Native Shoes teams up with Marc Jacobs, launches Fitzsimmons for kids

by Michelle da Silva on September 7th, 2011 at 12:29 PM

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It doesn't quite feel like fall yet in Vancouver, but that doesn't mean you can't start looking at fall/winter footwear. Local company Native Shoes is launching two new styles for fall/winter 2011—one that's perfect for kids headed back to school, and another that'll have adults secretly hoping for snow.

Native Shoes' Fitzsimmons hiking boots for kids.

The Fitzsimmons hiking boot is already available in adult sizes ($90 at J2 [various locations]); however, new for fall is the Fitzsimmons for kids. This playful take on the classic hiking boot is made of the save EVA-injected moulded material that all other Native Shoes are known for, and they also come in similar candy-inspired colours, including bright yellow, pink, red, and blue. Sizes are available in toddler/kids 4 to 13 and junior 1 to 3. The Fitzsimmons for kids is expected to arrive at J2 stores and Walrus Home (3408 Cambie Street) within the next month, and prices may vary between stores.

Marc Jacobs for Native Shoes' Jimmy boots.

In terms of new Native footwear for adults, fashionistas won't want to miss a limited-edition design created in collaboration with Marc Jacobs—yes, them Marc Jacobs.

I recently had the chance to check out the Jimmy boot by Native Shoes at Know?Show, a biannual lifestyle tradeshow that took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place) in August. The Jimmy looks like a cross between shin-height rubber wellies and winter snow boots, and features laminated denim on the upper part of the boot and moulded EVA on the lower half. Despite the rugged look of the boots, they are surprisingly light, and would probably make for good West Coast winter boots. (I'm not sure how warm they would be for real winter.) They're also 100 percent waterproof, which makes them ideal for Vancouver's wet, slushy "snow".

The Marc Jacobs for Native Shoes version of the Jimmy boot will be similar to the regular Jimmy; however it won't be available in Canadian stores. The Marc Jacobs version will only be sold at Marc Jacobs boutiques (and Vancouver doesn't have one) for $95 USD starting Thursday (September 8); however, Canadians will be able to purchase the boots online at the Marc Jacobs website. Then, all we'll have to wait for is "snow".

You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.