JackThreads, the online menswear retailer, is maturing after its split last year from Thrillist Media Group.
The company, known to sell the likes of Vans, Palladium, Cole Haan and more, has upgraded with a refined logo, a new house label, an extensive calendar of collaborations and a burgeoning “try before you buy” business model. This fall the company is set to debut its first range of footwear designed in-house by its own dedicated footwear and accessories team, including Senior Buyer Michael Vincent.
Vamp got an early look at the line at JackThreads’ SoHo headquarters before it goes live in mid-August.
The line stays true to JackThreads DNA. Vincent pointed out that styles are timeless, versatile and are intended to be worn up or down and for multiple purposes—just like the company’s apparel collections. Classic uppers with tweaked bottoms and thoughtfully placed details elevate the collection, which will retail from $85 for wingtips to $140 for hikers. The brand looked inward for inspiration—each style is named after a JackThreads employee who personifies the look and feel of the shoe.
The first delivery includes classic wingtips with modern rigid bottoms, and chukkas with a trail-meets-urban vibe, followed by smooth leather Chelsea boots, brogue boots, chukkas lined with calf leather for comfort, work boots with a sporty outsole and wingtips with memory foam insoles.
The collection becomes more winterized with lugged sole boots with a stacked heel, polished combat boots and hybrid hikers lined with faux fur—ideal styles for men who want to participate in trends without going haywire.
Vincent and his team kept the line’s palette traditional focusing on shades of tan, brown and black. A pop of navy throughout the line ties back to the brand’s big push for denim this fall. Subtle details, like contrasting suede heel tabs and tongues, add a tactile feel the mostly leather line. Leather selection was based on what will age well, Vincent added. “We use all high grade leather. We didn’t cut corners,” he said. “Consumers equate light to cheap, but we beefed it up with quality materials.”