Brandwatch: Bucketfeet

In recent months it’s been hard to ignore the popularity of summery plimsolls from brands such as Toms and Vans.

And now there’s Bucketfeet too.

Based in Chicago and launched in 2011, Bucketfeet has grown quickly and now has more than 45 stockists in the US and more than 15 overseas, including Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The brand is fully launching into the UK for spring 14, following a successful exclusive link-up with retailer Office for spring 13.

What sets Bucketfeet apart are its unique prints, created in collaboration with graffiti artists, doodlers and fine artists from around the world. Covering a slip-on or lace-up plimsoll shape, options include simple styles, panelled designs and crazily colourful all-over creations. With prints and patterns expected to remain big for most markets next summer, Bucketfeet has those angles covered.

“We decided to create a brand that finds a different artist to design every style of shoe we create,” says Raaja Nemani, the brand’s co-founder and chief executive. “Artists get global exposure and customers get original shoes that stand out. By working with so many different types of artists we hope every product is an original. No other brand can say that.” Each artist makes $250 (around £160) for each design they create and gets $1 (about 60p) for every shoe sold.

Although perfect for summer, how will the plimsolls survive British winters? “We’re working on a more winter-friendly product and have diversified our prints and outsole colours to fare better with rain or snow seasons,” Nemani explains.

Time to put the brand on your bucket list?