In many ways, the model is a literal love child between Steve Caballero’s Half Cab and Mike Carroll’s former Vans pro model, the Vans MC ’96. It borrows the most recognizable design cues and technical strengths from both, combining them into a skate shoe that feels familiar yet slightly modernized.

Traditionally, when most people think of Vans, they think of simplicity, clean design paired with fairly modest technical features. Vans has long been the working person’s skate shoe, something that holds up through multiple sessions, stable enough, durable enough, and technical enough. Not exceptional in any one category, but reliable across the board.

Over time, however, Vans began introducing more technically ambitious pro models, likely in response to growing competition from brands like Nike and Adidas. With the Vans Skate Safe Low, the brand seems to have arrived at a different realization: skateboarding innovation does not always require reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, combining two of skateboarding’s most beloved cult classics into one thoughtfully refined design might be the most effective kind of innovation.

SIZING

The Vans Safe Low fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The sole and upper construction are the two main elements that determine a skate shoe’s durability. Starting with the sole of the Vans Skate Safe Low from Vans, the most noticeable feature is the very thick and tall foxing tape. This foxing tape is actually built in two layers, which plays a key role in durability because it protects the upper material from direct contact with the griptape. In our test, the forefoot section of the upper remained almost untouched thanks to this design. Since this area receives the most griptape contact, most of the visible wear appeared along the side of the sole in the typical kickflip zone.

Looking at the upper construction, there is extensive stitching throughout the critical forefoot and midfoot areas. Combined with the protective foxing tape, this helped shield the upper to the point where only minimal wear was visible. Structurally, the upper panels held together very well throughout testing. Vans also incorporated its established Duracap technology, which adds a rubber reinforcement layer beneath the suede to protect high wear areas and extend the life of the shoe.

The parts of the upper that showed the most wear were the heel area and the laces. The lace design offers some protection, but the lace loops themselves are still exposed to griptape contact. Once a loop rips, as happened with the top one in our test, the lacing system quickly becomes compromised.

All things considered, the durability of the Vans Skate Safe Low proved to be exceptional.

CUSHIONING

When it comes to cushioning, the skate line from Vans typically incorporates one of the brand’s proprietary cushioning technologies. For the Vans Skate Safe Low, the designers opted for the PopCush midsole setup.

As expected from a vulcanized construction, the outsole itself remains relatively thin, while the PopCush component comes in the form of a thick foam insole. During our wear test, this setup preserved the natural flexibility of the sole while still delivering a noticeably solid level of cushioning and impact protection.

SHAPE

The Vans Skate Safe Low from Vans features a slim upper pattern paired with a relatively wide sole. This combination results in a stable platform underfoot while maintaining an upper that sits close to the foot for a more precise fit.

The heel height, together with the internal bootie construction, creates excellent heel lock. Padding around the heel and tongue is minimal, which keeps these areas feeling close and responsive to the foot. The midfoot runs almost parallel as it moves toward the toe box, finishing in a slightly more pointed shape at the front. This overall geometry contributes to the shoe’s snug and controlled fit.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

There are always high expectations when it comes to boardfeel and grip in shoes from Vans. As mentioned earlier, the outsole itself is very thin, and when combined with the wide tread pattern it becomes quite flexible once the shoe is properly broken in. The longer break in period is mainly due to the thick foxing and sole construction, which are key to durability but require some time to soften. In our experience, the Vans Skate Safe Low needed about three to four sessions before it fully broke in and began delivering its full boardfeel potential. Once the flexibility developed, the sole adapted well to the concave of the skateboard, increasing the surface area of the outsole in contact with the griptape.

Vans also uses its newer SickStick rubber compound. This gum rubber formula is designed to improve both grip and durability. During the first two sessions, however, the grip almost felt too strong and direct. It was sometimes difficult to subtly adjust foot placement for flip tricks, especially while the shoe was still stiff during the break in phase. Over the course of our ten hour wear test, the shoe gradually became more flexible and the grip settled into a more balanced feel. By the end of the test, both boardfeel and grip were very strong, although the shoe does require some time before reaching its full potential.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The Vans Skate Safe Low from Vans has both strengths and drawbacks when it comes to comfort. The combination of padding and multiple material layers can cause the shoe to retain quite a bit of heat around the foot, and the overall build also makes the shoe feel somewhat heavy. On the positive side, the padding helps the foot settle comfortably into the shoe without creating noticeable pressure points. Vans also included a lock in tongue system with internal straps that keep the tongue centered and securely in place.

Stability is clearly one of the Safe Low’s strongest qualities. As seen in the cross section construction, the foot sits relatively low inside the shoe and is surrounded by the high foxing tape of the sole. This creates a very secure and supportive feeling while skating. The neoprene bootie construction in the heel area further improves the fit by providing excellent heel lock. As mentioned earlier, the shoe requires some time to break in, but it maintains its structural integrity throughout the process. Overall, the stability of the Safe Low is very impressive.

SUMMARY

The Vans Skate Safe Low from Vans stands out for its exceptional durability and strong overall stability, supported by its wide sole platform, reinforced upper, and high foxing construction. Boardfeel and grip are ultimately very good, but the shoe starts off quite stiff and heavy and requires several sessions of break in before its flexibility and performance fully come through.

