New Shoes: Sig Zane, Vans and Kicks Hawaii Collaborate

honolulu shops

Sneak Peak: Sig Zane Designs teams up with Vans and Kicks Hawaii for an Island-style collaboration.

photos: luke aguinaldo

Stepping outside the clothing box, Hilo-based apparel brand Sig Zane Designs is getting a little arch support this spring courtesy of local sneaker boutique Kicks Hawaii and skateboard industry giant Vans. Dropping on April 14, the trio’s collaborative mini-collection pairs two of Vans’ most popular shoe styles with Sig Zane’s signature nature-themed graphic prints.

The collection’s inspiration is two-fold, explains Kuhao Zane, Sig’s son and the brand’s graphic designer. “The first thought that came to mind was Kicks Hawaii’s classic tag line ‘You Know Where We Stay’,” he says. “And based off of that line, I thought about mauka and makai directionals, and how they’re so unique to Hawaii.”

The mid-top Mauka Chukka boot has a padded leather collar, suede toe caps and fiery, lava-orange laces. Done in a mountain-minded espresso, its linen body features a pattern called Puumanawalea, replicated from one of Sig’s hand-cut art pieces, which represents the Islands’ beautiful hills.

A low-rise, the Makai Era has a decidedly preppy feel. Also made of linen, its solid, sky blue hue was inspired by the shimmer of the ocean on a sunny Kona day. A soft gray Olakoaka coral reef pattern tops its soles while pristine white heel caps and cut-leather laces offer a fresh dose of contrast.