Art Meets Asphalt: Parra’s Whimsical Waves Hit the Vans Half Cab

Known for his surreal landscapes, whimsical characters, and distinctive colour palette, Dutch artist (real name Pieter Janssen) has been a long-time favourite among sneakerheads. With numerous collaborations dating back to 2005, a career highlight came during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he designed team uniforms for Japan, the United States, Brazil, and France, along with a special edition for the event.

After teasing an exclusive grey friends-and-family collaboration for World Skateboarding Day, it now appears that Parra’s Half Cab model will receive a wider release, this time showcasing his signature colour palette. Incorporating colourful wavy overlays emblematic of Parra’s work, the layered uppers are composed in a mix of autumnal purple, green, pink, blue and orange. On the tags. the artist's popular bird motif takes flight alongside the year 1992 – a homage to the very first Vans Half Cab.

A legendary model in California’s burgeoning skate scene in the 1990s, the Half Cab was originally designed by pro skater Steve Caballero. The model was a retail response to skaters modifying his first signature shoe, the Vans Caballero (the Full Cab).

Some retailers like Sivasdescalzo have already listed the Parra x Vans Half Cab for a September 23 release, although this date has yet to be confirmed by either Parra or Vans. The price tag looks like it’s locked at $160. For more on Parra, make sure to a list of all his sneaker collaborations so far.