Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has revealed a significant collaboration with Warson Brands to broaden the scope of DC Shoes and Roxy footwear, primarily targeting the occupational market. Warson Brands, renowned for its protective and safety technologies, will take on the design, development, and distribution of premium occupational footwear for DC Shoes and Roxy, focusing on styles for men and women in the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK.
This partnership marks an expansion of Authentic’s already diverse brand portfolio. David Brooks, the Executive Vice President of Action and Outdoor Sports and Lifestyle at Authentic, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Warson, a leader in the occupational footwear sector known for its innovation and functionality. The introduction of both DC Shoes and Roxy into the growing category of occupational footwear aligns with Authentic’s track record of successful brand development.
Warson will focus on creating Roxy occupational footwear that caters to women in various occupational settings, offering protective and durable styles suitable for different working environments, from the factory floor to the jobsite. Simultaneously, DC Shoes is set to enter the occupational footwear market by providing essential styles equipped with safety features for job sites, kitchens, hospitals, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
The designs for these occupational footwear collections will stay true to both DC Shoes and Roxy’s distinct design aesthetics, while adhering to American, Canadian, and European safety standards for occupational footwear. This means incorporating protective steel or composite toe caps for high-tech industries and electro-static dissipating properties in certain styles. Slip-resistant outsoles will be a common feature, with soft-toe options available for those working in hospitality and service occupations.
Jim Maritz, President and CEO of Warson Brands, expressed their anticipation of expanding their partnership with Authentic Brands Group. The introduction of DC Shoes and Roxy to the occupational footwear market in 2024 is seen as a strategic move to address the evolving needs of working women and provide occupational footwear suitable for a broader range of customers and various professional settings, including healthcare and service industries. Consumers can expect to find the new DC Shoes and Roxy work footwear collections retailing from $90 to $125. These products will be available at select workwear and specialty retail locations starting in the spring of 2024, catering to those seeking a combination of style and safety in their work shoes.