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Back in 2007, Curren emerged as a young talent alongside Louie Lopez, joining Flip Skateboards as a grom and learning from some of the most iconic names in skateboarding: Geoff Rowley, Arto Saari, Tom Penny, and Rune Glifberg, the crew behind Sorry and Really Sorry. At the time, Flip and Vans were closely linked, and with a push from Rowley, Curren joined the Vans team at just 11 years old.

Fast forward to today, both Curren and Louie now ride for Fucking Awesome under the guidance of Jason Dill. At 29, Curren has quietly built a lasting career in a space where longevity is rare. While many of his early peers have faded from view, Curren continues to evolve – thanks in part to a strong circle of close friends like Louie, Jake Anderson, Mason Silva, and filmer Ryan Lee, along with the early mentorship that shaped his foundation.

That journey brings us to a major milestone: the release of Curren’s first signature pro model shoe with Vans. It marks a new chapter in his career, placing him among the ranks of Vans’ most influential riders: Geoff Rowley, Steve Caballero, Chima Ferguson, TNT, Elijah Berle, Gilbert Crockett, Kyle Walker, and AVE.

We put the new Vans Curren Caples to the test. Read on to see how they performed.

SIZING

The Vans Curren Caples fits true to size but has a slightly narrower, snug feel.

DURABILITY

Overall, the Vans Curren Caples impresses with its solid durability, thanks to a three-layer rubber outsole, a suede upper, and an underlying Duracap layer. The upper combines suede in high-abrasion areas with canvas in the midfoot to reduce weight. Unsurprisingly, the suede toecap held up well against grip tape, further protected by the extended outsole. While the Duracap layer is present for added protection, it wasn’t needed in this test, as the suede never developed holes.

The canvas side panels began to show wear after roughly 10 hours of skating, highlighting their lighter construction. Still, the real MVP is the outsole. Its triple-layer build prevented blowouts and significantly extended the shoe’s lifespan. As seen in the photos, the top layer of rubber wore down in a way that suggests weaker bonding with the layers beneath, likely due to differences in texture, but it didn’t compromise overall performance.

CUSHIONING

When it comes to impact protection, Vans Skate models typically feature one of the brand’s proprietary cushioning systems. For the Curren Caples, the designers opted for PopCush, a thick insole foam paired with a thin vulcanized sole, consistent with Vans’ classic skate feel. A standout feature is a reinforcement layer that runs from the heel to the midfoot, adding structure to an otherwise soft and flexible sole. In our weartest, the shoe maintained the expected boardfeel and flexibility of a vulc construction, while offering noticeably above-average cushioning.

SHAPE

The Curren Caples Pro Model features a low-profile silhouette that blends classic Vans design with subtle modern refinements. The toebox is slightly tapered, offering a sharper, more precise flick point without feeling overly narrow. This shape supports consistent flip tricks, while the moderate toe volume helps maintain structure and prevents the shoe from collapsing too quickly.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

As a vulcanized model, the Vans Curren Caples places a strong emphasis on boardfeel and grip. While cushioning is present, Vans kept it minimal to preserve that close-to-the-board connection. The thin, straightforward sole construction provides the right amount of flexibility, making the shoe feel extremely responsive underfoot.

In terms of grip, the deep tread pattern and Vans’ signature SickStick rubber compound deliver excellent traction. Throughout our 10-hour weartest, grip remained consistently strong. As expected, Vans’ grip continues to set the standard in skate footwear: still unmatched in the industry.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

Comfort and stability show both strengths and room for improvement.

Starting with comfort: the shoe fits snugly and sits close to the foot, with tongue straps that enhance the inner-sock feel. On the downside, the shoe feels noticeably heavy, which takes some time to get used to. The break-in period is relatively short—just one or two sessions—after which the sole becomes fully flexible and stays consistent.

In terms of stability, the snug fit and well-defined arch wrap help lock the foot in place, especially when paired with the padded collar. This design is necessary, as the Curren Caples model has a very low ankle cut, which can lead to heel slippage if not laced all the way to the top.

Overall, the shoe offers above-average stability for a vulcanized model but leans more toward boardfeel and flexibility than a locked-in, cupsole-like feel.

SUMMARY

The Vans Curren Caples Pro Model delivers excellent durability, boardfeel, and grip, making it a standout vulcanized skate shoe built for performance and durability. However, its very low ankle cut and noticeably heavy build may take some time getting used to.

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While the silhouette may look quite similar to the beloved Old Skool, the new Old Skool 36+ draws inspiration from the Style 36 but comes equipped with Vans’ latest technology to handle modern skateboarding demands (hence the “plus”). It also features a puffy tongue, which has made a comeback in recent years after fading out in the 2010s. Though iterations of the Style 36 have been released over time, the 36+, launched earlier this year, is the only version specifically designed for serious skating. We got our hands on a pair and put this classic-looking silhouette to the test – read on to see how it performed and whether it’s worth considering when choosing between the Old Skool Pro and Skate Old Skool models.

