SOREL Footwear, a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear based in Portland, Oregon, has partnered with Zappos.com to offer a selection of accessible footwear. The collaboration between SOREL and Zappos Adaptive aims to provide functional and fashionable products designed to make life easier for everyone. This partnership comes after Columbia Sportswear Ltd. acquired the SOREL brand in 2000 when it filed for bankruptcy.
SOREL is known for its high-end designer shoes that are popular among celebrities due to their warmth, durability, and wallet-friendly prices. The brand has a rich history dating back to 1962, when it began as a premium boot manufacturer. Today, SOREL continues to create all-season footwear that combines expert craftsmanship with future-forward designs.
Zappos.com, which started as a small online retailer selling shoes 20 years ago, now offers a curated shopping experience through Zappos Adaptive. Dana Zumbo, Business Development Manager at Zappos Adaptive, expressed her excitement about working with SOREL on introducing their first inclusive footwear line to the market. The collaboration involved sharing feedback from Zappos Adaptive customers and working directly with the disability community to ensure the most universal fit and wear possible.
For this partnership, SOREL chose three iconic silhouettes – Explorer II Joan Dual Zip, Emelie II Chelsea Heel Zip, and Explorer Boot Dual Zip – and added modifications and features to make them more accessible. The inclusive designs incorporate dual zippers and enlarged pull loops for an easier on-off experience. Each design element was perfected to strike the ultimate balance of function and style, and was tested in real-time by individuals with disabilities.
Mark Nenow, president of SOREL, emphasized the brand's commitment to partnering with thought leaders like Zappos Adaptive in delivering superior products designed for everyone. As SOREL continues to blend functionality and style, this collaboration with Zappos Adaptive allows the brand to empower and embolden even more unstoppable individuals through function-first design.
Zappos Adaptive's mission is to provide functional and fashionable products that address a variety of needs, making life easier for its customers. With this partnership, both SOREL and Zappos Adaptive continue to push the boundaries of inclusive fashion and footwear, ensuring that their products cater to the diverse needs of their consumers.
