Who is Sam Edelman? Discover the Man Behind the Modern Woman’s Go-To Shoes

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Learn about the creative visionary who became a legend in the footwear industry.

Image courtesy of WWD.

If you’re a fan of women’s shoes you’ve likely heard of the Sam Edelman brand, but you may not know who Sam Edelman is or how he created one of the most iconic shoe brands in the world. If you’ve never heard of Sam Edelman then don’t worry, we’ll catch you up on all the details.

What is the Sam Edelman Brand?

The Sam Edelman brand is known for providing customers with luxury quality shoes at a relatively affordable price. The brand’s focus is on luxury women’s footwear while also offering a smaller selection of dresses, coats, bottoms, and tops. 

One of the most popular women’s footwear brands. Image courtesy of Zappos.

Who is Sam Edelman?

So who is Sam Edelman, and what was his inspiration for starting the Sam Edelman brand? Sam Edelman is known throughout the footwear industry as a creative visionary and legend. Sam has been making great contributions to the footwear industry ever since he began work for companies like Ralph Lauren as a licensee. The Ralph Lauren company is  a company that specializes in four major categories of apparel and fashion:

• Apparel
• Fragrance
• Home
• Accessories

A couple of his other achievements are his executive position at Candies and being a co-founder of the Kenneth Cole Brand. Kenneth Cole productions is a global brand that creates clothing, shoes, and accessories that are modern, functional, and versatile. 

Another major success attributed to Sam Edelman is his building of the Esprit brand into an iconic junior footwear brand. Sam Edelman went on to found another company in 1987, Sam and Libby, with his wife and muse Libby Edelman. They would later sell the company and Sam would enter retirement, pursuing many of his other life goals in his spare time.

Mr. Edelman noticed a void in the women’s footwear marketplace. This inspiration fueled Sam to launch his next successful brand that would focus on fashion-forward footwear that every woman could afford. Thus, in 2004, the Sam Edelman brand was launched. To this day Sam still works as president of Sam Edelman at the Edelman Shoes Manhattan offices and design studios. His creative designs still capture the attention of fashion-focused women around the world.

The brand currently has 13 flagship stores that can be found all across cities in the US and as well as other locations around the world including:

• SoHo
• Beverly Hills
• Palm Beach
• Dubai
• Hong Kong 

Sam Edelman doesn’t just operate in retail locations, their products can also be found on online stores like SamEdelman.com and Shopbop. Sam Edelman’s official website also ships internationally to a wide range of locations, so women worldwide can enjoy his products. Their site also offers order tracking and holiday sales making their products the perfect gift!

Sam Edelman Heels

Who doesn’t love a good pair of heels? Sam Edelman has selections from suede pumps to open-toed heels. They have options to fit those long days at the office and those fun nights out on the town. From block heels that offer security and comfort to evening heels built for style and glamor, Sam Edelman has you covered on all occasions and pairs well with any wardrobe.

WINNIE ANKLE BOOTIES

These 2.8-inch leather heels are both fashionable and comfortable. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Winnie Ankle Booties are available in both black and brown. They are medium-width and come in sizes 5-11. These square-toe boots zip close, keeping your feet warm, comfortable, and secure. 

BLAIR WOVEN WESTERN BOOTS

These western-style boots are perfect for bringing those cowgirl fantasies to life. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Blair Woven Western Boots feature a western-inspired design while also remaining future-focused. They have a smaller heel making them more comfortable for those long days of work. The boots are medium-width and are available in sizes 5-11. The color options are Jute and Cuoio. 

Sam Edelman’s Loafers

Elevate practically any outfit with a pair of Sam Edelman’s flats or loafers. Offering a comfortable and easy look or a charming bit of sophistication in multiple styles, there’s a pair of loafers for any outfit and every occasion.

LORAINE BIT LOAFERS

These loafers are one of Sam Edelman’s best-selling items and they come in a variety of colors. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Loraine Bit Loafers are available in narrow, medium, and wide widths, with size options ranging from 4 to 13. These loafers put a cute and quirky spin on a traditional menswear shoe with its gold bit detail. This shoe has a padded leather insole that provides warmth and comfort. These loafers are the perfect complement to any straight-leg trousers or cashmere turtleneck sweater.

