The sidestripe design was not just a stylistic choice but also a functional one. It was initially added to Vans’ skate shoe models to provide additional support and durability. Skateboarders needed shoes that could withstand the wear and tear of their sport, and the sidestripe helped reinforce the shoes’ construction. Hermes also wears a winged petasos, a traveler hat. In other representations he wears a winged helmet. With all that being the case, Hephaistos [Hephaestus] would be the natural choice for the origin of the shoes, winged or not, since he was the resident metalworker and craftsman for the Olympian deities. If not him then the original three Cyclopes who were the great-uncles of Hermes and Hephaistos, and together with whom Hephaistos worked on Zeus' lightning bolts, would be the next best candidates. In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll dive into the full story behind Vans’ famous sidestripe shoe with wings logo. We’ll cover the history of the Vans brand, how the logo was created, what the wings and other design elements represent, and how the logo has evolved over the decades while remaining an iconic symbol of Vans’ identity and roots within skateboarding and youth culture. The Origins of Vans in the 1960s and 1970s Vans was founded as the Van Doren Rubber Company in 1966

The wingtip is, on paper, a member of the brogue family. Brogues are some of the most widely worn shoes in menswear, with broguing in some form showing up on everything from sneakers to monkstraps, from oxfords to derbies, and from chelsea boots to chukka boots. They can be found in leather and suede, custom or ready-to-wear. According to one estimation, it was around 5th century BC when the winged sandals came to be regarded as common (though not indispensable) accoutrements of the god Hermes. [1] One later instance which refers to the sandals being winged is the Orphic Hymns XXVIII to Hermes (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD). [6] [4]It was a simple yet distinctive design element that ran along the side of the shoe, symbolizing Vans’ commitment to performance and style. Today, the shoe with wings logo remains an integral part of Vans’ identity. It represents the brand’s rich history, its connection to skateboarding and street culture, and its commitment to authenticity and individuality. Despite the passing of time, the Vans logo with wings has managed to maintain its popularity and relevance, even as fashion trends come and go. Its timeless appeal has made it a favorite among skateboarders, musicians, and fashion enthusiasts alike. The logo is consistently ranked among the most recognizable in the world The Talaria of Mercury ( Latin: tālāria) or The Winged Sandals of Hermes ( Ancient Greek: πτηνοπέδῑλος, ptēnopédilos or πτερόεντα πέδιλα, pteróenta pédila) are winged sandals, a symbol of the Greek messenger god Hermes ( Roman equivalent Mercury). They were said to be made by the god Hephaestus of imperishable gold and they flew the god as swift as any bird. [ citation needed] Etymology [ edit ]

The winged shoes logo, featuring a shoe with wings, made its debut around the same time. The logo was designed to represent the freedom and rebellious spirit of skateboarders, who were pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard. The iconic Vans logo, also known as the “shoe with wings,” is instantly recognizable and has become a symbol of the brand’s identity. The logo features a skateboarder soaring through the air, representing freedom, creativity, and self-expression.Sometimes, it has been interpreted that Hermes feet are winged, rather that the wings being part of his sandals. [16] In popular culture [ edit ] Also in the medieval Irish versions of the Aeneid ( Imtheachta Aeniasa) and the Destruction of Troy ( Togail Troí), Mercury wears a "bird covering" or "feather mantle" ( Old Irish: encennach, énchendach), which clearly derives from Mercury's talaria, such as described by Virgil. [14] [15] [c] In this 13th century illumination, Mercury (on the right) is mostly naked and has feather-like wings on his head and legs. Austerity brogue: A shoe with nothing but a wingtip pattern on the upper. No perforations, pinking, or medallions. It’s technically not a brogue as there are no perforations. These collaborations have allowed the logo to evolve and adapt to different styles and creative visions while maintaining its core elements. The shoe with wings logo continues to be a symbol of the brand’s dedication to creativity, self-expression, and pushing boundaries. Through their innovative approach and commitment to the skateboarding community, Vans revolutionized the shoe industry and left a lasting impact that is still felt today. The company’s founding principles of authenticity, creativity, and individuality continue to shape the brand’s identity and resonate with customers worldwide. The sidestripe design and winged shoes debuted in the early 1970s