In the late 1970s, Steve Van Doren, son of Vans founder Paul Van Doren, noticed that skateboarders in Southern California started to customize their Vans by coloring checkerboard style patterns on the shoes midsole. With this inspiration, the Vans Slip On Checkerboard was created.
The Vans Slip On Checkerboard is a cultural icon. First introduced to a global audience through an unforgettable cameo on Sean Penn's slacker character Jeff Spiccoli in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the checkered Vans Slip On is a monument in the Vans line and a street staple. It features a canvas, black and white checkerboard patterned upper with a branded Vans tab. At the base, a white and gum waffle cup sole with a red heel patch completes the design.
This 2019 iteration of the Vans Slip On Checkerboard retailed for $65.
