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A Skater-Shoe Boom in Asia Kicks Up Sales for Vans

Skateboarding legend Christian Hosoi shows off a layback grind at Vans Skatepark in Orange, Calif., on June 5, 2012
Skateboarding legend Christian Hosoi shows off a layback grind at Vans Skatepark in Orange, Calif., on June 5, 2012Photograph by H. Lorren Au Jr/Zuma Press via Corbis

Chinese shoppers have suddenly discovered classic skateboarding sneakers.

Vans, the shoe brand long associated with the stoners of Southern California, posted a 40 percent increase in Asia sales last quarter, according to apparel conglomerate VF Corp., which bought the brand in 2004. Revenue from Vans sold in China more than doubled.