We're Roots, Nice to Meet You
We're Roots, Nice to Meet You
Founded in Toronto, Canada in 1973, and inspired by the nearby wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park, we inspire the world to experience everyday adventures with comfort and style.
Founded in Toronto, Canada in 1973, and inspired by the nearby wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park, we inspire the world to experience everyday adventures with comfort and style.
Our Story
Roots was founded by Michael Budman and Don Green, two city kids who met at summer camp in Algonquin Park, where they first fell in love with the ideals and beauty of Canada.
Starting from a little cabin, they created Roots, inspired by the experience of travelling from their city homes into the heart of Canada's wilderness.
Since our founding, we have united the best of cabin and city through unmistakable style, built with uncompromising comfort.
Made for Your Everyday Adventures
We're a premium outdoor lifestyle brand that embodies a comfortable cabin-meets-city style, made for your everyday adventures no matter where you're headed next.
Our Iconic Products
Salt & Pepper Sweats
A Roots signature that goes with everything you own, this ultra-soft fleece is created from a special knit featuring a unique look and cozy feel that has made these sweats world famous.
Roots Genuine Leather
A Roots signature that goes with everything you own, this ultra-soft fleece is created from a special knit featuring a unique look and cozy feel that has made these sweats world famous.
The Award Jacket
A Roots signature that goes with everything you own, this ultra-soft fleece is created from a special knit featuring a unique look and cozy feel that has made these sweats world famous.
Roots Cabin Collection
A Roots signature that goes with everything you own, this ultra-soft fleece is created from a special knit featuring a unique look and cozy feel that has made these sweats world famous.
What Guides Us
Community
We are a place of inclusivity, diversity and open-mindedness. We support one another and the communities where we live and work.
Genuine
While we draw inspiration from the world around us, we never forget where we have come from - our heritage and Canadian beginnings.
Integrity
We always strive to do what's right, and to build trust and lasting relationships with our brand community.
Freedom
We always strive to do what's right, and to build trust and lasting relationships with our brand community.
Comfort and Style from Day One
In 1973, our Founders set out to launch Roots with their first product. By drawing inspiration from the world around them, combining style and comfort with a commitment to outstanding quality and craftsmanship, the Roots ‘negative heel’ shoe was born. With a heel that was lower than its toe, the quirky design feature was meant to improve posture while providing great comfort. Introduced on August 15, 1973, the shoe was sold out by the end of the month and the waiting list began.
Heritage and Quality for Generations
Original leather goods have been at the heart of Roots since our inception, and to this day, our leather products remain largely a creation of human hands.
Since our founding, our Toronto leather factory has been operated by generations of family craftspeople. Our skilled team of leather artisans are the backbone of our leather products, and we are proud of the genuine handcrafted leather goods we make.
“My father Jan was a master shoemaker who instilled in us the importance of quality and ethics. He taught us that there are no shortcuts.”
Why
Roots?
We value individuality and a strongly grounded sense of self, and we also value togetherness – being a part of something bigger than ourselves. The beaver is emblematic of qualities we admire in true community-builders: they are resourceful and industrious. We believe in always working to make our communities a better place. Since the very beginning, the beaver has served as our beloved icon and an expression of our love for nature, and our home, Canada.
The Beaver
We value individuality and a strongly grounded sense of self, and we also value togetherness – being a part of something bigger than ourselves. The beaver is emblematic of qualities we admire in true community-builders: they are resourceful and industrious. We believe in always working to make our communities a better place. Since the very beginning, the beaver has served as our beloved icon and an expression of our love for nature, and our home, Canada.
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