i'll concede the vans history,, but they just aren't impressing me as of late....not that my aproval means anything don't worry i know this. ANd as far as styles versus brands i feel you. i can admit sometimes i get narrow minded when it comes to nike because of how directly it effects my boys shop....those shoes are paying his bills and keeping a scene alive out here. i should remember that its probably an isolated incident and i'm blessed by certain circumstances. And in recognition of fact...i am being a whore and i'm sorry, well sorry whoreing nike and not my boy's shop.........SKATE LAIR in enfield ct check it for real.. all kinds of styles you won't find anywhere else, evrey NIKE, VOX, EMERICA, LAKAI, DVS, ES, and even those lil stevie REEBOCKS... thanks for changing this toy's perspective