I met Jason about three months ago at a graduation party on the Cape. Like any other fashion blogger the first thing I noticed (before we were even introduced) were his shoes. Not only were his boat shoes perfect for the preppy event on The Cape (kudos Jason), but it was the quality leather and custom design that really caught my eye.
After staring at his shoes for what was probably surely longer than socially acceptable, I hoped in line for the BBQ buffet and made a mental note to get the name of the shoe designer before the day was over. Little did I know that when I officially met Jason a few hours later, I would find out that he was in fact one of the designers.
Category 5 is a shoe company that was envisioned by a group of 5 best friends back in 2010. After years of wearing boat shoes, they recognized the need for a more comfortable and durable option than what was currently on the market. They set out to maintain the classic design, but fix all the problems associated with traditional boat shoes, including the brutal break-in period and short life span. Their hard work paid off and The Yachtsman was born. With The Yachtsman, Category 5 not only addressed the problems found they were seeking to fix, but they also allowed for custom embossing on the eye row of the shoe. Allowing you to show off your monogram, sorority/fraternity letters of custom logo. The possibilities really are endless!
Needless to say after learning all about Category 5 I knew I had to get my hands on a pair! Jason assured me that they were working on a line for ladies that would be out in early fall. Well, he delivered! Category 5 is now introducing two new shoe lines, The Sanibel (for the ladies) and The Helmsman (another option for the men), both with the quality and customization of the flagship Yachtsman.
So how can you get your hands on a pair of these one-of-a-kind boat shoes?
In order to release The Sanibel and The Helmsman, Category 5 must purchase minimum amounts of materials from manufacturers, so they started a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the process. The Kickstarter campaign is in full swing with a $15,000 goal, $10,901 raised and 24 days to go. The funds donated during the Kickstarter campaign will be used to purchase these components and to make the minimum amount of shoes required to get production started. Depending on your donation you will receive a pair of first edition boat shoes or one of the other awesome rewards and accessories Category 5 has to offer (check them out here! I personally love the Boat Shoe Lace Bracelet!
I’ll be donating and ordering The Sanibel in Coconut, which style/color are you falling for?
Also, be sure to check back to find out how to easily transition your boat shoes from summer to fall!
This post was not sponsored, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.
*images courtesy of Category 5