Back in June, we published our Freewaters Scamp review. Along with our report on this very comfy sandal, we shared a bit about the company and their philosophy. Since then, we’ve met up with Freewaters at Outdoor Retailer, and got a look at the current lineup, along with some future styles.
Freewaters is now the official footwear partner of Channel Islands Surfboards. Al Merrick started shaping surfboards around the time I was born, and his name is now synonymous with surfing. Having spent nearly 30 years living just a few miles from Channel Islands, I have an appreciation for the laid back lifestyle, and can see how this is a great fit for both companies. The designs are distinctly SoCal, and will be recognizable to any Channel Islands fan.
Continuing their surfing theme, Freewaters has also partnered with Bruce Brown Films to be their official footwear as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Endless Summer. Few images are more iconic to surfing than the one from the movie poster of three surfers checking out the break. Embossed or printed on a pair of Freewaters, it’s the perfect collaboration.
If you’re in need of something more than a sandal, the new Sponge Lite Chassis may be of interest. This new midsole promises to be high on the comfort scale, while low in weight. It’s a non-vulcanizing process, which is much better from an environmental position. But it also makes for a shoe that rolls up and packs light. Look for it in the new Amigo loafer, Reed lace-up, and several other styles. Speaking of which, some of the new styles are available in a hemp option, which we’re happy to see.
Women are not left out either. In sandals, there are plenty of new options that all combine a cozy footbed with casual styling, plus animal prints, metallics, beads, and even rhinestones, while still being vegan-friendly. Women’s shoes echo the men’s in design features, with both slip-on and lace-ups, as well as hemp options. Colorways are of course more feminine.
There’s no way we could describe or show them all, but look forward to more articles and maybe even a few more reviews coming soon. In the meantime, the Freewaters website has plenty more information on not just their footwear, but also the ongoing efforts to bring clean water to those in need around the world.
– Brian