Beaverton is usually what comes to mind when you think of visiting a sneaker manufacturer’s headquarters. No one ever says “before I die I need to hit up the Vans mothership.”  If given the chance I suggest you do.

Nestled between the Yamaha US base and the Mitsubishi deathstar, Vans rests in an ominous parking lot full off roof racks and rear window sticker collections.

That is clearly on the wall.

I didn’t read the placards, but it’s in a glass case and its skate related.

I remember when Vans entered the snowboard boot market.  It was a great winter where Burton had competition with N Boots, 32, and the Escalade of snow footwear Airwalk. That’s why I like this picture. I wonder if Mike Tyson remembers his abandoned house?

Parra did some stuff for them.

As well as the king of hipster artists, Necksomething.

Nate enjoyed an adult slushie.

Even producing cool has its cube farms. I really wish my shower would stop leaking, is sounds like someone has been pissing for a week.

Precious has a pro model? Vans signed Sasquatch? They finally made something to fit in my big mouth? Matt Tucker at the buzzer.

This is how sneakers are born.  And THIS is how babies are born!

I learned that this is a special knife exclusively used for cutting sneakers in half. It also does wonders on bedsores and goiters!

This is awesome. Original fabric dated 1991 and vintage Vans that Nate found in some storeroom in a shop in Miami.

This made me sad. RIP SLB.

All Matt cares about is stacking chips and switch 5-0 grinds.

What Matt calls “pushing around” most kids get sponsored.

This ollie was so upsetting to one onlooker she went to Rite Aide and told the clerk she did not feel attractive enough to watch Mother Tucker skating at Cherry Park.  Summertime in the LBC.  I don’t have a job and I’m going to New York tomorrow.

How much fun? I said Hella Fun.