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While the Vans Old Skool has become the footwear of choice for fashion types and regular stylish guys alike, a different shoe—the Vans Full Cab—has reigned supreme among people who, you know, actually skate. Originally dubbed the Vans Caballero and created for serious vert skateboarders, the historic shoe is now getting a style-inclined revamp. The update adds some contemporary details, but the sneaker's silhouette is still the skater style of yesteryear—and given the resurgence of '90s style, it’s the next pair of kicks you’ll want to add to your closet.
The sneaker was designed by Vans for legendary skater Steve Caballero—arguably the first signature athlete shoe in skateboarding—back in 1989. Caballero made his kicks with vert performance in mind and a little bit of basketball sneaker inspiration, but the high-top look caught on with ramp and street skateboarders alike. However, some skaters started to cut the raised silhouette down to a mid-top shape for a looser on-the-foot feel. The D.I.Y. modification eventually inspired Vans and Caballero to make the Half Cab, which has gone on to become the more popular of the two styles and has influenced the landscape of modern skate shoes.
But the fact that the Half Cab has surpassed its predecessor in terms of popularity has only made the OG's diehard fans even more desperate for a re-release. Over the years, as the bulkier skate shoes of the '90s slimmed down, Vans slowed production of the Full Cab, releasing just a single limited-run Full Cab style in 2016. But now that bigger is seemingly better in sneakers, it's the perfect time for this oversized sneaker to make its return.
When you think of classic skate shoes, you usually think rubber and canvas, but the new Full Cab features an upscale touch of suede, crocodile embossed leather, and an all-new gold lace lock. Don’t be fooled by the luxe-like upgrades, though: these kicks are still meant to take a thrashing. The Full Cab isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s sturdy, bulky, and looks more like the punk rock version of a retro basketball sneaker than a typical skating shoe. Which is exactly why it's always been a fan favorite in Van’s well-known arsenal of kicks.
Skaters have always mixed styles from grunge and hip-hop, and the Full Cab manages to ooze the stylish abrasiveness and effortless swagger of both. Even with all that attitude, the kicks are still a complementary look to a variety of pant styles, whether it’s slightly baggy chinos or rolled up denim. Best of all: the Full Cab is a skater-approved way to add some brashness to your look without actually having to risk slamming face first into concrete.
$95, available later this month at Foot Locker