and Iron Maiden.

The shoes are beloved for their superior grip and endlessly customizable designs. And like skateboarding - an outsider sport gone global - it has ridden many ups and downs to become a cultural icon.

Josh Sims is a freelance style writer, contributing to the likes of the Financial Times, The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, Mail on Sunday, Channel 4, the BBC, Esquire, GQ, Wallpaper* and i-D. He is the author of Icons of Men’s Style and Cult Streetwear for Laurence King and contributor to several fashion books from Taschen. He has extensive contacts within the style and mainstream press.