Released in 1992, the Half Cab has earned its place as one of the most iconic skate shoes of all time. What has kept it relevant and beloved by skaters around the world for more than three decades? We caught up with Steve Caballero for a short interview at a Vans event in Osaka to find out.
──STEVE CABALLERO (ENGLISH)
[ JAPANESE / ENGLISH ]
Photo_Simoyan
Special thanks_Vans Japan
VHSMAG (V)： Before the Half Cab, you had the original Caballero high top. What inspired you to make that shoe, which was one of the very first pro signature shoes?
Steve Caballero (C)： I was approached by Vans in 1988 to ride for the team, and by 1989, they wanted to do a signature shoe with my name on it. I helped design the first Caballero high top which came out in 1989. Two years later, when street skating became popular, I noticed guys in magazines were cutting the shoe in half, so I started cutting them in half myself. I called Vans and told them we had to make a shoe like that because it was what the skaters wanted. We called them the Half Cab and released them in 1992, meaning we are now celebrating about 34 years of that shoe.
V： Do you remember exactly who was the first to cut the shoe?
C： A lot of people have different theories, but I saw Frank Hirata, Mike Carroll, and Wade Speyer doing it. I am really happy Vans agreed to make the change because the shoe has stood the test of time through many generations of skating, including the X Games and the Olympics. I have also loved the collaborations, especially the one with Metallica for the 20th anniversary and the Bruce Lee collaboration for the 30th anniversary.
V： Why do you think the Half Cab has remained popular for over 30 years?
C： I think it is due to good design and the way Vans continues to keep the shoe progressive with different materials and colors. It has always been a very functional shoe for skating. To me, skateboarding is about failing to succeed. You fall until you finally make it, which is a special feeling. It is an honor for me at age 61 to see little kids still rocking the Half Cab.
V： You mentioned in one of our previous interviews that you are part Japanese. Is it okay if we talk about that?
C： Yes, I am quarter Japanese. I grew up as Steve Caballero and didn't know about my heritage until my father passed away when I was 35. My brother was reading the eulogy and mentioned our grandfather, Samuel Nakaharada. I was blown away because I previously only thought I was of Spanish and Mexican descent. I am very proud to be Japanese. I love the culture, the food, and the people. One day I would like to meet the Nakaharada side of my family.
V： If you were to pinpoint one thing that is most memorable from your career, what would it be?
C： It would be a contest in Escondido when I was an amateur. Two of the judges were Stacy Peralta and Steve Cathey. I only got fifth place, but Stacy came up to me afterward and invited me to join his new company, Powell Peralta. I was 14 at the time, and that team eventually became the Bones Brigade, which included skaters like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Lance Mountain.
V： Why have you been so loyal to one company for so long?
C： It is my choice regarding how I deal with relationships. I have been with Vans since 1988 and Powell Peralta for almost 47 years. Relationships have ups and downs, and while things haven't always been great, we worked through the problems. I think staying dedicated even when things are not good says a lot about my character.
V： Do you have any projects or products lined up for the near future?
C： I am not in a band right now, so I am strictly doing a lot of art, as well as mountain biking and motocross. For future projects, I just want to continue to skate and maintain myself as a "grandpa." I am almost 62, so I have to concentrate more on stretching and staying healthy because injuries take longer to heal. I want to become a better artist and continue to meet fans to show my appreciation for their support.
Steve Caballero
@stevecaballero
Born in 1964 in San Jose, California, Steve Caballero has been one of skateboarding's most influential figures since the 1980s as a member of Powell Peralta's legendary Bones Brigade. He is the creator of the Caballero, one of skateboarding's first signature shoes, and the Half Cab, a timeless classic that has remained a staple of skate footwear for over 30 years.