SIZING

The Vans Old Skool 36+  fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The Vans Old Skool 36+ features three key upgrades to enhance durability, a common challenge for vulcanized models. The upper toe area is reinforced with Vans’ Duracap, extending the shoe’s lifespan, while the outsole is crafted from SickStick rubber for improved grip and durability. Additionally, the sole is equipped with a thicker foxing tape for added strength. Instead of using canvas for the midfoot (which is blue in this colorway), Vans opted for a more durable material, which performed exceptionally well.

During our 10-hour wear test, the most noticeable impact came from the high, thick foxing tape, which served as the first point of contact. Although it showed some wear – especially in the kickflip area – the suede upper and outsole remained virtually untouched. The seams and outsole also demonstrated impressive durability throughout the test.

CUSHIONING

Vans has addressed one of the main drawbacks of the Old Skool by upgrading the insole to PopCush foam. Compared to standard Vans insoles, PopCush significantly improves impact absorption, particularly in the heel area, making landings on stair sets and gaps more comfortable. During our wear test, it was clear that the shoe effectively absorbs low to medium impact, thanks not only to the insole but also the added padding in the thick tongue. While it leaves a very positive impression, it still doesn’t quite match the stability of a classic cupsole. Nonetheless, the Skate Old Skool 36+ stands out as an excellent vulcanized shoe for impact protection.

SHAPE

The shape of the Skate Old Skool 36+ is an intriguing blend of classic and modern design elements. The toe area retains the signature slim, pointed silhouette of the Vans Old Skool. However, the thick padded tongue adds bulk to the midfoot, which can impact the heel lock. There are two ways to wear the shoe: tying the laces tightly provides a snug, padded vulcanized fit, while a looser lacing style creates a more puffy, relaxed feel.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

Vans is renowned for the grip of their vulcanized soles, and for the Skate Old Skool 36+, they’ve incorporated the SickStick rubber compound. During our 10-hour wear test, the sole performed consistently well, requiring no break-in period and maintaining solid traction from start to finish. While it doesn’t offer the sharp, sometimes overly grippy experience of Vans Classics, the shoe strikes a perfect balance between grip and responsiveness, making it easy to adjust foot placement.

One of the standout features of the Vans Skate Old Skool 36+ is its exceptional board feel. The combination of a thin sole, foam insole in the toe area, and a flexible outsole allows for maximum contact between the foot, shoe, and griptape, enhancing overall control and responsiveness.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The Vans Skate Old Skool 36+ offers an overall snug yet comfortable fit. The padded tongue is equipped with straps to keep it in place, and the shoe is lightweight, with the PopCush insole providing noticeable underfoot comfort. However, breathability is quite limited, as the materials don’t allow much airflow.

In terms of stability, it’s a mixed bag. The toe and midfoot areas are notably secure, with the high foxing tape and padding offering excellent protection and support. On the other hand, the heel counter is relatively soft, and the opening is cut quite wide. The laces need to be tightened properly, as the thickly padded tongue can push the opening wider if the laces are too loose, potentially causing heel slip. To ensure a stable fit, we laced the shoe all the way to the top and tightened it, which resulted in a secure and comfortable fit without any heel movement.

SUMMARY

The Vans Skate Old Skool 36+ is an exceptional vulcanized skate shoe that blends classic style with a modern twist. Its key strengths include durability, boardfeel, and cushioning, while the heel stability remains the only notable downside.

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During AVE’s time at Vans, he’s gotten a few “pro models”, but they were more so reiterations of the vulcanized “Era” during the time of skinny pants, rather than a full on completely new model…that is until 2019, when Vans released the AVE Pro, AVE’s first cupsole model in 15 years. Five years later, here we are with a very brightly colored pair of AVE’s newest model, the Vans AVE 2.0, which has been regarded as Vans’ most advanced skate shoe out on the market. This statement definitely perked out ears, and after seeing the shoes being skated on the recent AVE 2.0 Global tour, we had to get our hands on a pair to put to the test.

SIZING

The Vans Ave 2.0 fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The Vans Ave 2.0 performed very well in regards to durability during our 10 hour wear test.

Let’s break it down here. The sole in the forefoot area is usually one of the areas of the shoe that gets attacked the most from wear and tear. When it came to the Ave 2.0, although there were some signs of wear, all in all it was pretty minimal. So things were off to a good start. Even though the upper was made from a knitted material that immediately gave every skater red flags upon first glance, we must say we were happy to be disappointed as there was almost no abrasion.

Vans made sure to place the right materials in the right areas. A large suede piece (RapidWeld) is welded over the forefoot area and spans to the midfoot, protecting the knitted material by acting as a first line of defense, while also creating a really good flick. The one piece toe-cap withstood session after session and there was no show of any holes. Just to comfort those who aren’t convinced, the midfoot and heel area where the knit is exposed, also featured additional layers of TPU reinforcements, maximizing the shoe’s durability. With that said, the only visible signs of wear were just the kick flip area and the bottom of the sole, where the thread pattern started to lose its depth.

CUSHIONING

Overall, the shoe showed good impact protection in our 10 hour test and the rigidity of the shoe really helped protect and secure the feet, especially with long sessions. The sole construction is a cupsole made from Vans’ trademarked SickStick material, a stiff TPU midfoot support that covers not only the sidewall, but also the bottom of the sole, and in combination with an UltraCush foam layer. The heel area features the thickest foam layer, the midfoot is additionally protected with the TPU support and surprisingly, the forefoot also features some material layers for cushioning. The whole purpose of this advanced sole is to protect the whole foot when it comes to impact. 

