SALT & PEPPER SWEATS
An iconic Roots signature, crafted with ultra-soft premium fleece. Created from a special knit featuring a unique look and feel, these sweats are world-famous with more styles and sizes than ever before.
LEARN MORE
Our Story
Proudly Canadian for Over 50 Years
At Roots, being Canadian isn't just part of our story—it's who we are.
In the 1960s, two friends Michael Budman and Don Green met at a summer camp in Canada's Algonquin Park. Their love for Canada inspired them to create Roots in 1973.
“It was a twelve-hour trip by train, bus and boat to Camp Tamakwa in the heart of Canada's wilderness that would change everything.”
Michael Budman & Don Green
Roots Founders
Our Heritage
In 1973, our founders launched Roots with their first product. By drawing inspiration from the world around them, combining style and an unwavering commitment to outstanding quality and craftsmanship, the Roots ‘negative heel’ shoe was born. Featuring a heel lower than its toe, this quirky design improved posture and provided comfort with every step. Introduced on August 15, 1973, the Sport Root Shoe was sold out by the end of the month and the waiting list began.
What started as one store on Yonge St. in Toronto has since grown into 115 stores nationwide with over 2,000 Canadian employees.
Our Legacy
We are proud of our rich Canadian heritage, connection to nature, and commitment to community.
ROOTS GENUINE LEATHER
Designed and made in Canada, our leather showcases our dedication to quality and craftsmanship. We are proud of our expert makers who locally handcraft our leather bags, jackets, and select accessories.
LEARN MORE
THE VARSITY JACKET
First launched in 1979, our Varsity Jacket has since become an emblem of style and craftsmanship. These leather classics continue to be designed and handcrafted in Canada at our Toronto Leather Factory.
LEARN MORE
SALT & PEPPER SWEATS
An iconic Roots signature, crafted with ultra-soft premium fleece. Created from a special knit featuring a unique look and feel, these sweats are world famous with more styles and sizes than ever before.
LEARN MORE
ROOTS GENUINE LEATHER
Designed and made in Canada, our leather showcases our dedication to quality and craftsmanship. We are proud of our expert makers who locally handcraft our leather bags, jackets and select accessories.
LEARN MORE
THE VARSITY JACKET
First launched in 1979, our Varsity Jacket has since become an emblem of style and craftsmanship. These leather classics continue to be designed and handcrafted in Canada at our Toronto Leather Factory.
LEARN MORE
Our Quality
Original leather goods have been at the heart of Roots since our inception.
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.”
Karl Kowalewski
Vice President, Leather Product Development, Design
& Manufacturing
Learn More
Why Roots?
Your feet really are your roots, as they’re connected to the ground like a tree – this was the insight that led us to adopt the name Roots. Since our founding, just as we’ve grown to offer so much more than footwear, Roots as a name has grown to mean so much more to us, and to our consumers.
Those who wear Roots are connected to a community that recognizes one another with a nod – a mutual understanding that you’re comfortable with who you are. Everyone has roots. We believe in the importance of where you come from – your origins, your history, your story – which are all distinctly your own. We celebrate what makes us all unique.
The Beaver
Since the very beginning, our beloved beaver icon has been a Canadian symbol, and an expression of our love and commitment to nature and our home.
We value individuality, a strongly grounded sense of self, and togetherness—which includes being a part of something bigger than ourselves. The beaver is emblematic of qualities we admire in true community-builders: they are resourceful, industrious, and are always working to make their homes a better place.
Born in Canada, Loved Worldwide
Our birthplace may have been in Algonquin Park, but we unite the best of cabin and city globally. We have 115 stores across the country, more than 100 internationally, and we offer online shopping to over 70 countries. You can always find Roots, no matter where you are.
