Avril Lavigne’s baby announcement proves a love for these classic sneakers runs in the family

Avril Lavigne announced the birth of her first child, a daughter, with an Instagram photo showing three pairs of Vans checkerboard trainers, including an infant-sized pair. The post links the singer’s new arrival to her long-standing association with the slip-on shoes and may draw fresh attention to the baby version.

Lavigne has often worn black-and-white Vans since the early 2000s, pairing them with plaid shorts and studded belts. The brand also sells the style in solid colours, other checkerboard designs and toddler sizes; its website listed 208 recent purchases of the baby shoes when the article was written.