SHAPE

The shoe has a slim silhouette. The model is built in a way where it features a very stable and cushioned sole construction, with the knitted upper being held in place by the suede toe piece and a TPU molded external heel clip. Although the knitted upper helps the shoe become flexible in the midfoot and collar area, the heel clip and the stiff midfoot sole reinforcement do limit the flexibility and space for your feet. Thus, for those with wider feet, we recommend trying the shoe in the shop to find your right size.

The Ave 2.0 has a well designed sole height so the rubber and suede materials that face griptape contact do work well together for a precise and direct flick.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

The difference in thickness in the front of the shoe compared to the heel area is essential for boardfeel. The thin front of the Ave 2.0 creates a solid board feel and the feet have a close connection with the board, exactly where it is needed. However, the shoe needed some time to showcase its boardfeel. The sole construction felt rather stiff and needed to develop its flexibility but once reached, the shoe had a solid boardfeel.

Vans used its proven SickStick sole material but grip at the beginning was not the best. The sole focuses more on protection and durability. The zonal thread pattern has more material in high wear areas that increase durability and the Vans Waffle patterns are embedded in to maximize flexibility. With that said, the grip did get better with more skating and after being broken in.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The Ave 2.0 has features that lead to very good comfort. First of all the shoe is very lightweight, which was refreshing to see given such a complex sole construction with solid TPU elements. Secondly, the knitted upper with its open structure led to really good breathability, especially in the midfoot area.  This was a nice detail that many skate shoes don’t focus on. Thirdly, the soft knit material around the collar, the sock type fit and some padding in the heel area worked well to create a comfortable feeling around the foot.

When it comes to the stability of the shoe, it has has highs and lows. The best way to describe the stability after our 10 hour test is that: the sole is very stable, the upper forefoot and heel are stable, but the midfoot lacks stability. As mentioned before, the sole feels very stable and has multiple components that help lead to exceptional stability. The knitted upper is great for comfort and feel, but lacks support, so Vans added other pieces to enhance the support. For instance, the forefoot has the suede layer, the thin knitted midfoot zone has an inner reinforcement (visible on the cross section picture in yellow) and the heel has an external TPU heel clip. The suede and the heel clip definitely provided a stable, locked-in fit, whereas the midfoot felt still quite unprotected.

SUMMARY

This was a refreshing technical shoe to try out from Vans and AVE and it’s clear they put a lot of thought into every detail. The shoe hits the mark with exceptional durability and cushioning. There was solid grip and boardfeel, however the mid foot stability might have some skaters wanting more protection.

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SIZING

The shoe fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The sole and upper construction are the two main elements of a skateboard shoe’s durability. When it comes to the sole construction of the Rowan 2, the most noticeable element is the thick sidewall of the outsole. This is the key to achieve exceptional durability for a skate shoe, since it protects the upper from griptape contact. During our 10-hour test, the upper in the forefoot area was almost untouched. Since the sole’s sidewall had the most griptape contact, it showed the most wear in the kickflip-area.

The upper, despite a lot of stitching in the critical forefoot and midfoot areas that poise as potential flaws, was still well protected by the sole. Structurally, the shoe’s individual panels stayed together great. Vans even added their long proven DURACAP technology in the toe area, which is a reinforcement layer underneath the suede that enhances the durability and structural stability of the toecap. The Duracap element actually sneaks out of the blue toe panel on the very tip for the shoe.

When it came to areas on the upper that showed signs of wear, the heel collar area and the stitching of Vans wave were most impacted, however these were more aesthetic flaws. With that said, all in all, the durability of the Rowan 2 was exceptional.

CUSHIONING

Overall, the Vans Rowan 2 demonstrated an impressive cushioning performance. Vans further developed its ImpactWaffle technology (firstly introduced with the Zhaba), which is two bio-based EVA cushioning elements (VR3Cush) held together by an outsole (SickStick). The design team put a lot of thought into this sole construction. From the cross-sectional cut, you can see how the tech and cushioning were combined, with the the yellow EVA piece visible through the outsole in the heel area and the white EVA element visible in the arch. In our hour 10 wear test, it was very noticeable that the EVA elements provided a good cushioning feeling in the midfoot and heel area, while the outsole’s thickness contributed for an overall good impact protection.

SHAPE

The Vans Rowan 2 takes its design inspiration from court shoes.  It has a clean and classic toe design, similar to a Half Cab, with the more technical design elements found in the midfoot and heel area. Upon first sight, the large sole construction makes the whole shoe appear bulky, but this is quite misleading. Looking downwards at the shoe, it has actually a sleek and thin midfoot and toe area. The silhouette is an absolute highlight of the Rowan 2, which shows a really great toe shape and responds extremely well to the board while providing a precise flick.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

The sole’s thickness in the front, as well as the overall stability of a shoe, are essential for boardfeel. The thinner sole in the toe-area of the Rowan 2 helps create a solid board feel and the feet have a close connection with the board. However, the shoe needed some time being skated to showcase this. The sole construction felt stiff in the beginning and needed to develop flexibility but once reached, the shoe had a good boardfeel for a cupsole.

