One of Amsterdam’s most popular skate brands, Pop Trading Co, teams up with arguably the most prestigious companies to contribute to skate culture, Vans, for a trio of 90s-inspired trainers from the brand’s archive. Pop Trading Co started in 2013 as a distributer for elevated skatewear brands including Polar Skate Co, Palace and Magenta under founders Ric Van Rest and Peter Kolks; before debuted their own brand in AW16 and being featured in Paris Fashion Week in 2017. Pop’s collections fuse the worlds of classic ‘Golden era’ skatewear with influences from contemporary menswear brands that give the brand a versatile edge for outfits that expand beyond the skate park.

Pop have collaborated with fellow Dutch label Parra, high-fashion juggernaut Burberry, Converse, New Balance & more, but none have reflected how deep the roots of skateboarding run for the brand. Both founders have a long history of working in skate shops, with Kolks sponsored by 24/7 in his younger years and Pop not only hosting events, but also supporting upcoming talent from inside the scene. It seems only right that not one, but two Vans collaborations are in Pop’s repertoire, and this one is set to turn some serious heads.

Half Cab

Originally named after the Steve Caballero, the skating legend that designed the shoe, the Half Cab was based on the Puma Prowlers and Air Jordans Caballero used to skate in. The Half Cab was the first pro model skate shoe, released in 1989 and gave skaters a mid-height option that made the shoe ideal for street or vert skating with padded for protection but enough flexibility for pop tricks. The Half Cab ’92 updates the classic model with a light grey colourway, with an embroidered Pop logo to the heel.

Style 36 Pro

Debuting in 1977, the Vans #36 (better known as the Old Skool) was the first skate shoe reinforced with durable leather panels and to carry Vans’ iconic side stripe. The Pro model has redesigned hard wearing uppers with locked-in tongue straps for a more secure fit and a Duracap rubber layer for added longevity. A PopCush footbed protects your feet from impact, whilst Vans’ grippiest sole, the SickStick prevents slips and trips. This design has been updated with the Pop logo stitched to the heel, in a bold red colourway.

Agah

Originally released over 50 years ago, this Vans’ design saw a revamp in the early 90s to honour the ‘Sultan of Switch’ and 1993’s Thrasher ‘Skater of the year’, Salman Agah. The shoe has a minimal aesthetic, featuring a padded suede upper decorated with contrast stitching, with the benefit of a rubber toe cap for added toe protection for pop tricks, alongside Duracap reinforced inlays. The Ultracush footbed ensures all-day comfort, whilst the iconic vulcanised waffle sole makes for an easy push-off. This model is finished with a woven label and Pop motif to the heel.

Shop the Vans X Pop collaboration now, online and in-store at Wellgosh.

Wellgosh love.