The weatherproof lifestyle brand expanded beyond women's cold weather boots to include loafers, pumps, sneakers and sandals, and men's.

At almost 40 years old, La Canadienne has evolved from a cold weather boot brand to a premium weatherproof lifestyle brand.

Established in 1987, the brand is distributed across North America, primarily in premium department stores, and at its own retail doors in Montreal and Toronto.

According to president and chief executive officer Nicholas Niro, who joined the company in 2019, the brand pairs Montréal design aesthetics with European shoemaking expertise.

The footwear focus remains on comfort and fit, and the line now has expanded beyond boots and includes its men’s collection, La Canadienne Homme. Category extensions for the brand over the last five to seven years includes outerwear, handbags and accessories.

Footwear News: Tell me about the brand’s DNA and La Canadienne’s waterproofing feature.

Nicholas Niro: The brand has always had a strong DNA for cold weather winter boots with the waterproof element. We’ve developed a very strong and loyal clientele around that singular product, and in the last five to seven we’ve invested in the brand and [have trademarked] the term City Dry, which is out waterproof technology. We now apply it to our entire footwear collection. So, it’s not just about cold weather anymore. It’s all [closed-toe] footwear, whether it be loafers, pumps, sneakers and, of course, boots and booties.

S. or in Canada, you can experience sunshine, rain, and snow all in one day.

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