The sole has an advanced and newly developed thread pattern as well as a new rubber compound for advanced grip, which Vans calls SickStick. The grip of the shoe felt like a typical cupsole and is well balanced.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The Rowan 2 has ups and downs regarding the comfort. On the positive side, the padding does help your feet fit well to the shoe and a huge plus was that the shoe was really light. Vans also added tongue straps that keep the tongue in place. However, the straps were a bit long, so they wrinkled when stepping into the shoe and created pressure points. Also the heel collar height of the shoe was quite tricky to adjust to since the Rowan 2 sits between a low and mid-top. So the heel collar shape could be potentially a risky cut for some feet.

The stability is definitely an outstanding strength of the Rowan 2. The upper, with its multiple layer construction from toe to heel, maintained its structure over the 10-hour test. The thick sidewall of the sole strengthens the shoe even further. This created a very secure and safe feeling while skating. On the downside, they needed more time than usual to break in as a cupsole, so it is not a shoe that shows its full strength when skated right out of the box.

SUMMARY

The second Vans Pro Model from Rowan Zorilla exceeded our expectations when it came to durability, stability and the toe shape for flicking tricks. The shoe could see some slight improvements when it came to comfort and did take a bit longer time to break in, but in the end it was worth it to unlock the shoe’s full potential.

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SIZING

The Vans Zahba fits true to size.

DURABILITY

One of the biggest assets for the durability is the suede one-piece toe box, in combination with the outsole. The smooth and consistent surface minimizes the areas of attachment, so that the wear and tear from griptape gets distributed evenly across the shoe. During our 10 hour test, no holes developed on the shoe. Vans even added their long proven DURACAP technology, which is a reinforcement layer under the suede to enhance the durability and structural stability of the toecap. With all the flip tricks, this is usually the most critical area of the shoe to test, and it showed very good durability. The same is true for the sole, which barely showed signs of wear.

Besides the toe area, there are two elements of the shoe which did show wear; the stitching of the Vans logo and the lace panel, which are placed on top of the one-piece toe panel, ripped within the first four sessions. This is more of a visual durability flaw because it actually doesn’t really affect the performance of the shoe’s durability.

CUSHIONING

Overall, the Vans Zahba demonstrated an impressive cushioning performance. Vans introduced its new ImpactWaffle technology, which is two bio-based EVA cushioning elements, called VR3Cush, held together by an outsole, called SickStick. The design team put a lot of thought into this design, and it shows. Literally. From the cross-sectional cut, you can see show the tech and cushioning, with the the yellow EVA piece visible through the outsole in the heel area and the white EVA element visible in the arch. In our hour 10 wear test, it was very noticeable that the EVA elements provided a solid cushioning feeling in the midfoot and heel area, while the outsole’s thickness contributed for an overall good impact protection.

SHAPE

The Vans Zahba has a clean and classic toe design, with the more technical design elements found in the midfoot and heel area. The rounded toe area has no overlays or stitching. This, in combination with the outsole, provided a direct flick for flip tricks. The tongue and heel step in have a padding but isn’t  overloaded, which lets the Zahba sit in the midfield of a cupsole silhouette (not too bulky and not too slim).

BOARDFEELi&iGRIP

The difference in thickness in the front of the shoe compared to the back and in the heel area is essential for boardfeel. The thin front of the Zahba maximizes board feel and the feet have a close connection with the board, exactly where it is needed. However, the shoe needed some time to showcase its boardfeel. The sole construction felt rather stiff and needed to develop flexibility but once reached, the shoe had a solid boardfeel for a cupsole.

The sole features an advanced and newly developed thread pattern as well as a new rubber compound for advanced grip, which Vans calls SickStick. The grip of the shoe felt like a typical cupsole and is well balanced.

COMFORTi&iSTABILITY

When it comes to comfort, the silhouette of the shoe provides an outstanding foothold. When worn and skated, the foot feels quite secure and is quite snug. The Zahba features solid craftsmanship, especially with the inner lining, which is a huge reason for the comfort. It doesn’t have any annoying stitching or have areas of the shoe that could cause hot spots. The tongue is fixed with two straps which helps to further increase the snug feeling. To top of all, the Zahba is pretty lightweight.

With this shoe, Vans focused on the stability and they succeeded. It is excellent. The feet sit quite low in the stable sole construction and work well with the reinforced heel & midfoot area to create a secure feeling.

SUMMARY

The Vans Zahba convinces with outstanding cushioning and stability, while maintaining a clean and sleek silhouette. Grip and boardfeel are solid but do need some time to develop. The only downside of the shoe was the visual durability, but again, this doesn’t affect performance. This is a shoe defined for those heavy hitting impact skaters and for those who appreciate more stability in their shoes.

The post Vans Zahba appeared first on Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews.

SIZING

The Vans Half Cab fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The sole and upper construction are the two main elements of a skate shoe’s durability. Starting with the sole construction of the Half Cab, most noticeable element is the very thick and high foxing tape, which is actually a two-part foxing tape. This is key to achieve a good durability since it protects the upper material from griptape contact. In our test, the upper in the forefoot area is almost untouched due to the foxing tape’s design. Since this is the element with the most griptape contact, the side of sole showed most wear in the kickflip-area.

