Vans launches shoe customization program to support small businesses

A multitude of industries have been and continue to be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Action sports, footwear, and apparel brand Vans has more than 2,000 retail locations around the world, including owned, concession, and partnership doors.

The brand started as a small business, with its success relying on a loyal customer base. Vans is now giving back to the community during the coronavirus pandemic with the launch of its Foot The Bill initiative.

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Through the program, Vans is set to help 80 small and independent businesses globally by creating Vans Customs shoes for them, featuring their own personalized designs. Businesses will include restaurants, music venues, community-driven spaces, independent skate shops, surf shops, and specialty stores.

Lost & Found Vans Customs

The net proceeds from the sale of each pair of these shoes will go directly to the individual small business. Consumers can support businesses in Canada, the US, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, China, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Canadian businesses that have taken part in the program to-date include the following:

• Pro Skates, Halifax
• Off The Hook, Montreal
• Lost & Found, Toronto
• Antisocial Skateboard Shop, Vancouver
• Blue Tile Lounge, Toronto
• Ninetimes, Calgary and Saskatoon

Businesses are given access to the Vans Customs platform where they can design and upload a pattern that best represents their persona. Next, they can choose between Vans classic slip-on shoes or Vans era shoes as the canvas.

Up to 500 pairs of Vans Customs will be produced per business, and once they sell out they will no longer be available. Shoppers have the option to customize the shoes further before purchasing a pair.

Antisocial Skateboard Shop Vans Customs

“My father Paul Van Doren always said that we were a people company that made shoes. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the people that provide spaces for communities around the world to be creative and come together,” Steve Van Doren, Vans’ vice president of events and promotions said in a press release.

“We hope to rally together with our consumers to lend a helping hand to those that are in need.”