The Slip-On that’s been Setting Trends Since 1979. What started life in 1979 as the Vans #98 has become one of the most popular shoes in Southern California, and one of the most instantly recognizable shoes in the world. Slip-On shoes are undeniably stylish, but few come close to the Vans Classic Slip-On Checkerboard for instantaneous excellence. This is a design that never goes out of fashion and a shoe that never loses its comfort. When it comes to Vans “Off The Wall” style, this checkered Slip-On shoe is an everyday essential.