There are plenty of reasons to love Vans, of course. The ubiquitous canvas skate shoes are as timeless and versatile as it gets—those classic white slip-ons look as at home on a punk in the pit as they do on a prepster in a button-down Oxford and chinos. The California brand’s wares are easily attainable, look good fresh out of the box and totally thrashed, and—crucially—are always absurdly affordable, with a standard pair of Vans Authentics clocking in at just $55 a pop.
So why,…

