Latest news with #G.H.Bass
NBC News
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
What are sneaker loafers and why is every footwear brand making a pair?
It makes sense to be skeptical of the sneaker loafer. It's a bizarre combination: the timeless design of a loafer fused with the sporty side and build of a sneaker. And yet, somehow, it works. What started as a niche collaboration between New Balance and Junya Watanabe in 2024 exploded into a full-blown footwear trend that major brands like Hoka and Puma embraced. The original sneaker loafer, based on the New Balance 1906 silhouette, drew attention for its unconventional blend of styles — the classic loafer upper paired with a performance-inspired sole. Now, more brands are experimenting with their versions of the hybrid shoe. Below, we highlight some of the best sneaker loafers available right now. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. What are sneaker loafers Sneaker loafers are a combination of the loafer design and modern sneakers. They're part lifestyle shoe, part performance sneaker. These shoes aren't meant to replace either category, but instead reinterpret both. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez started noticing the sneaker loafers a few months ago when she pointed them out to me after a meeting. We were chatting about how nice a pair of brown suede sneaker loafers looked. New Balance and many other brands have started jumping in on the trend with all-new models and color options. The best sneaker loafers of 2025 New Balance 1906L Loafer This is the sneaker loafer that started it all. Based on New Balance's 1906 silhouette, the 1906L blends performance DNA with a loafer-like upper — a mix that looks strange at first but grows on you fast. The design is so popular it often sells out. Hoka Speed Loafer The Hoka Speed Loafer feels even more ludicrous than the New Balance model thanks to its classic Hoka chunky sole and the clever little tassels at the top of the shoe. It's like someone asked a marathon runner to create their ideal version of a sneaker made for a black tie dinner. It has a suede trim and leather upper and refers to the Hoka Speedgoat 5, the brand's trail running shoe. The Sophyr Loafyr (yes, that's the name) features a leather upper, mesh lining, and trail-style outsole. It's rugged and performance-forward, with a logo cut-out strap that leans sporty over sleek. More aligned with hiking sneakers than business casual, this hybrid shoe features a Vibram sole and a rubberized toe cap for grip and durability. It's the most outdoorsy option here — odd but practical. G.H. Bass Buxton Penny Loafer The other sneaker loafers on this list are more aggressive in their approach to hybridization. This G.H. Bass model is much more inoffensive and easy to digest, which, depending on the person, could be a welcome sight. These have a rubber sole, breathable lining and leather upper, according to the brand. Why trust NBC Select? I am an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, apparel, home and more. I have covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years. For this article, I rounded up my favorite sneaker loafers from NBC Select favorite brands.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
G-III signs license agreement for G.H. Bass
This story was originally published on Fashion Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Fashion Dive newsletter. Aldo Product Services, a division of the Aldo Group, has signed a license agreement for the G.H. Bass brand, owned by G-III Apparel Group, according to a Thursday press release. Under the seven-year exclusive deal, Aldo Product Services will design, manufacture, distribute, market and sell footwear, bags and small leather goods for G.H. Bass across retail channels in North America. The partnership, which will launch for the spring-summer 2026 season, also includes e-commerce management. G-III, which acquired G.H. Bass from PVH Corp. in 2013, also owns a portfolio of fashion brands that includes DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld and Vilebrequin. In addition, the company licenses more than 20 brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica and Converse. 'Aldo's expertise in footwear, along with their extensive supplier network and proven omnichannel capabilities, will strengthen the presence of G.H. Bass by offering an expanded range of products both online and in-store,' Jeffrey Goldfarb, G-III's executive vice president, said in the release. Aldo Product Services plans to leverage its existing DTC digital networks, wholesale relationships and supply chain relationships to bring the G.H. Bass brand to a wider audience, per the release. 'This partnership is about more than strategy — it's about vision,' Jonathan Frankel, president of Aldo Product Services, said in the release. 'In the face of evolving market conditions, this is not the time to slow down. There has never been a more compelling moment to unlock the full potential of an iconic American heritage brand.' Frankel added that the G.H. Bass brand has a nearly 150-year legacy that his company wants to build on. 'Combined with our deep design expertise, we're fueling the next chapter of growth with a focus on effortless style and everyday luxury — delivering elevated essentials that blend heritage, quality, and modern design,' Frankel said. Other licensed brands Aldo Product Services works with include Authentic Brand Group-owned labels such as Sperry, Roxy, Brooks Brothers, Ted Baker and Hunter. Recommended Reading Sperry's Jonathan Frankel talks licenses, collaborations and what it means to be authentic
