crooked tongues magazine News Features

Cardiel is an undisputed legend. The Half Cab is a CT Crew favourite. Throw a legit Pendleton woolen plaid on the shoe, complete with the distinctive old world branding, in line with John's preference for the brand, and you've got a banger. This Syndicate version represents the best of the Cab shapes, and the high quality gives it greater longevity.

Having rocked the brand long before it became something of a hipster staple, in line with Syndicate's shrewd choice of co-conspirators, Thrasher's '92 Skater Of The Year made perfect sense as a collaborator. The inclusion of a third partner for an added application with an air of authenticity was extra effort that paid dividends.

It isn't the first Vans shoe to use the Oregon-based wool mill, and adidas and lately Nike have had a go too, indicating there's more to come, but this is easily the best. Why? It just makes sense. The accompanying Sk8 His were fresh too, but these are the best in the set.

We shot some questions at Mr Cardiel, and he replied in a zen style that borders on haiku...

Who approached who for the project? Because you've been down with Vans for a while now…

Vans Asked If I was Interested In Doing A Syndicate Shoe Showcasing My Ideas On Three Different Shoes...The Choice Was Natural.

How did the idea to use Pendleton wool plaid come about?

I Have Been wearing Pendeltons Since I was A Child My Father And His Brothers Used To Wear Them, I Wanted To Be Like Them.

As a fan, were you tempted to give the shoe some dancehall elements?

No…This Shoe Was Pretty Straight Forward, Once We Got The Go Ahead From Pendelton It Was On...