Forsake

Forsake operates within the outdoor footwear market, specializing in a product it terms the "sneakerboot."

The company's history began with a personal need experienced by its founders, Jake Anderson and Sam Barstow. In 2009, the two friends and outdoor enthusiasts relocated from the East Coast to the mountains of Montana and Utah. They discovered that their existing footwear was inadequate for the harsh mountain environment, yet they also required something stylish enough for casual and work settings. This gap in the market prompted them to design a versatile shoe. To fund their concept, they launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2012, successfully raising over $100,000. Officially founded in 2013, the company name itself is a portmanteau of the founders' names: For-Sam-and-Jake. A significant milestone was the company's participation in the 43North start-up accelerator, which included a $500,000 award and led to a temporary relocation to Buffalo, NY, in 2019. In June 2021, Weyco Group, a publicly traded footwear company, acquired Forsake for approximately $2.5 million, with potential for an additional $1.75 million in contingent payments based on performance. Following the acquisition, Anderson and Barstow continued to lead the brand, which was integrated into Weyco's outdoor division alongside the BOGS brand and relocated to Portland, Oregon.

Forsake's business model is centered on a direct-to-consumer approach through its e-commerce website, supplemented by a wholesale channel that distributes to over 225 retail stores across North America. The company targets a growing demographic of outdoor enthusiasts who desire footwear that performs like a hiking boot but has the aesthetic of a casual sneaker. Its core product, the sneakerboot, is defined by its "Peak-to-Pavement®" philosophy, signifying its utility in both urban and trail environments. Key features include waterproof and breathable membranes, gusseted tongues to keep out debris, and durable leather uppers. The company emphasizes sustainability by using high-quality materials, sourcing leather from LWG gold-rated tanneries, and incorporating recycled and bio-based materials into its products. Since 2019, Forsake has been certified as Climate Neutral.

Keywords: outdoor footwear, sneakerboot, hiking shoes, waterproof boots, versatile footwear, Peak-to-Pavement, Jake Anderson, Sam Barstow, Weyco Group, direct-to-consumer, outdoor lifestyle, all-weather boots, sustainable footwear, Climate Neutral Certified, adventure travel gear, urban outdoor, rugged construction, men's footwear, women's footwear