MEET BENNY
We The Free’s First Boat Shoe Has Docked
By: Carrie Yotter
Not a boot…a boat.
If you pay any mind to footwear fads, you likely know of one style has been hitting the mark consistently this past year: the boat shoe.
Designed as a slip-resistant functional shoe nearly 70 years ago, the boat shoe earned a rightful place in collegiate/prep looks, and now perches itself within a more fashionable echelon thanks to brands like Miu Miu and The Row.
It’s a basic shoe, but really anything but. Here’s how our version – the Benny – came to be.
Designed as a slip-resistant functional shoe nearly 70 years ago, the boat shoe earned a rightful place in collegiate/prep looks, and now perches itself within a more fashionable echelon thanks to brands like Miu Miu and The Row.
It’s a basic shoe, but really anything but. Here’s how our version – the Benny – came to be.
WHERE IS THE BENNY BOAT SHOE MADE?
The Benny Boat Shoe pays homage to the classic boat shoe shape, but in true We The Free fashion, show off subtle signature details for a more unique offering (like the 3 nail heads on the back!).
A family-owned Portugese factory who has been producing shoes for nearly 20 years crafts the Benny from Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified oiled suede and leather sourced from Spain, and hand-makes the leather welts, laces, as well as hand-stitches the moccasin seam around its toes.
A family-owned Portugese factory who has been producing shoes for nearly 20 years crafts the Benny from Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified oiled suede and leather sourced from Spain, and hand-makes the leather welts, laces, as well as hand-stitches the moccasin seam around its toes.
IS THE BENNY BOAT SHOE MADE RESPONSIBLY?
Our partner factory creates a considerably small carbon footprint through their work, as it runs power via solar panels installed on top of the factory roof. They partner only with LWG-certified suppliers, who have all been audited and pass European environmental standards. The glue that is now used in their shoe-making process is both water based and nontoxic, which has passed strict technical and wear tests. The leather “waste material” is often donated to local shoe colleges or repurposed.
HOW TO WEAR THE BENNY BOAT SHOE: A STYLIST’S TAKE
The Benny Boat Shoe blends a timeless loafer with a spring-summer twist. Its removable fringe makes it simple to adjust the look for any occasion.
For a classic look, pair the Benny Boat with the Deep Trance, a low-rise cropped style that showcases the shoe’s silhouette. The cropped cut ensures your Benny Boat shoes are seen, effortlessly elevating your look.
If you prefer wearing socks, the Le Bon Sock is a great addition to complete the look. Pair them with the perfect loose Tipi denim shorts that channels relaxed summer vibes.
Feeling ready to try an awkward length bottom? The Benny Boat shoe is a perfect pair with the Lucca Culotte short.
For a classic look, pair the Benny Boat with the Deep Trance, a low-rise cropped style that showcases the shoe’s silhouette. The cropped cut ensures your Benny Boat shoes are seen, effortlessly elevating your look.
If you prefer wearing socks, the Le Bon Sock is a great addition to complete the look. Pair them with the perfect loose Tipi denim shorts that channels relaxed summer vibes.
Feeling ready to try an awkward length bottom? The Benny Boat shoe is a perfect pair with the Lucca Culotte short.
MAKE THE BENNY
THE BASE OF YOUR LOOK
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