The first pair of Vans shoes designed by legendary skateboarder Tony Alva has become iconic in the world of skateboarding and streetwear alike. With a unique style and design that has since been emulated by other brands, Vans has become a staple in the skateboarding community. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Tony Alva’s first Vans shoe and how it has become a timeless classic.
The first Vans shoe designed by professional skateboarder Tony Alva was the Vans Style #95. Released in 1976, it was the first skate shoe designed specifically for skateboarding. The shoe was designed with a slim silhouette, low profile, and a vulcanized sole which gave it flexibility and durability. It also featured a padded collar, suede upper, and a large toe cap for protection. The shoe quickly became a favorite among skateboarders for its comfort and style.
The First Vans Shoe by Tony Alva
Tony Alva, a professional skateboarder, was the first professional skateboarder to create a signature shoe with the Vans brand. His first shoe, the Alva Pro, was released in 1975 and quickly became the go-to skate shoe for professional and amateur skaters alike.
Design of the Alva Pro
The Alva Pro was designed to fit the needs of a skateboarder. It featured a low-cut silhouette, a padded ankle collar, and a reinforced toe-box. The shoe also had a sticky rubber sole, which provided superior traction and durability.
Notable Features of the Alva Pro
The Alva Pro was the first Vans shoe to feature a unique design feature; a slim “V” cut down the side of the shoe. This “V” cut allowed the shoe to flex and move with the foot, allowing for a more comfortable and natural fit.
The shoe was also the first Vans shoe to feature a double stitching pattern. This stitching pattern provided extra support and durability, ensuring that the shoe could withstand the demands of skateboarding.
The Legacy of the Alva Pro
The Alva Pro was the first Vans shoe to be designed by a professional skateboarder and it set the tone for the many signature shoes that have followed. The shoe has since become an iconic part of skateboarding culture and is still widely used and appreciated by skaters today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the First Vans Shoe by Tony Alva?
Answer: The first Vans shoe designed by Tony Alva was the Vans #95, also known as the “Authentic”. It was released in 1976 and was the first skate shoe designed specifically for skateboarding. It featured a slim profile, a wide sole with a unique tread pattern for grip, and the iconic Vans “Off The Wall” logo on the heel. It was one of the first shoes to be made out of canvas and rubber and was an instant success among skateboarders. The #95 style remains popular today and has been re-released many times in different colors and styles.
The first Vans shoe created by Tony Alva, the Era, has become an iconic piece of skateboarding history. Combining skateboarder’s style with comfort, the Era shoe successfully blended the two worlds together, creating a sneaker that is still popular today. With its long history of being a staple in the skateboarding scene, the Era shoe will continue to be a timeless classic for decades to come.
