JJJJound Has Stripped Down One of Vans’ Most Classic Sneakers to Its Simplest Form
JJJJound is known for taking a simple approach to its sneaker collaborations, typically applying minimalist color schemes to familiar silhouettes. For its latest project with Vans, however, the creative studio is simplifying the Half Cab by quite literally stripping it down.
The JJJJound x OTW by Vans Half Cab has had its padding removed with two monochromatic options for its upper. Skaters, not as easily swayed by new technology as others, still widely employ 33-year-old sneaker for it’s original purpose, but JJJJound has chosen to do away with the padding in a bid to orient the shoe more towards lifestyle.
All-black or all-burgundy dress the suede upper, which sees the collar branding debossed without any application if color. The two colorways are then united by an off-white sole unit to match the tongue, laces and interior. A plain tag is free of any branding, and marks for the two parties are split between the left and right insoles.
Since taking over as the relaunch for Vault by Vans in 2024, OTW has made some extreme changes to core Vans models, including retooling the Old Skools and Half Cabs for the trail with Vibram soles and revamping them with engineered mesh uppers as well. Removing padding for the Half Cab isn’t quite as dramatic of a change as those but nonetheless represents well the new spirit of OTW.
JJJJound and Vans last collaborated in 2023 through the Vault line by giving the Authentic, Slip-On and Sk8 mid a unified white on cream look. Their two other collaborations consisted of a trio of colorways for the Style 37, also known as the Sk8-Mid, and three Old Skools in 2021 and 2017, respectively.
The latter project actually marked JJJJound’s second sneaker collaboration, preceded only by a release with the lesser-known Victory Sportswear.
The JJJJound x OTW by Vans Half Cab in “Black/Off-White” and “Burgundy/Off-White” will release Thursday, April 17, through JJJJound’s website. Pricing has not yet been announced.