Authentic Brands taps Warson Brands for DC Shoes, Roxy occupational footwear

Authentic Brands has inked a partnership with Warson Brands via a new occupational footwear licensing deal for the brand management firm’s DC Shoes and Roxy brands.

Under the agreement, Warson will design, develop and distribute occupational footwear for men and women for the DC Shoes brand, as well as women’s styles for the Roxy brand in the U.S., Canada and Europe, including the UK.

“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Warson Brands,” said David Brooks, EVP, action and outdoor sports, lifestyle, Authentic.

“Warson is a leader in the occupational footwear space who bring an  expertise in innovation and function.  we are excited to extend both DC Shoes and Roxy into this thriving category. Together with Authentic’s proven track record of brand development,  prepares each brand for success in this growing category.”  

Retaining DC Shoes and Roxy’s design aesthetics, Warson will incorporate the specifications required to meet the American, Canadian and European safety standards for occupational footwear. T

he footwear will be fitted with protective steel or composite toe caps and for high-tech industries, several styles will be constructed with electro-static dissipating properties. All styles will feature slip-resisting outsoles while a select few will come in soft toe options for hospitality and service occupations.

“We look forward to expanding our partnership with Authentic Brands Group by introducing two leading surf and skate inspired lifestyle brands to the occupational footwear market in 2024. With Roxy we will really be able to address the ever-growing needs of working women,” said Jim Maritz, president and CEO of Warson Brands.

“We believe that we will be able to supply occupational footwear for more of our customers and workers in even more settings, such as the healthcare and service industries.”

The new DC Shoes and Roxy work footwear collections will retail from $90 to $125, and will be available at select workwear and specialty accounts in spring 2024.