firm Ground Up International is growing up.
Instead of focusing primarily on kids shoes via licensing, Ground Up operations now include partnering directly with brands. First out the gate is the creation of shoes for the Dickies and Scotch and Soda brands as their exclusive footwear partner. Both brands are owned by Blue Star Alliance, a brand management firm in N.Y.C. The new lines represent an expansion of the company’s business model.
“We’ve always focused on creating products that resonate with fans, and working more directly with brands felt like a natural evolution for us,” said Ground Up CEO Jack Gindi. “It gives us the opportunity to reach new consumers and ultimately bring our designs to even more fans in a more meaningful way.”
According to Gabrielle Correale, Ground Up’s director of marketing, the shoe firm is responsible for building up each brand’s footwear category. For Dickies, that means “understanding how the brand lives in culture today, fromt skate culture to streetwear and even job sites.” For Scotch & Soda, that means “translating [the brand’s] very specific European sensibility” when designing the footwear line. The brands retain control over distribution strategy and retail positioning.
“Ground Up brings exactly the category focus and creative discipline Dickies footwear deserves. Their deep understanding of our consumer — across workwear heritage, skate culture, and everyday lifestyle — that gives us confidence that this partnership will grow the footwear category in a way that feels both authentic and true to the Dickies brand,” Dickies said in a statement.
Dickies-branded footwear from Ground Up will hit stores in early 2027. The line will include an assortment mix for men’s, women’s, children’s footwear. The men’s styles are designed to move easily from job sites to everyday life. For women, the offerings balance “no-nonsense function with an effortless, confidence-driven style,” Ground Up said. And for boys and girls, the shoe options will pull from skate- and surf-inspired influences, while delivering toughness and comfort for active, creative lives.
“Our role is to own the footwear category with discipline and clarity — building product that reflects how Dickies is actually worn today,” said Carissa Chiodo, Ground Up’s chief product officer.
For the Scotch & Soda, its shoe debut at retail is also set for early 2027. In-line with the brand’s aesthetic, silhouettes will lean into vintage inspiration with modern looks that feature mixed materials, woven textures, and neutrals. The style options will be across adults and kids demographics.
“Scotch & Soda has always been defined by a distinct point of view — eclectic, Amsterdam-rooted, and effortlessly styled. Ground Up understands this identity and brings the creative leadership to translate it into footwear that authentically reflects the Scotch & Soda brand,” the company said.