Vans Reinvents the Classics: Old Skool & Half Cab Get the Wafflecup™ Upgrade
For decades, Vans has been at the heart of skateboarding. From backyard ramps to street spots around the world, their silhouettes have become more than just shoes—they’re cultural icons. Now, Vans is doing something skaters have been asking for: taking their most legendary designs and rebuilding them with modern performance technology.
Enter the Vans Skate Old Skool Wafflecup™ and the Vans Skate Half Cab Wafflecup™—two timeless skate shoes reborn with better support, improved durability, and upgraded impact protection, all without losing the look and feel that made them classics in the first place.
SHOP NEW VANS WAFFLECUP SHOES
Old School Style, New School Performance
Vans’ Wafflecup™ initiative is all about evolution, not reinvention. Instead of changing what already works visually, Vans focused on what happens under your feet. The result? Classic Vans skate shoes that look the same on the outside—but skate better than ever.
The Wafflecup™ sole is the key innovation here. It blends:
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The support and durability of a cupsole
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With the board feel and flexibility of a vulcanized sole
This gives skaters a more stable, cushioned ride while still maintaining the responsiveness Vans is known for. Whether you’re skating longer sessions, bigger gaps, or just want less foot fatigue, this new construction makes a noticeable difference.
Vans Skate Old Skool Wafflecup™: A True Classic, Upgraded
The Vans Skate Old Skool Wafflecup™ takes arguably the most recognizable skate shoe of all time and arms it with modern skate tech. The iconic Sidestripe™, low-top profile, and suede upper remain untouched—but under the hood, it’s a whole new experience.
Why the Old Skool Wafflecup™ Stands Out
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Wafflecup™ construction for better support and durability
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PopCush™ footbeds that absorb impact and reduce leg fatigue
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DuraCap™ reinforcement in high-wear areas to fight grip tape damage
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Padded collar for comfort and stability
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Classic Old Skool look, built for modern skateboarding
This shoe is perfect for skaters who love the timeless Old Skool aesthetic but want something that holds up better to daily skating. From street lines to park sessions, the Old Skool Wafflecup™ delivers comfort and control without sacrificing style.
Vans Skate Half Cab Wafflecup™: Caballero’s Icon, Modernized
Few skate shoes carry as much legacy as the Half Cab. Designed with Steve Caballero and introduced in the early ’90s, it quickly became one of the most respected mid-top skate shoes ever made.
The Vans Skate Half Cab Wafflecup™ stays true to that legacy—while upgrading everything skaters need today.
Why the Half Cab Wafflecup™ Is Built to Last
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Signature mid-top silhouette with ankle support
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Durable leather upper with updated bar-tag reinforcements
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Wafflecup™ sole for stability without losing board feel
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SickStick™ rubber outsole, Vans’ grippiest compound yet
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PopCush™ footbeds for heavy impacts and long sessions
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DuraCap™ underlays in high-wear zones
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LUXLINER™ internal fit system for a snug, seamless feel
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Hidden stash pocket in the tongue (a Half Cab classic)
This version of the Half Cab is built for skaters who go hard—stairs, ledges, gaps, or long days on the board. It keeps its shape longer, absorbs more impact, and offers better stability than older constructions.
Why Wafflecup™ Matters for Skateboarding
By releasing the Old Skool and Half Cab with Wafflecup™ soles, Vans is clearly making a statement: classic skate shoes don’t have to feel outdated.
Skaters today expect:
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More cushioning
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Better durability
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Improved support
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Less foot fatigue
Wafflecup™ delivers all of that while preserving the flex, grip, and board control that made Vans famous. It’s not about changing skateboarding—it’s about supporting how people actually skate now.
The Future of Vans Classics
The Old Skool Wafflecup™ and Half Cab Wafflecup™ are just the beginning. Vans is rolling out more of their heritage silhouettes with upgraded soles and modern construction, proving that innovation doesn’t have to erase history.
If you love classic Vans but want a shoe that can keep up with modern skating, this new generation is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Same icons. Better soles. Built to skate harder and last longer.
SHOP NEW VANS WAFFLECUP SHOES
