Vans Half Cab
Released in 1989, the Caballero was one of the first pro model skateboard shoes, shortly after the Etnies Natas Kaupas.
The shoe enjoyed great popularity within a very short time and the increasing number of street skaters also began to skate in the shoe. In the early 1990s, skateboarding was changing, moving from the parks and ramps to the streets of the world. Decks became narrower and tricks more technical, requiring more flexibility in the ankles. This gave some skaters in San Francisco, most notably Jovontae Turner, the idea to cut off their favorite shoe, the Vans Caballero, and seal the cuts with duct tape.
Steve Caballero observed this trend and got Steve Van Doren, son of Vans founder Paul van Doren, to introduce the new shoe, the Half Cab, to the Vans range starting in 1992.
30 years later, the Half Cab is still an integral part of the Vans skateboard shoe lineup, making it the longest-serving skateboard pro shoe. And rightly so.
To say we tested the Half Cab is itself an understatement because some of us have actually been skating this shoe on and off since its release. Of course, the shoe has been adapted to the latest developments from Vans over the years and upgraded with new materials. Having just ridden a Half Cab again, I thought of updating you on what this shoe has to offer: First of all, the Half Cab is known to be a mid top skate shoe. This gives your ankles a little more support and protection without restricting your movement. What is particularly pleasant is the thick padding in the upper area of the shoe. At least the next time you shoot your deck in the ankle you'll appreciate it. The "Popcush" insole by Vans is one of the highest quality standard insoles on the entire skate shoe market. It cushions better than 90% of the other brands and offers great support. The thick taping on the sides of the Vulc sole, the "Duracap" gives you more material and more resistance to the griptape, making the shoe durable. And then there's the Vans Waffle sole whose grip and board feel made Vans famous back in the 1970s. Of course, this has also been improved over the years and equipped with the new "Sick Stick" rubber that promises even more grip and durability. In recent years, the Half Cab has experienced a new boom, skaters like Pedro Delfino, Elijah Berle, Rowan Zorilla and many other pros seem to only ride this shoe. You will always find a good selection of Vans Half Cabs in our shop, because it's not just a mega skateboard shoe, it also looks damn good;)
