The Heritage Shoe that Started It All. This is the Authentic-Since 1966. The Authentic is the original Vans silhouette. First introduced in 1966 and driven forward by creative culture ever since, this time-honoured shoe keeps the old school vibe alive with an allover checkerboard print on sturdy canvas uppers. With their classic low-top design and iconic rubber waffle outsole, the Vans Check Authentic Shoes are a blank canvas for creativity that allow you to do your thing in your own unique way.