{"id":155987,"date":"2023-04-13T11:02:48","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T09:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.skatedeluxe.com\/blog\/?p=155987"},"modified":"2023-06-29T15:20:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T13:20:58","slug":"vans-zahba-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skatedeluxe.com\/blog\/en\/vans-zahba-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Vans Zahba skate shoe review | The ImpactWaffle wear test"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\t

\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWith the Zahba skate shoe<\/a>, Vans introduces the ImpactWaffle technology: a three-piece cup sole construction designed for improved impact protection and boardfeel. We\u2019ve tested the Zion Wright-inspired Vans shoe for you!\r\n\t\t<\/strong>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tREAD IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE<\/em>\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\tDE<\/a> | FR<\/a> | NL<\/a>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tA cup sole performing like a vulcanized sole? What\u2019s behind ImpactWaffle?\r\n\t<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tWhen it comes to skate shoes, there are basically two types: vulcanized and cup sole constructions<\/a> (and a few in-between experiments). Vans shoes are popular for their vulcanized soles. Many skaters are loyal to Vans for providing superior boardfeel and grip. However, some vulc shoes might lack impact protection and stability \u2013 the traits a lot of cup sole shoes do provide.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tThe Vans Zahba has been designed to cater to both needs. Therefore, Vans created the ImpactWaffle sole. It contains two molded layers of VR3Cush\u2122 foam placed in a SickStick\u2122 rubber outsole. Zion Wright is currently one of the most versatile skateboarders in the scene. Let\u2019s find out if his shoe is as well.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tVans Zahba fit, unboxing and first session\r\n\t<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tThe Vans Zahba can be described as true to size, so I would recommend ordering the Zahba in your usual size. For me, it felt slightly wider at the balls of my feet and rather narrow in the front. Due to the flat insole, I found the Zahba didn\u2019t have as much arch support compared to other Vans skate shoes i.e., PopCush insoles.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tDuring my first steps in the Zahba, I noticed that the shoe was not very flexible but much lighter than most Vans shoes I\u2019ve skated. The outsole is a bit harder with deep grooves and several different tread patterns, which is supposed to give the sole more durability where it is needed.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tThe shoes had a great flick straight out of the box. Usually, I have to break Vans shoes in and \u201cshape\u201d the foxing tape with a few tricks. The ImpactWaffle, however, offers the perfect amount of grip for a powerful flick. The shoe\u2019s outsole didn\u2019t feel as grippy as a vulcanized sole but I don\u2019t think this is because of the material but more due to the initial stiffness of the sole. The Zahba became much grippier over time.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tPerformance & durability of the Vans Zahba \u2013 Wear Test\r\n\t<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tFor my review, I skated the Vans Zahba with a fresh board. After mostly skating street, in particular ledged and flat bars, I must admit that the shoe offers more impact support than I was expecting.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tThe shoe has a unique feel compared to other Vans skate shoes and I have skated a lot of cup sole skate shoes in the past. The boardfeel of the Vans Zahba reminded me a little bit of the Busenitz from the brand with the three stripes. You have a significant amount of control in the toes in the Zahba which makes Kickflips feel awesome.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tThe Vans Zahba after 10 hours of skating\r\n\t<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tThe damage in the ollie area was minimal. I was surprised that most wears were located where the Vans Side Stripe is placed on the shoe. In a way, it serves as an additional layer of upper and contributes to the shoe\u2019s durability. Moreover, the shoe showed hardly any signs of wear. The outsole still looked as good as new.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\"Vans\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tSkating the Vans Zahba for 20 hours\r\n\t<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\tWhen I was skating a bit of transition, I could directly feel the ImpactWaffle foam midsole as it offers responsiveness \u2013 I felt the concave of my board very well. Of course, the Zahba\u2019s boardfeel doesn’t mirror the boardfeel of vulcanized Vans \u2013 but there’s not much missing.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t

\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\tAfter a while, I recognized more and more wear at the lace bar. When I had been skating the Zahba for about 20 hours, the laces started to rip. This might be an effect of the low-profile SickStick outsole. If you ride a deck with a very steep nose, I could see this becoming a problem. However, at this point, no significant damage was visible yet beside the top of the lace bar and the Side Stripe.\r\n\t\t\t<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
\n
\n
\n