Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company
| File:Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company Logo.png | |
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Bruce R. Katz |
| Headquarters | Mill Valley, California |
| Products | Shoes, belts, leather goods |
Number of employees | 21-50 |
| Website | SamuelHubbard.com |
The Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company is a U.S.-based footwear enterprise established in 2013 by Bruce R. Katz, who also co-founded the Rockport Shoe Company. Headquartered in Mill Valley, CA, the firm specializes in high-quality shoes.
History
The origins of Samuel Hubbard date back to the 1930s when Samuel J. Katz created the Hubbard Shoe Company located in Rochester, NH. During World War II, the business grew to employ over 500 workers, manufacturing boots for military personnel. Post-war, Saul Katz joined the operation to assist in revitalizing the company. The firm prospered through the 1950s and 1960s, securing additional government contracts amid the Korean War, but ultimately ceased operations by 1973 due to competition from lower-cost foreign manufacturers.
In 1971, Saul Katz and his son Bruce founded the Rockport Shoe Company, adopting overseas production methods and innovating in comfort footwear. Rockport expanded to nearly $100 million in revenue before its acquisition by Reebok in 1986.
After Saul’s death in 2012 and with a desire to continue the family's shoemaking tradition, Bruce Katz launched Samuel Hubbard in July 2013. The brand pays tribute to his grandfather Samuel and the original Hubbard Shoe Company.
Products and manufacturing
Samuel Hubbard is renowned for its "Unsneaker," a shoe that combines the appearance of a dress shoe with the comfort of a sneaker. The product range includes dozens of designs such as casual shoes, formal footwear, slip-ons, along with golf and boat shoes introduced in 2018.
The uppers and insoles incorporate leathers sourced from Europe, while most styles utilize Vibram soles. Production occurs in Portugal, benefiting from founder Katz’s longstanding industry relationships established during his tenure at Rockport. Distribution channels encompass the official website, prominent retailers like Nordstrom and Dillards, as well as more than 500 independent shoe stores across the United States.
In popular culture
Samuel Hubbard footwear has been worn by ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes, actor Danny Glover in The Old Man & the Gun, musician Peter Gabriel, celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, and former U.S. president Bill Clinton.
Philanthropy
The company supports the Marin Humane Society and frequently includes dogs in its promotional materials. For every pair sold from the Freedom collection, $20 is contributed to the News Literacy Project, which promotes media literacy education.