Rockport Expands into UK and Ireland with Chapters

Rockport is bringing its signature comfort and style to new customers in the UK and Ireland.

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global powerhouse in brand development and licensing, has announced a significant new partnership with Chapters Brand Group, a leading footwear distributor in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration will see Chapters distributing Rockport men’s and women’s footwear across both regions, marking a new chapter for the iconic American brand.

Henry Stupp, President, Lifestyle & Entertainment EMEAI, Authentic Brands Group said: “Rockport is a brand with a strong heritage, global recognition and a loyal following. Chapters’ deep understanding of the regional markets and expertise in brand building make them the ideal partner to establish Rockport’s presence and unlock long-term growth across these important regions.”

Rockport: Comfort Meets Contemporary Style

Founded in 1971, Rockport has long been celebrated for its innovative comfort technology seamlessly blended with contemporary design. The brand’s diverse range of footwear is designed to transition effortlessly from work to weekend, offering all-day comfort without compromising on style.

As Authentic highlighted in its media statement, “Founded in 1971, Rockport is known for combining innovative comfort technology with contemporary style. The brand offers a wide range of footwear that transitions seamlessly from work to weekend, delivering all-day comfort without compromising on design.”

Chapters Brand Group: Bringing Rockport to New Audiences

Chapters Brand Group, with its extensive experience in licensing, distribution, and product creation, is well positioned to introduce Rockport to consumers in the UK and Ireland. The company’s portfolio includes respected names like Cat Footwear, Norda, Original Penguin, Bench, Lambretta, Osprey London, and Kickers, emphasizing its expertise in the fashion and footwear sector.

Graeme Nichol, Managing Director, Chapters Brand Group said: “We’re excited to introduce Rockport to consumers across the UK and Ireland. There’s a clear demand for footwear that combines everyday functionality with thoughtful design and Rockport delivers exactly that. The Umbwe is an iconic footwear classic, and we’ve stuck faithfully to the brand’s original specifications, using Vibram soles, Hydroshield membranes, full moccasin construction, and sumptuous, buttery calf leathers to ensure comfort and quality remain at the forefront.”

What’s Next for Rockport in the UK and Ireland?

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for Rockport, which was acquired by Authentic in 2023. Authentic’s strategy involves forging strong regional partnerships to rejuvenate and expand its brands, and the agreement with Chapters is an evidence to this approach.

Rockport’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection is now available at select retailers and online at rockport.co.uk, offering UK and Irish consumers their first taste of the brand’s renowned blend of comfort and style.

With this new alliance, Rockport is poised to make a significant impact on the UK and Irish footwear markets, backed by Authentic’s global brand expertise and Chapters’ local market knowledge. As both companies look ahead, consumers can expect a fresh wave of thoughtfully designed, comfort-driven footwear options from a brand with over five decades of heritage.