Comfort footwear brand Vionic has debuted Vionic Pro, a line of shoes developed with service industry and medical professionals in mind.
The line features slip-resistant rubber outsoles, an expanded range of widths and sizes, added cushioning and the brand’s proprietary orthotic footbed.
“Vionic Pro answers the needs of customers who work on their feet and crave Vionic support, yet require slip-resistance for safety,” the brand said in a statement.
According to Vionic’s website, all models will be water-resistant and some will be oil-resistant, too—a particular advantage for those working in the restaurant industry. The line launched quietly this spring with an introductory style called the Avery. The slip-on cupsole sneaker comes in seven variations of leather and suede, all retailing for $139.95.
Vionic has plans to grow the collection to include a lace-up sneaker and a mesh sneaker for women, with a men’s sneaker style to come this fall.
“I’m most excited about our launch of Vionic Pro because we are able to help people in industries who are on their feet the majority of the day,” Marisa Byrne, Vionic’s VP of product, design and development told Sourcing Journal.
“We’re putting a lot of our innovation into this program, and it’s taking off considerably,” she added. “I’ve been doing a lot of research in this field, and seeing what is actually being worn—there aren’t a lot of cute options available. Between the style and our comfortable footbed, and it’s a win. We are giving them the technology, combined with a fashionable approach.”
The Vionic Pro line will complement the brand’s existing collection of sandals, casuals, boots and active shoes for men and women.
Vionic was acquired by Caleres last fall for $360 million, joining the ranks of Diane von Furstenberg, Ryka, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, Sam Edelman and Allen Edmonds, among others.
Byrne said the acquisition has been a tremendous value-add for the company, giving it access to an unprecedented library of materials and resources, along with a full-time development team in China, where the company’s shoes are produced.