Which Vans skate sneaker was named after professional skateboarder Steve Caballero?

The Vans Half Cab was named after professional skateboarder Steve Caballero.

Vans introduced the Half Cab in 1985 as a shortened version of the Caballero signature high-top. Caballero had been associated with the full Caballero model, but skaters began cutting down its upper to create a lower shape with greater freedom around the ankle.

Vans responded by producing the modified version as its own shoe. The name “Half Cab” refers to the shortened Caballero design, not to a taxi or a separate skateboarding trick.

The model became especially important in skateboarding because its padded collar and reinforced construction offered protection while retaining a lower profile. It remains distinct from the Sk8-Hi, another Vans high-top with a different origin and silhouette.