Lee Debuts First Men’s Shoe Line, Set to Expand Into Women’s Next Year

Lee is jumping into the men’s footwear game.

After inking a licensing agreement with U.S. footwear manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer Jack Schwartz Shoes in November 2024, the Kontoor Brands-owned denim brand now offers contemporary takes on athletic and casual shoe styles.

Elements of Lee’s denim and workwear heritage are carried into the line. Key styles in the range include the Roman Chelsea-inspired slip-on boot, the low-profile Streeter sneaker inspired by classic tennis styling, and the Waylon high-top lace-up leather boot. There are also basketball and skate-inspired designs as well as casual comfort city sneakers.

This new shoe assortment builds upon the brand’s other recent lifestyle ventures, including handbags, socks, underwear, belts, caps and luggage, as well as footwear collaborations with Oliver Cabell and Hey Dude.

Looking ahead, Lee and Jack Schwartz Shoes are working on expanding to women’s shoes in 2026.

Steve Armus, vice president of global licensing and partnerships at Lee parent company Kontoor Brands, said in a statement that these new brand extensions help the label reach a new audience.

“Lee’s new global platform, ‘Built Like Lee,’ introduces the brand’s quality and timeless style to a new generation, showcasing the iconic American cool that Lee has always represented,” Armus noted. “These lifestyle categories offer additional pieces that enhance Lee apparel. And what goes better with Lee denim than footwear.”

Jack Schwartz Shoes was founded in 1936 at the height of the Great Depression. With a stable of footwear brands including Lugz, British Knights and Ben Sherman, it is one of the largest family-owned footwear companies in the U.S.

David Schwartz, president of Jack Schwartz Shoes, added that consumers are “used to shopping within familiar brands and price points,” and that’s where Lee Footwear comes in.

“The focus is on great fit, premium materials, and trend-right design – all while staying true to Lee’s authentic brand DNA,” Schwartz said. “The result is accessible style and quality at a value that today’s consumer demands.”

In addition to Lee.com, the new footwear line, which retails between $45 and $90, are sold online on Amazon and Walmart.com and retailers including Shoe Dept. and WSS.