Sig Zane x KICKS/HI x Vans Vault Collection

Brands coming together to simply collaborate on a sneaker doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s all about the storytelling. So when Vans Vault approached KICKS/HI to do a collection of shoes that represents their unique perspective on Hawaii, they knew just who to contact. To really deliver an authentic Hawaiian aesthetic, they needed Sig Zane Designs from the Big Island.

“No matter what island, district or homestead that you’re from, if you grew up in Hawaii, you know your Mauka (toward the mountains) and Makai (toward the sea),” says Kuha’o Zane, Creative Director of Sig Zane Designs. “Being surrounded by the sea, we have a unique island compass built upon those Mauka to Makai directions. This is a part of our upbringing.”

So using Hawaii’s most basic directional cue points as a starting point for their efforts, the theme of “Mauka to Makai” (from the mountains to the sea) was born. And the best part is, everything was designed and made in Hawaii.

Vans Vault Chukka Boot LX Premium “Mauka”
This boot body features a suede and linen upper, cut leather laces and gum sole. They chose an espresso brown colorway with lighter leather accents to reflect the Mauka-inspired feel and environment. The Mauka Chukka design incorporates Sig Zane’s hand-cut artwork of the endemic Hawaiian silversword, ‘Āhinahina, and the Mauka-inspired print, Pu’umanawale’a.

Vans Vault Era LX Premium “Makai”
The reflection of the blue sky with glimmers of white in Omoka’a pond is the signature of Hawaii’s paradise. Where the Pacific meets the islands, they are left with a tide pool palette unique to the Makai. With a sky linen body, white leather tongue and cut leather laces, this is the solid summer joint. The Olako’aka featured on the insole takes you back to the beginning of the Kumulipo creation chant. The mushroom coral is one of the first creatures mentioned in the Kumulipo and make up the origins of the Hawaiian islands.

Also, be sure to go behind the scenes to see how it all went down:

If you want to get your hands on a pair, the “Mauka to Makai” pack will be available exclusively at KICKS/HI (Honolulu), KICKS/HI (Guam), Sig Zane Designs and Saint Alfred on April 14. The shoes will be available online at KICKS/HI and Sig Zane Designs on April 16.