New Republic

Maker

About

New Republic is an American footwear brand founded in 2016 in Los Angeles, California, specializing in affordable leather boots and sneakers designed for everyday wear. The company was established by Four Five Group co-founders Dee Murthy and Andres Izquieta, along with CEO Josh Kaplan and lead designer Mark McNairy, who brings over 30 years of fashion industry experience from collaborations with brands including Adidas, Pharrell, Timberland, and The North Face. Named after a historic New York City fashion destination, New Republic emerged from The Menlo Club subscription box before launching as an independent brand focused on providing classic footwear at accessible price points under $100 for most styles.

History

New Republic originated as a footwear concept within The Menlo Club, a men's subscription box operated by Four Five Group. The experimental line, designed in collaboration with menswear designer Mark McNairy, proved popular among club members, with tens of thousands wearing the products before the brand's public launch. When the trademark for "New Republic" - referencing a historic New York City fashion retailer - expired, Four Five Group acquired it for its nostalgic value and launched the standalone brand in 2016.

Josh Kaplan, a former corporate venture capitalist and Buck Mason executive with an MBA background, was recruited to lead the company as CEO. The brand benefited from substantial customer feedback gathered during its incubation period within Menlo Club, allowing the team to refine products based on real-world use before entering the broader market.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, New Republic pivoted to rapidly manufacture cotton face masks in downtown Los Angeles, becoming Amazon's best-seller in the category in April 2020. This diversification helped offset uncertainty in the footwear business during the pandemic.

Manufacturing

New Republic products are designed at the company's Los Angeles headquarters and manufactured in China using hand-stitched construction methods. The brand works with what it describes as "low-production factories" using premium materials from established suppliers. New Republic conducts frequent audits of its manufacturing partners to ensure safe working conditions and fair pay, emphasizing ethical production practices.

The company follows a small-batch production approach, contrasting with large-scale mass production. This manufacturing strategy allows New Republic to maintain quality standards while keeping retail prices significantly below comparable footwear from established brands.

Product Lines

Footwear

New Republic's primary focus is leather footwear across three main categories. Sneakers range from $45 to $98 and include canvas and suede options, with the Kurt model being the best-seller. The Kurt Sneaker has been described as an accessible alternative to the Common Projects Achilles sneaker, which retails for over $400.

Boots are priced between $128 and $148, with the Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boot as the flagship product. CEO Josh Kaplan has described it as "an incredible product; from quality to value, there's nothing like it on the market," noting that comparable Chelsea boots typically retail for over $400. The brand also offers drivers, slip-on loafer-style shoes priced at $108.

Materials and Sustainability

New Republic uses Tencel mesh footbeds made from eucalyptus, which are biodegradable. The brand sources genuine, ethically-sourced leather and introduced recycled suede sneakers in 2023. According to CEO Kaplan, the company invests in sustainable materials, improved packaging, and better manufacturing processes as part of its long-term vision to become "a global brand that creates stylish, sustainable, comfortable shoes for everyone."

Apparel and Accessories

Beyond footwear, New Republic offers menswear and womenswear designed for everyday comfort. The clothing line specializes in hoodies, sweatshirts, and t-shirts. The brand also produces accessories including caps and tote bags.

Brand Philosophy

New Republic positions itself as "a brand for the people," emphasizing accessibility and democratic fashion. The company's name references the concept of a republic where "supreme power is held by the people," reflecting its mission to provide classic footwear at attainable prices. The brand targets modern Millennials seeking versatile, essential pieces that balance comfort, style, and affordability.

Rather than investing heavily in traditional marketing such as billboards and celebrity endorsement deals, New Republic focuses on product excellence and customer retention. CEO Josh Kaplan has stated the company's competitive advantage lies in "solving problems for our customers" when competing against established brands like Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole.

The brand has been worn by notable figures including actor Mark Wahlberg and NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Distribution

New Republic sells through its official website shopnewrepublic.com and Amazon, with international shipping available. The Amazon channel proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic when the brand's face mask products became best-sellers on the platform.