Now let’s talk about the upper construction of the Half-Cab. Despite a lot of stitching in the critical forefoot and midfoot areas, the sole helps protect the upper to the point where there was very minimal wear visible. The upper also kept its individual panels together structurally. Vans also used their established Duracap technology, which is a rubber layer of reinforcement below the suede that protects and prolongs the shoe’s durability. Areas on the upper that showed signs of wear include the heel area and the tongue, however they were more of aesthetic flaws. The tongue itself had quite some padding, so it stuck out a lot and came in contact with the grip, which wore it down and made it looked more used than it was. Same as for the Half Cab label.

With that said, all in all, the durability of the Half Cab was exceptional.

CUSHIONING

When it comes to cushioning, the Vans Skate line typically uses one of their many cushioning technologies. With the Vans Half Cab, the designers decided for the Pop Cush midsole construction. The sole is very thin, as usual for vulcanized construction, and the PopCush is a thick insole foam. In our wear test, the shoe kept the flexibility of the sole high, while providing an above average cushioning feeling.

SHAPE

The Half Cab has a slim pattern in the forefoot and midfoot area and gets wide in the heel area. The mid-top height sits right on the ankle creating contact between shoe and ankle. The heel and tongue padding make these areas slightly bulky but do taper off and end in a sleeker and thinner toe area. The midfoot area goes almost parallel towards the toe area and ends up in a rather pointed end.

BOARDFEEL AND GRIP

There are high expectations when it comes to boardfeel and grip for Vans shoes. As mentioned, the sole itself is very thin, and in combination with the wide sole thread pattern, the shoe is actually very flexible. The Half Cab takes one to two sessions to break in, before providing the full capacity of the boardfeel. Once the full flexibility is given, the sole adapts well to the concave of the board and increases the surface area of the sole touching the griptape.

Vans uses a new rubber compound called SickStick. It is a gum rubber compound calibrated to improve grip and durability. During the first two sessions, the grip felt too grippy and direct. It was even hard to adjust the foot in position for flip tricks, especially in combination with the breaking in-period where the shoe felt stiff on top. Over the period of our 10 hour wear test, the shoe got more flexible and also the grip developed in a more positive way. Thus, overall the boardfeel and grip were very good but it does need some time to develop its full swing.

COMFORT AND STABILITY

The Half Cab has ups and downs regarding the comfort. The padding and multiple material layers resulted in the foot area storing a lot of heat. Also, the shoe is heavy. The mid-top cut goes right over the ankles. Fortunately, and also due to the good amount of padding, no blisters developed but the shape is quite a risky cut for some feet. On the positive side, the padding does help the make your feet fit well to the shoe without having pressure points. Also, Vans added a lock-in tongue which include straps that can keep the tongue in place.

Stability is definitely a strength of the Half Cab. As you can see in the cross-section picture, the feet sit low in the shoe and are surrounded by the high foxing tape of the sole. This created a very secure and safe feeling while reviewing the shoe. The multiple layer construction in the forefoot and midfoot are quite stiff. As mentioned, they needed some time to get break-in but kept their structural strength constant. The mid-top cut keeps the feet in place and in that area, Vans also added in an additional heel stiffening layer. Overall, the stability is excellent.

SUMMARY

Even after 30 years, the Half Cab is never out of style and the updated version has exceeded our expectations when it comes to durability, boardfeel and stability. The grip of the shoe is very strong, and needs some time to break in, and there are some points of comfort that could be improved, but overall, the Half-Cab is a timeless shoe designed for pure skateboarding.

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SIZING

The Vans Lizzie fits true to size.

DURABILITY

The Vans Lizzie has some notable highlights with regards to the durability. The most important area of a skate shoe starts right after the midfoot section, where most flick/griptape abrasion happens. In this high-wear area, the Lizzie performs very well. For the toe area upper material, Vans uses a thick suede material, and underneath the layer of suede is a toe cap that serves as second protection layer, called a 3D embossed Duracap toe. Throughout the 10 hour wear test the whole toe area performed excellent. Not to mention, the seams in this area did not rip much and all pieces of the shoe remained intact. Another element that increased the shoe’s durability was found within the sole construction. Although the foxing tape was thinner and lower compared to the classic Vans models, it still performed well, with great flick and also minimizing the shoe’s bulkiness in the toe area. The Lizzie has a new micro-waffle tread sole pattern which showed good durability and stands close to the performance of the traditional waffle pattern. Two major flaws to point out would be the textile materials in the midfoot area (which has a 3D Duracap Sidestripe) as well as the seams on the lace panel, which both showed high signs of wear during out 10 hour test. They are not as critical for the durability of the shoe, but the sudden wear and tear does make the shoe look run down very quickly.

CUSHIONING

For the Lizzie, Vans uses EcoCush. It is an updated version of their proven PopCush technology. EcoCush is basically using the sockliner as the main cushioning element and compared to other Vans models using this construction, the Lizzie has a lower-profile sockliner made out a bio-based PU (70% bio-based). Based on this cushioning construction, it is possible to achieve both, good boardfeel and cushioning abilities in one sole construction. A task that has almost been impossible to perfect. With this shoe, the reduced thickness of the sockliner is not noticeable and the shoe can cushion relatively tough landings. The high-top construction also helps by creating a secure feeling around the ankle. All in all, the Lizzie has good cushioning characteristics.

