Kids of Immigrants and Vans Highlight Local LA Businesses in New Footwear Collection

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt across the entire world, especially for small businesses who continue to powere through everyday to keep their doors open. Vans‘ Foot the Bill initiative strives to help such establishments and its next move calls upon LA-based imprint Kids of Immigrants to assist with the design of a special Sk8-Hi for Mi Vida — a handmade shop based in Highland Park — and a Slip-On that’s devoted to Mandarin Noodle House of Monterey Park.

“Shop Mi Vida and Mandarin Noodle House came to us by way of community”, the Kids of Immigrants stated when speaking on the partnership. We were inspired by both businesses and their commitment to supporting and uplifting their own communities. We are happy to partner with Vans and Foot The Bill program in supporting small businesses, especially in tough times. The UNITY of CommUNITY creates OpportUNITY.”

For Mi Vida, Kids of Immigrants decorates its side paneling with cool aqua backgrounds that sport cacti graphics, starry shapes and a banner that spells out the aforementioned business. Suede overlays are treated with a darker blue hue and come offset by vibrant pink lace loops and clean white laces. Its release sibling — the Slip-On that’s dedicated to Mandarin Noodle House — kicks off with jade green front panels that are decorated with the restaurant’s logo and a Chinese symbol that rests dead in the center. The mid-foot receives an off-white outer and comes mated with a brown heel overlay. Red trim is found along the ankle while a strip of yellow is applied to the midsole.

Both pairs are available right now via Vans’ online store for $100 USD (Sk8-Hi) and $90 USD (Slip-On).

For more footwear news, check out Vans’ latest “Grosso Forever” capsule that honors Jeff Grosso.