although the company owes its current popularity to the fashion sense of extreme-sports enthusiasts who weren't even born then. Vans designs and sells footwear and apparel for casual wear and for use in activities such as skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, bicycle motocross (BMX), and motocross. Vans merchandise is sold in the US by national chain stores and in skate, surf, and specialty shops in North America, Europe, and Asia. As part of its marketing strategy, Vans backs bands through music festivals. The company is owned by V.F. Corporation.