SHAPE

The shape of the Lizzie is based on a SK8 High, but features a slimmer and cleaner design, noticeable especially when you’re looking down on the shoe. Vans described Lizzie’s fit as a Lock-In Fit for which they used a new unisex last, ensuring a snug range of fits for both men and women’s feet. The last shape has a huge influence on the shape and fit of a shoe. When wearing the Lizzie, it is really noticeable that the upper feels closer to the feet and snug around the foot and ankle. Since the heel/ankle area runs fairly slim, the shoes continues parallel from heel to midfoot and ends in a pointy toe tip. A reason for that is the aforementioned lower profile sidewall foxing tape which helps make the upper in the toe area more dominantly visible.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

Vans is known for having the best grip in the game so there are high expectations when it comes to boardfeel and grip for the Lizzie, especially when considering the three major adjustments to the classic waffle sole. Firstly, the sole of the Lizzie has deeper flexibility grooves than normal models. Secondly, the outsole and sockliner seem to be thinner compared to the Vans classic series. Thirdly, the model has an adjusted sole pattern called micro-waffle and a rubber compound called Sick-Stick. The Lizzie takes one to two sessions to break in, before providing the full capacity of the boardfeel. Once the full flexibility is given, the grooves, in combination with the thin forefoot area, create a well balanced boardfeel. The grip feels finer and weaker compared to the big waffle pattern found in most classic models, but since our expectations were already quite high, the grip of the Lizzie is solid.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

When it comes to the comfort of the shoe, the Vans Lizzie is measured against weight, ventilation and its well-crafted inner shoe area. The shoe is lightweight compared to other Vans models but there are also lighter shoes in comparison on the market. One drawback was that ventilation features were not considered at all, which is especially problematic with a midfoot model. With that said, positive was that the inner area was very well crafted with minor overlapping seams; this decreased the risk of pressure points. The tongue was also locked-in with a tongue strap, helping to keep it in position.

The stability of the shoe was adequate and well balanced, ensuring a secure feeling on and off the board while maintaining boardfeel. The heel area feels secure due to the midfoot construction and an additional outer heel counter. Also, the overall shoe did not stretch out during our 10-hour test and held its rigidity extremely well, especially for a high-top model. It is worth mentioning that these two elements that help retain the shoe’s exceptional stability, do cause the Lizzie to feel a bit stiff in the first two sessions before fully breaking in.

SUMMARY

The Vans Lizzie found an impressive balance of good cushioning and great stability/support, without sacrificing boardfeel. A huge plus was the shoe’s slim design, advanced fit and reduced design of the foxing tape. The shoe does need some time to break in, there are areas where the durability is prone to high abrasion and there aren’t features of combat ventilation. But with that said, the Vans Lizzie is an impressive new silhouette with technical features situated across  what may be the next modern classic.

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SIZING

The Vans Wayvee fits true to size.

DURABILITY

Overall, the durability of the Vans Wayvee is good, however there were some areas for improvement. Let’s start off with some highlights, as there were three main points that helped prolong the entire lifespan. First off, the quality of the materials used proved to be high-performing. In our 10 hours of skating, the shoe’s sole and synthetic upper material  in the forefoot showed signs of wear but were very resilient to griptape abuse. Vans also used their proven technology Duracap, which is an internal reinforcement layer underneath the superficial material, which once worn down with a hole, reveals a new layer underneath intended to increase the lifespan of the shoe. The second durability highlight is the shoe’s sole. The sole is thick, especially in the toe area. It helps to protect the toe material from griptape contact and provides great flick. The third great feature is the lacing system. The lace loops are recessed and protected by the material layer around them which proved to be extremely effective.

A detail that was very noticeable that didn’t help with durability was the positioning of the toe area seams. As you can see from the pictures, the seams are positioned in a critical zone so the they ripped very easily. Luckily, the synthetic material was still quite stiff, so the overall quality of the material did help prevent the loose suede areas from ripping further. Another flaw of the shoe was the heel collar; even-though the material was very comfortable, the collar gets shredded up very quickly from the griptape, Neither of these affect the overall performance of the shoe, but they do make the shoe look a bit untidy and makes it seem like the shoe has been skated for a really long time.

CUSHIONING

Typically, the Vans Pro Skate line uses a thin sole construction and a foam insole as the main cushioning and impact protection. Vans calls it PopCush cushioning technology and was a definite choice to be used for the Wayvee model. The sole is very thin, as usual for a vulcanized construction, and the PopCush element is the thick purple insole foam. This helps to keep the flexibility of the sole high while providing an advanced cushioning feeling. All in all, the cushioning of the Wayvee is very good.

SHAPE

The toebox area of the Wayvee is clean and pointy. The arrow shape offers great flick and allows plenty of control while doing flip tricks. The synthetic materials are quite thick and thus, the shape stays throughout the 10-hour test workout wrinkles. From the heel area, the midfoot gets slimmer towards the toe area and end up in a nice pointy toe tip. 

