Vans Sole
We’ve Got Sole. Because our roots in action sports, including surfing and snowboarding, depend on a healthy environment, we have a vested interest in protecting the planet and improving global communities for future generations. We’re committed to reducing the ecological footprint of our operations and products. Vans Sole, our environmental program, is divided into 3 pillars: Green Sole Operations, Green Sole Product and Street Sole.

Since 1966, the Vans brand has always been about the people. We’re dedicated to keeping that Van Doren family spirit alive by supporting and enhancing the communities in which we work. The Van Doren, brothers James and Paul, founded the company, and many members of founding family and the Vans culture are still part of the brand today.
Green Sole Operations
As a leading global footwear, apparel and accessory brand, our operational footprint of offices, distribution centers and retail stores continues to grow. Our Green Sole Operations initiative helps keep our team on track to reduce our environmental simultaneously. Green Sole Operations focuses on two key areas: Energy and Waste.
Our Headquarters
Since 2012, we have doubled waste diversion at our Cypress, California headquarters. We recycled over 50% of our waste in 2014. Read More
Distribution Center
Vans’ Santa Fe Springs, California Distribution Center is in the top 25% of distribution centers worldwide for energy efficiency as rated by Read More
Our Retail Stores
We operate over 300 retail stores in North America with over 1.5 million square feet of space. This is the largest opportunity for us to reduce Read More
Events
At Vans, we’re known for our events – surf, skate, concerts – and they draw thousands of people each year. Reducing our environmental Read More
What’s next?
There’s always more we can do. Our Green Sole Operations program keeps us focused on making strides in minimizing our environmental footprint. Read More
Green Sole Product
Design is key to Green Sole. The products we create represent the largest portion of our environmental footprint. We recognize that the natural resources we use in our products are becoming scarcer. Through our Green Sole Product initiative, we are challenging ourselves to create products and packaging that incorporate recycled and other environmentally friendly materials.
What The Higg?
Created by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Higg Index measures the environmental performance Read More
Smarter Packaging
Using the Higg index, we’re always taking a comprehensive look at our packaging materials in order to Read More
Better Cotton
Cotton is the highest volume of raw material that Vans uses in its products. It also has a disproportionately Read More
Recycled Polyester
Although Vans uses a relatively small amount of polyester, Read More
What’s next?
We continue to challenge ourselves. We have more work to do to lower Read More
Street Sole
At Vans, we carry the spirit of the Van Doren family through our Street Sole programs. Street Sole is centered on art in education, charitable giving and community service. Its mission is to support and enable creative self-expression. Cultivating and encouraging creativity early on is key to developing innovators of our future.

We’re giving back to our community in a number of ways:
Encouraging Creativity
In its eight year, the Vans Custom Culture art competition inspires high school students Read More
Building Partnerships
Partnerships help build and strengthen communities. Vans is committed to Read More
Impacting Communities
Supporting our community means more than charitable giving. Read More
Empowering Employees
Our employees are at the heart of real sustainable change. To make progress every day, we encourage our employees to take part in and contribute to our Vans Sole programs. Read More
Trashquatch
Started in 2010, the Vans Trashquatch program helps our skate and surf shop partners reduce their big footprint. Each summer, Read More
Shaping Suppliers
Our commitment to community extends to our supply chain as well. Suppliers must meet strict social, environmental and ethical standards established by VF Corporation. Read More
What’s next?
Our Street Sole program keeps our employees inspired and our company connected to Read More