The iconic model of the Vans brand: the Old Skool. The Old Skool was the first Vans design to feature the Sidestripe, although at the time it was just a simple doodle drawn by founder Paul Van Doren. Since its debut in 1977, the low-top model has become iconic in the worlds of skateboarding, music and fashion. From the skaters and punks of the 90s to the hip hop and fashion legends of today, the Old Skool has always been the go-to shoe for creative people who do things their own way. They mix traditional and classic with a modern twist.