The Year of the Customer
This was a year that we asked a lot of our customers and received more than we could have imagined in return. At the beginning of 2017, we were eagerly awaiting the restart of our production. For the previous 9 months, we had asked our customers (and potential customers) to wait with us.
To our absolute delight, wait you did. Our repeat customers remained loyal and our new customers were patient. Our locals called us every month to check on our progress. When we relaunched with the Norwood in March, you came out in full force.
The support and appreciation we receive from our customers warms our hearts daily. We hope that each and every one of you can feel the same appreciation in return. We’ve been able to overcome challenges, celebrate successes, build a team, and provide shoes that serve your feet. All in all, we think that makes for quite a good year.
Simple & Comfy: the Juno is Here
We couldn’t end the year without bringing you the Juno. Another member of our casual collection, the Juno is a classic navy canvas shoe simplified with the no-tie lacing system from SnapLaces (there’s more information about SnapLaces in our Gift Guide below). The Juno is both easy and comfortable—and we’re a big fan of both of those!
As we continue to expand our offerings (including new limited edition patterns), keep an eye on our Sole Mates. When testing color and pattern combinations, there’s always designs that don’t make the cut for full production but may be perfect for your feet!
But Wait, There's More!
In the spirit of giving, we've a bonanza of models coming your way. As lucky subscribers to our newsletter, you get to hear about it first!
Our Red Norwoods are making a brief return to production before enjoying a full retirement. This model combines the joy of color with the durability of a cordura upper. If you've been waiting for your pair of red shoes, now's the time to snatch one up before they're all gone!
Speaking of patterns that are here one day and gone the next, we're bringing a couple of fun designs to you just in time for the new year. Our Bicycle SOMs are rolling back into town for a limited (and final) run. This popular cotton pattern is one of our favorites and we're glad to offer them one more time.
We're also giving you our coziest model yet. A soft flannel upper with an even softer bamboo liner, our Flannels are perfect for the winter days ahead. They'll be around for limited time, too, so don't wait!
Opting Outside & Shopping Small
Living in Colorado means we have an incredible number of recreation opportunities in our backyard; sometimes, it’s a shame to be indoors. We took advantage of that fact to move our Black Friday outside. All of the SOM Footwear Team was off the Friday after Thanksgiving in support of REI’s #optoutside campaign. The crowds were sparse as we turned Black Friday into a bluebird one.
SOM Team member Nathalie opted outside at Natural Bridges in Utah
We didn’t ignore shopping the following day, though. Small Business Saturday was a great opportunity to support our local businesses. We shopped small, getting some great gifts for the season. Hopefully a number of you were able to join us. If not, don’t worry! There’s still time to support small businesses this season.
Made in USA Gift Guide
Our favorite small businesses are those that produce goods made in the USA (we may be a bit biased). In extension of the Small Business Saturday love, we’ve gathered a few of our fellow American Made companies to share with you. We encourage you to buy at least one gift this season that was Made in the USA. These are just a few possibilities—feel free to share your favorites as well!
Brfur
As winter arrives, keep your hands toasty with Brfur. Handcrafting mittens in Mosinee, Wisconsin, Brfur knows a thing or two about bringing warmth to a cold environment (it was a balmy 21 degrees and snowing there on Tuesday). Their Trekker Mitts are both warm and functional, perfect for your outdoor adventures!
SnapLaces
We’re pretty picky about our shoe accessories and are pleased to have found this no-tie lacing system that is made in the Pacific Northwest. Transforming any shoe (not just SOMs!) into easy on, easy off shoes, SnapLaces are a great alternative to traditional shoe tying. So great in fact, that we’ve included them standard on the Juno. Coming in a variety of colors, one is bound to catch your eye. You can find them in our shop, too.
Lucky Tree Studio
Lucky Tree is a local favorite of ours. Crafted just down the road, their selection of bamboo jewelry is not only adorable, but sustainable, too. Add in lightweight and durable and, well, you can see why we're fans.
Still coming up short on stocking stuffers? While we can’t promise you’ll find the perfect gift for that hard to buy for family member, we will say that everyone loves socks…😉
Happiest of Holidays
We hope that you and yours have a wonderful holiday. As always, thank you for being a part of our year. Looking forward to what the next one has in store for us.
