It’s always exciting when a new player steps into the footwear game—especially when they come bearing a purpose. This season, the eco-minded apparel brand Fair Harbor is doing just that. Known for its sustainable swimwear and casual essentials, the brand is now charting new territory: shoes. But they’re not going it alone. Fair Harbor is making their footwear debut in collaboration with another sustainability trailblazer, Rothy’s, for a limited-edition summer capsule collection.
Both brands are beloved for their commitment to the planet. Rothy’s has built a cult following thanks to its machine-washable shoes made from recycled plastic bottles, and Fair Harbor’s relaxed coastal-inspired collections often use upcycled ocean plastics in their fabrics. With that shared mission in mind—to create fashion that minimizes environmental impact—it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed.
Now, they’re combining forces to launch a tightly edited summer collection that embodies everything both brands stand for: eco-conscious design, wear-everywhere style, and a thoughtful approach to production. And while the partnership might seem like a surprising pivot for Fair Harbor, it actually feels like a natural evolution of their ethos.
Two Brands, One Sustainable Mission
At its core, this capsule is about exploration—both in design and values. The drop includes two new shoe styles, riffing off some of Rothy’s most recognizable silhouettes, alongside one of Fair Harbor’s best-selling swimwear pieces. It’s a small but impactful offering, clearly meant to test the waters (pun very much intended) in the footwear category.
What makes this collaboration stand out is not just the product itself, but the story behind it. Each piece in the collection is crafted with sustainability at the forefront—from the choice of materials to the method of production. The shoes, like Rothy’s main line, are made using recycled plastic, 3D-knit into shape to reduce excess waste. Meanwhile, Fair Harbor’s swimwear contribution reflects the same eco-first mindset, using their signature fabric made from post-consumer plastic bottles.
And while the focus is on function and the environment, let’s not overlook the aesthetic. This is a summer collection after all. Expect soft coastal colors, timeless silhouettes, and an overall ease that makes you want to throw the whole look into a weekender bag and hit the beach.
Style Without Sacrifice
If there’s one thing this partnership proves, it’s that you don’t have to sacrifice style in the name of sustainability. The designs are chic in their simplicity, offering versatility that can transition from morning coffee runs to sunset walks without skipping a beat. They’re the kind of pieces you want to live in all summer long.
It also signals a growing shift in consumer expectations. Shoppers are no longer content with just buying “green”—they want fashion that feels good, looks good, and does good. This capsule checks all those boxes. And for two brands that have built their identities around responsible consumption, it’s a refreshing and inspiring move.
What’s Next?
Though this is a limited run, it hints at a larger strategy from Fair Harbor. Dipping into footwear could be the brand’s way of testing demand and gauging interest before expanding the category more fully. And with Rothy’s as a mentor of sorts—helping to fine-tune design, materials, and production processes—it’s a smart way to step into unfamiliar territory without compromising core values.
For Rothy’s, the collaboration also feels like a new chapter. The brand has long proven it can do shoes well. But expanding into partnerships, especially with brands that share its purpose-driven DNA, could lead to fresh inspiration and creative sparks down the line.
Final Thoughts
In an industry where fast fashion still dominates, collaborations like this one serve as a welcome reminder that style and sustainability can (and should) go hand in hand. By leaning into what they each do best—Fair Harbor’s laid-back beachwear vibe and Rothy’s innovative shoe construction—the two brands have managed to craft a capsule that’s both aspirational and grounded.
Will this be the beginning of a longer footwear journey for Fair Harbor? Only time will tell. But if this debut is any indication, they’re off to a very promising start.
