Parra and Vans’ Multicolor Half Cab Sneaker Is Most Pleasing on the Eye

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OTW by Vans and Parra have linked up on the most soothing Half Cab you’re likely to see.

The Parra x Vans OTW Half Cab comes dressed in the signature color palette of the Dutch artist, as the suede upper features panels in green, blue, red, orange and pink. The collaboration isn’t just an exercise in mere color swapping, though. Pieter “Parra” Janssen’s label have given the iconic skate shoe new wavy paneling, as well as a custom tag with hand-drawn graphics including a sketch of a bird. Custom insoles then feature the hand-written message, “Don’t forget to skate in these” on the left shoe.

Another colorway of Parra’s Half Cab surfaced just before World Skateboarding Day featuring a more subdued makeup with white suede taking over much of the upper. That variant turned out to be a friends and family edition, with the more colorful iteration being made for the public.

In addition to being an artist, Janssen was signed to Vans as a professional skateboarder in the ’90s. “The Half Cab is my favorite skate shoe,” he said in a press release. “An instant classic embraced by the most skilled and stylish skaters of the time. I wanted to honor the original design while adding a personal touch.”

Janssen also said in a 2009 interview with Behance of his color scheme, which has been widely applied in streetwear and sneaker collaborations: “I like the poppy colors, like the oranges, blues, and pinks. This is the palette that makes me happy. From the clothing I put on, I’m very happy with these restrictions, and simplicity.”

The collaboration with OTW x Vans ends a years-long wait since Parra’s last sneaker collaboration, an SB Dunk Low made for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In addition to the sneakers, designed the Olympic uniforms for the U.S., Japan, France and Brasil skateboarding teams in the sport’s competition debut.

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The Parra x Vans OTW Half Cab will release release September 23 through Sivasdescalzo for $160 and then September 24 through the OTW by Vans website for $135.

Shop Vans Skate Half Cab Shoes

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

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