Jockey Launches Footwear Line

by Christopher Blomquist

Jockey loJockey International is stepping into the footwear business.

The Wisconsin-based brand has entered into a licensing deal with New York-based footwear manufacturer The Eastman Group to design, produce and market casual footwear, slippers, sandals and athleisure models for men and women.

Reflecting Jockey’s commitment to technical innovation, the shoes will feature materials that regulate temperature and that are anti-microbial and moisture-wicking.

The new collection will have a soft launch for spring 2016 and be fully realized for the following autumn/winter season. The initial offering will be a “tightly focused collection featuring summer product” while fall’s will be “a full assortment of casual footwear and slippers for men” a brand spokesperson said.

Although exact price points have not been set, they “will be consistent with Jockey’s brand positioning” she added.

The shoes will be available at current Jockey stockists such as Amazon.com, Zappos.com, Jockey.com, Belk, BonTon, Lord & Taylor, Kohls, Macy’s, JCPenney.com and Fred Meyer. Specialty shoe retailers will also carry them.

Footwear is the seventh licensed product category for 139-year-old Jockey. Its others are women’s activewear, women’s sleepwear, men’s sleepwear, Baby Jockey & Jockey Kids, scrubs and women’s thermals.

Jockey is privately held and sells its products in more than 140 countries.