JANINA POINTED TOE FLAT

These pointed-toe flats are available in 4 colors, black, olive, turmeric, and macadamia. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Janina Pointed Toe Flats are an excellent choice for any stroll through the city or park. These slip-ons are available in sizes 5 through 11 and are wide-width. Their material can be fabric or leather. The perfect loafers for all those main character activities!

Sam Edelman’s Boots

Sam Edelman offers a wide range of boot types so you’ll always have options no matter what the situation is:

• Ankle Boots 
• Chelsea Boots 
• Combat Boots 
• Dress Boots 
• Tall Boots 
• Waterproof Boots

LAGUNA CHELSEA BOOTS

These waterproof boots come in a wide range of colors. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

These Laguna Chelsea Boots give the classic Chelsea style a refreshing utilitarian style update. They are made from waterproof leather and a synthetic, faux shearling insole. The boots are available in medium and wide widths and sizes 5 through 14. Pull them on and get a move on in practically any weather condition. 

SYLVIA KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

These synthetic knee-high boots are available in two colors, brown and black. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Sylvia Knee High Boots offer a timeless design featuring pointed toes and a wide 2.8 square heel. The boots offer a comfortable synthetic for both its sole and outer material. Available in sizes 5 through 10.5 wide.

Sam Edelman’s Sandals

Sam Edelman offers head-turning strappy to-platform sandals. Make a statement with some powerful heel sandals or give off that easy going vibe with a pair of gladiator sandals. From dresses to trendy denim there’s a pair of sandals for every outfit.

KIA BLOCK HEEL SANDALS

These block heel sandals are available in more than ten colors, ranging from white to copper velvet. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Kia Block Heel Sandals are designed to balance elegance and comfort in one fantastic package. The open-toed sandals have a 3.5-inch heel and an ankle strap buckle. They are made from leather and synthetic materials and are available in sizes 5 through 11 medium. 

BAY SLIDE SANDALS

These bay slide sandals are available in more than 10 colors including tide blue and light gold. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Bay Slide Sandals are one of Sam Edelman’s best-selling items and are available in sizes 4 through 13 medium and wide. These sandals are perfect for warm weather and come in so many color options you’ll be hard-pressed to find an outfit that can’t fit them. Made from leather, patent, or cork.

Sam Edelman’s Products for Kids

Despite the brand having a major focus on women’s footwear they do still offer products for kids. Who says fashion has to only be for adults? You can find the following type of items for kids on the Sam Edelman website:

• Boots & Booties
• Flats & Loafers
• Sandals
• Sneakers

Sam Edelman’s Dresses

Why not grab a dress to go with those new pairs of shoes? Sam Edelman offers a small selection of dresses, but what they lack in quantity they make for in quality. They offer midi and mini dresses, skirts, and two-piece sets. Many of which come in multiple colors. Find yourself a dress to fit any season or occasion.

LORA MINI DRESS

This mini dress is available in both moon bay blue and olive oil green. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

The Lora Mini Dress is made from 100% cotton so warmth should never be an issue. It’s a pullover dress with a scoop neckline and long sleeves. This dress is available in sizes XS to XL and is designed as a bustier dress. It goes great with a nice pair of boots.

Sam Edelman’s Bottoms

Sam Edelman offers a fairly sizable selection of bottoms for women to choose from. Ranging from denim jeans to high-rise flare pants. All-day comfort is the name of the game. These bottoms are modern and stylish and also come in multiple colors. Finding the perfect fit for your wardrobe should be a snap.

HIGH-RISE BAY FLARE Pants

These high-rise pants are only available in black. Image courtesy of SamEdelman.

Sam Edelman’s High-Rise Bay Flare Pants are available in sizes 24 through 32. They are made from 99% cotton and 1% spandex and feature that classic 5-pocket design we all know and love. Pair with a pair of heels or loafers to get that modern elegant look. 

Conclusion

Sam Edelman has a selection of items available in such a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes that one could reinvent their entire wardrobe with their products. The best part is the relative affordability of the products given their quality. Sam’s designs and business model clearly work and continue to leave an impact on the fashion industry to this day.

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