BOARDFEEL & GRIP

There are high expectations when it comes to the boardfeel and grip for Vans shoes. For the Wayvee, boardfeel and grip took three to four sessions to develop before showing its full capabilities. The forefoot area is flexible while the midfoot and heel area seemed very stiff.  This imbalance need some time to adjust, but once the WaffleCup cupsole construction reaches its full flexibility, the sole in the forefoot adapts extremely well to the concave of the board. This increases the surface of the sole touching the griptape and resulted in a good boardfeel and grip while maintaining a very good level of stability.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The most important features for a comfortable skateboard shoe include weight, a well-crafted inner area and ventilation. The Wayvee isn’t extremely lightweight, but with that said, the inner area is crafted very well. Vans uses a construction called Locked-In Fit which is basically an inner (half) sock which spans from the mid- to the fore-foot area. The construction provides a consistent fit and along with a padded tongue and heel area, creates a very comfortable feeling. Breathability is good in the midfoot but the forefoot area had a lot of material layers where hot air cannot escape out of the shoes.

When it come to stability, the Wayvee is one of the best models on the market. The stability is incredible and well balanced especially with the flexible forefoot area. The heel area is stiff, due to several material layers, and the padding makes the shoe comfortable while creating a secure heel-lock. The midfoot area keeps the foot in place and prevents any horizontal movements within the shoe. The upper material did not stretch out at all during the test. This means the sidewalls don’t get too flexible and lose their shape, and the stability of the shoe should maintain it’s full potential over the whole lifespan of the shoe.

SUMMARY

The new Wayvee model features Vans’ best technical advancements. The shoe’s highlights include extremely good stability, good comfort and excellent cushioning, but does take some time to break in and features some small durability flaws around the heel collar and toe’s seam placements.

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SIZING

In general, the Vans Skate Classic models fit true to size, however, we would recommend to go half size up with the Slip-Ons.

DURABILITY

When it comes to durability, the Vans Skate Classics feature improved uppers and soles. While checking out the upper first, all three model were consistent in using suede in the areas most critical for wear and tear. But there’s more than meets the eyes; underneath the first level of suede, Vans adds DURACAP, which is a rubber reinforcement layer under the main material. This aims to increase durability and adds a twang of structural stability, where most single upper suede pieces may get a hole. After the 10-hour test, the suede upper of all models showed minor signs of wear which resulted in a very good durability performance. The most noticeable wear was with the Old Skool’s canvas midfoot panel. The canvas wore out but there was the DURACAP rubber panel underneath it that helped prolong the shoe’s durability. With that said, the reason for the great upper durability performance actually starts from the sole construction. The pictures show that most signs of wear are directed around the sole area. For these Skate Classic models, the foxing tapes of the models have also increased in height. This small details helps immensely since the sole is the main point of contact to the griptape and also stands to protect the upper suede panels. Unfortunately, Vans’ iconic checkerboard flags did not survive the wear test for the Era and Slip-ons. All in all, due to the upper and sole construction, the durability of the Vans Skate Classics are improved and evaluated as very good.

CUSHIONING

The cushioning of the Vans Skate Classics was slightly above average. The main cushioning element is the insole is Vans’ POPCUSH foam. As for the sole construction, the outsole is very thin, as usual for vulcanized constructions, with POPCUSH as the main element used for combating impact with its thick insole foam. This helps keep the flexibility of the sole high while providing a foamy cushioning feeling. All in all, having a foam insole definitely has advantages for vulcanized soles but cannot compete with a good cupsole.

SHAPE

The shape and silhouette of the Skate Classic models have improved but in very small details. The upper patterns feel slightly tighter and closer to the feet, but all designs maintain their classic and iconic look. This is still your classic Vans model.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

As vulcanized models, the Vans Skate Classics have a heavy emphasis on boardfeel and grip. Although cushioning is important, Vans made sure to not over do the shoe with cushioning elements in order to retain the original boardfeel of the models. The shoes have thin soles and its simplicity help to create enough flexibility so that the feet feel extremely close to the foot. As for grip, the shoes have a traditional Vans outsole thread pattern design and the material is Vans’ SICKSTICK gum rubber. One improvement of the Skate Classic line is a deeper tread pattern of the sole which effectively increases the longevity of the sole. Nothing much to say about Vans grip, which is still excellent and un-touched in the skateboard footwear industry.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

The Vans Skate Classics offer very good comfort and stability. Since the shoes have a slim silhouette in combination with a locked-in tongue straps, the foot feels very close to the upper and minimizes the space for the foot to slip around. The material choice in the heel area is great. It is a leather material which almost grips the ankle, preventing a slippage feeling. Although all Skate Classics models gradually become softer over time, they maintain their structural strength throughout the whole time skating, especially in the heel area. The key to its great stability performance lies within the sole. Vans added an internal heel stiffening element which helps the vulcanized sole to keep its stability over a longer time. Also, the high and wide foxing tape which is also attached to the upper, adds a very stable feeling for all of the tested models.

SUMMARY

The Vans Skate Classic was a hit; the improved technical elements of the shoe was excellent for durability, comfort, grip and board feel, while cushioning could be improved more. With that said, the Vans Skate Classics is a huge step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining authenticity over bells and whistles.

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