If the pandemic has taught us anything about fashion, it’s that people want to look good without sacrificing comfort. That’s just what the digitally native footwear brand New Republic promises, delivering modern takes on classic styles that are both chic and comfortable — and adhere to the company’s mission of creating “comfort without compromise.”
Based in Los Angeles, New Republic was founded in 2016 by the designer Mark McNairy, with the intention of making footwear that’s of high quality while still being affordable — and in styles so classic that they never go out of fashion. New Republic’s emphasis on quality extends to sustainability. “We place an incredible amount of our attention into making sure that every supplier, every factory that we work with, and every design holds up to the test of time,” says CEO Josh Kaplan in an introductory video on the company’s website.
Since its founding, the company has made a name for itself with its budget-friendly minimalist shoes. The best-selling Kurt sneaker, a leather low-top that comes in a limited spectrum of shades from triple white to triple black, and the Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boot, a crepe-soled leather and suede slip-on that comes in triple black and tan are essential for a comfort-first wardrobe. They also make socks to slip into their low silhouettes: Ninja No Shows, available in black and white, can comfortably stay out of sight in any shoe without slipping off your feet.
Since April, the company has added to their apparel: they teamed up with their local production partner in LA to manufacture and distribute a line of simple cotton face masks, repurposing the factory in response to COVID-19. They’ve become so popular that they’ve racked up over 13,000 reviews on Amazon in just six months, more than half of them coming in at five stars.
As with their line of shoes, these simple cotton face masks follow the same principles that guide all of New Republic’s products — they’re stylish and comfortable all at once. Made from 100% cotton, the masks are available in only one color, black, and they come in a pack of three for $12, either in regular or large. The best part is that because they’re made of cotton, they easily stretch over the face without elastic, and they’re breathable and machine washable.
“I initially thought these masks were a bit expensive,” said one reviewer on Amazon, “but I took a chance because I appreciate that they’re manufactured in the U.S. in a repurposed factory. When they arrived, I was impressed by the quality. The jersey cotton is extremely soft and comfortable.”
You can check out everything New Republic has to offer, and check out with Amazon Pay, by visiting their website.