Roots apparel

Roots is an iconic Canadian lifestyle brand founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green in Toronto. The company began as a footwear brand, notably famous for its 'Negative Heel' shoes, but quickly expanded into leather goods, athletic wear, and casual apparel that captures a distinct North American outdoors aesthetic.

While the brand is deeply rooted in Canadian identity and continues to manufacture its specialty leather products and select heritage collections at its state-of-the-art leather factory in Toronto, Ontario, the majority of its technical and textile apparel is produced in multiple countries worldwide to manage scale and global demand. These locations typically include regions in Asia and South America, though the design and creative direction remain centered in Canada.

In terms of ownership, Roots transitioned from a private co-founded company to a publicly-traded entity on the Toronto Stock Exchange. A significant majority stake was acquired by Searchlight Capital Partners in 2015, which helped facilitate the brand's growth and eventual IPO. Today, the brand remains headquartered in Toronto, maintaining its status as a staple of Canadian retail culture.