Where We Go in Vans

Started in the 1960s in Orange County, Vans has grown from a Southern California skater’s staple to an instantly recognizable icon worn worldwide. With about a million pairs to choose from, it’s easy to start a collection of these go-with-everything sneakers. We tapped members of our community from all walks of life to see what pairs they love to wear.

Sophia aka @thesophiarebekah  
Location: Houston, TX

What are some of your go-to neighborhood spots? 

Asch Building is definitely one of my favorite places in Houston to grab a coffee or browse for home necessities. Another coffee shop/cafe that I love is called Vibrant. JuiceLand is a great place for fresh juices or smoothies and my go-to restaurant choices are Paulie’s for pasta, Dish Society for brunch, and Kraftsmen for brunch/breakfast. 

What’s your fave Vans style and what do you love about it? 

Of course I love the Checkerboard Slip-On Platform, and I’m also loving the Black Old Skool Platform. What draws me the most to Vans is their versatility. I can wear them with jeans, a light blazer, and a loose tee and just as easily pair them with a black silk skirt, crop top, and hat. The styling possibilities are endless. I used to wear high heels all the time, and almost two years ago I experienced an awakening that allowed me to stop overcompensating for my insecurities. I now embrace my height, my weight, and my hair. Vans allows me to express myself in this way. 

What else do you take with you when you’re on the go? 

I always, always have a snack with me and a hair clip in case I want to throw the hair up at any moment. If I’m going somewhere where I know I’ll have a moment to myself, I’ll bring a book. 

What’s one thing or place you’re enjoying now that we’re out of lockdown? 

My boyfriend, Vincent, and I love grabbing brunch or dinner together now that restaurants allow indoor/outdoor dining. It’s still different to see restaurants filled again, but we both enjoy sitting outside, enjoying fresh air, and being around people for a little while. I’m also looking forward to volunteering once again. I also appreciate being able to work safely in the office. After such a difficult year of lockdown, it’s so great to see people and strangers again, out and about.

Franny aka @frannylilliston
Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

What are some of your go-to neighborhood spots?

My favorite thing about my neighborhood is Fort Greene Park--it's the perfect place to picnic with friends, lay in the sun and read, or go for a walk. Plus it hosts a great farmers market every Saturday! On my way to the park, sometimes I'll stop at Bittersweet for a salami & butter sandwich, or Peckish for an iced tea and pastries. I'm always happy to browse a bookstore; Greenlight Bookstore on Fulton is my go-to, and I also love the Center for Fiction because they stock books from independent presses that you don't see in most shops. My partner and I mostly cook at home, but on the nights when we go out for dinner, my favorite spots are LaRina and Miss Ada.

What’s your fave Vans style and what do you love about it?

The Cayucas Slides are a recent fave - I love a versatile sandal that you can wear pretty much anywhere all summer long.

What else do you take with you when you’re on the go?

I almost never leave my house without a big water bottle, Burt's bees mint lip balm, and whatever book I'm currently reading.

What’s one thing or place you’re enjoying now that we’re out of lockdown?

Before the pandemic, I used to go to museums or galleries most weekends, so it has been really exciting to get to see art in person again!

Cait aka @caitregan_
Location: Costa Mesa, CA

What are some of your go-to neighborhood spots?

We are currently hooked on our new neighborhood coffee shop, Work in Progress, and we also LOVE Seabirds Kitchen and anywhere in the Camp/Lab shopping centers.

What’s your fave Vans style and what do you love about it? 

You just can’t go wrong with old skools. They are SO comfy, cute and versatile - you can easily dress them up or down. 

What else do you take with you when you’re on the go?

As a mom, I have to take more than I’d like, but my giant tote bag is filled with kiddo stuff, a good pair of sunglasses, giant water bottle, and some lip balm. 

What’s one thing or place you’re enjoying now that we’re out of lockdown?

Indoor seating at coffee shops! I missed that vibe and energy so much. 

Allison aka @allison.buch
Location: Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA

What are some of your go-to neighborhood spots?

I love heading to Mavro Coffee and Vintage on Venice!

What’s your fave Vans style and what do you love about it?

I love the OG Vans checkered print -- they give me 70s skating/surfing culture vibes!

What else do you take with you when you’re on the go?

I always take sunglasses, my water bottle, and a bikini because I usually end up at the beach.

What’s one thing or place you’re enjoying now that we’re out of lockdown?

I'm loving being able to go out to dinner and enjoy the fresh Californian cuisine we are so blessed with.

Natalie AKA @nataliealcala
Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA

What are some of your go-to neighborhood spots?

Erewhon, Silver Lake Wine, Mi Corazon, Cha Cha Lounge, The Friend Bar, Momed... so many great spots! 

What’s your fave Vans style and what do you love about it?

I love the Old Skool Platform because it's an iconic style but with a little height! I'm a shorty and mostly wear heels, but when I do wear sneakers I always reach for a platform heel. These are my absolute fave. They’re great for Coachella and I even stomped around in them while pregnant.

What else do you take with you when you’re on the go?

I'm pretty minimal, and since Ilike tiny bags, I always limit myself to whatever fits in my bag; keys, phone, slim wallet, hair tie, and one red lipstick always. My favorite lippie is Hot Sauce by Sunnies Face. 

What’s one thing or place you’re enjoying now that we’re out of lockdown?

Dining out with friends! You can catch me at Soho House weekly. 

Ready to head to your fave local spot in a pair of Vans? You can shop the entire Vans collection and tag #inprism on IG to show us how you’re wearing yours.