The Wafflecup(™), what is it? It’s not the latest hybrid vessel from Big Ice-Cream, it’s Vans latest innovation in outsole technology. In their own words, the new Wafflecup sole “combines cupsole support and durability with vulcanised board feel and flexibility”

Photo: Burnett

The Wafflecup(™), what is it? It’s not the latest hybrid vessel from Big Ice-Cream, it’s Vans latest innovation in outsole technology. In their own words, the new Wafflecup sole “combines cupsole support and durability with vulcanised board feel and flexibility”

Combining the iconic Waffle sole that has been synonymous with Vans since 1966, with a slew of upgrades that even the huckingest stair counter would appreciate, Vans is implementing this new tech into new iterations of their most popular models.

Vans kicked off the Wafflecup campaign with the Half Cab which dropped in late September 2025, Since then, they’ve carefully modified and placed the Wafflecup on the Old Skool, the Era, and revived Kyle Walker’s debut pro model shoe from a decade ago. From what we’ve heard though, it won’t be stopping there, with a few new models on the horizon, the Wafflecup doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Wafflecup upgrades don’t just stop at the sole though, Vans has quietly been upgrading what goes on under the hood throughout the newer iterations of classic models. The Wafflecup versions of the Old Skool, Era and Half Cab have benefited from an overhaul of materials, tweaks to the positioning and stitching of fabrics, and material changes to improve durability – all of which Vans fans have been screaming from the rooftops since the dawn of time.

Let’s start with the Old Skool Wafflecup
The Old Skool Wafflecup is probably the single biggest upgrade to an existing Vans model, and of course it had to be the most iconic and beloved.

Since the days of old, skateboarders have ripped through the flimsy canvas exterior of the Vans Old Skool, and despite adding a DuraCap backing to the Pro Skate model, it didn’t fully solve the problem. Until now. The Old Skool Wafflecup now sports a tough suede ollie pad backed by DuraCap and mounted on a synthetic composite material where ye olde canvas used to reside. A godsend. Upgraded leather along the cuff and under the eyestays for additional durability in a particularly precarious spot for griptape wear.

Now this all sounds like great stuff, but a lot of extra material right? You’d be correct, but while they’ve added material to the most high wear areas, they’ve replaced the lower risk zones with a more breathable synthetic mesh, shedding the weight and adding breathability back into the mix.

As with pretty much all Vans models these days, PopCush insoles return and bring their comfort and impact protection to the updated model as well.

Next up, the Half Cab Wafflecup.
They’ve beefed up the Half Cab with most of the same upgrades as the Old Skool, including the DuraCap backings to the high wear areas, added leather to stress points, and all double stitched at the seams. SickStick rubber which has become a fan favourite is making an appearance of the outsoles the Half Cab Wafflecups, keeping you locked onto your board. Another new addition is a super secret stash spot, a-la the eS Muska, for whatever you want to keep in your musty skate shoe… I guess. 

Finally, and probably the most controversial inclusion to the new Wafflecup range, is the Era. As of writing this, they are yet to be released (Worldwide release March 17, 2026).
The Era Wafflecup is arguably the silhouette that has changed the most to the model from which it's derived. It’s got most of the same upgrades as the previous two models such as the DuraCap backing, added leather underlays and double and triple stitched seams, with some sly new additions. Internal lace loops sit under the eyelets for added comfort and snugness in the forefoot, keeping the tongue from sliding around too much and an alternative to using the exterior eyelets, meaning you could extend the life of your laces, using the eyelets as a sort of guard against the grip. Would definitely be worth trying.

Overall, things are looking up for Vans after a tumultuous couple of years and a few models with very short shelf life. It seems as though they are digging through their endless catalogue of iconic models, and making tweaks to those to improve the lifespan and redefine the overall experience of wearing a Vans shoe. It’s no secret that Vans have dipped their toes into cupsoles with varying degrees of success, but from what we’ve heard from those that have skated the lineup of Wafflecups from Vans, we think these will be sticking around for a while.

Take the stab and check them out below. We’d love to hear what you think.