SeaVees – The Casual Shoe Brand That Embodies ’60s California Cool

via SeaVees


Presented in partnership with SeaVees

As a California transplant, I’m constantly wowed by the simplest things in this state. The little geographic idiosyncrasies that many take for granted or simply accept without much thought.

There are so many small things about California livin’ that make you pinch yourself sometimes and say “wow… I live here.” 

For example, the drive from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara on the Pacific Coast Highway – hugging the waves of the Pacific while sidewinding up the PCH.

It’s a drive that, for many, is just a part of day-to-day life in the Bear Flag Republic.

I’ve done it scores of times. Somehow, it still enchants me every single time.

 

SeaVees was born in 1964 in Santa Barbara, drawing mega inspiration from the whole damn coolness of this place.

SeaVees was actually founded as a footwear division of BF Goodrich – the tire company – in an effort to rethink casual footwear. The brand was sold to Converse, then shuttered for 40 years.

The brand roared back to life when it opened an office in Santa Barbara in 2010, with a complete overhaul and comeback a couple of years later.

Just like back in the day, SeaVees are carefully crafted in small batches using rubber vulcanization – a time-honor tradition for high-quality sneakers and casual shoes. It’s a tried-and-true sneaker production method with comfort in mind.

In addition to serious reverence for 1960s California cool, they’ve stayed true to their ethos. They’ve members of 1% For the Planet, donating 1% of annual revenue back to environmental non-profits to keep the California coast mesmerizing for generations to come.

Whether it’s a timeless sneaker, such as The Hermosa or a surf-inspired slip-on like The BajaSeaVees kicks boast all-day comfort and look great for any occasion. Think: The ultimate sneakers or slips to tie together that beach fit.

Below, a handful of my favorites for a serious West Coast vibe – all priced under $100, too.

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Legend Sneaker

  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Fun, multi-colored vacation stripe on pinpoint cotton
  • Recycled cotton canvas lining
  • Post-consumer recycled plastic laces
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from durable natural rubber
  • A stitch for stitch recreation of the style that started it all in 1964

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The Hermosa

  • Men’s timeless lace-up plimsoll sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Outdoor quality beige linen canvas
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching classic cotton lace
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from durable natural rubber
  • Inspired by the first skateboard contest held in Hermosa Beach, California in 1964

The Hermosa

Hawthorne Slip-On

  • LWG (Leather Working Group) certified suede
  • Perforated soft suede in light grey, dark grey and orange
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching elastic twin gore
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from durable natural rubber
  • Inspired by the hometown of the quintessential California band, The Beach Boys

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The Monterey Sneaker Classic

  • Men’s classic lace up sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Salt washed cotton canvas in white, black, orange, green, navy and grey
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching classic cotton lace
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Traditional long-lasting natural rubber outsole
  • Inspired by the easy-going sneakers worn during 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival

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The Army Issue Sneaker Classic

  • Men’s classic lace up sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Expedition grade nylon in dark green, black and navy
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Includes both a white cotton lace and a grey nylon lace
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Traditional long lasting natural rubber outsole
  • Inspired by the all-purpose sporting footwear issued to soldiers in the 1960’s

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Baja Slip On Classic

SeaVees

  • Men’s minimal slip on sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Outdoor quality navy linen canvas
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching elastic twin gore
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Traditional long lasting natural rubber outsole
  • Inspired by 1960’s surf adventures to Baja California, Mexico

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The Westwood Tennis Shoe Classic

  • Men’s lace up sneaker
  • LWG (Leather Working Group) certified suede details
  • Salt washed cotton canvas in off white with vintage inspired red, white and blue backstay
  • Soft-washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Classic white cotton lace
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Traditional long-lasting natural rubber outsole
  • Inspired by the classic 1960’s tennis sneaker stylings found on and off the court

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The Legend Sneaker Seachange

  • Men’s classic lace up CVO sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Recycled cotton with metal-free stitched eyelets in washed red, beige and green
  • Organic cotton canvas lining
  • Off white, post-consumer recycled plastic laces
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from recycled rubber
  • All of our recycled components have been tested to ensure their quality and durability
  • A stitch for stitch recreation of the style that started it all in 1964
  • Each pair sold from the SeaChange collection allows SeaVees to regenerate one foot of coastal kelp forest thorough our partnership with SeaTrees. Seatrees is a non-profit organization who work to restore coastal ecosystems and ocean health globally.

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The Baja Slip On – Camo

  • Men’s minimal slip on sneaker
  • Vegan sneaker style
  • Exclusive camoflauge print on herringbone twill in green
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching elastic twin gore
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Traditional long lasting natural rubber outsole
  • Inspired by 1960’s surf adventures to Baja California, Mexico

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The Legend Sneaker Chambray

  • Men’s classic lace up CVO sneaker
  • Premium cotton denim chambray in blue
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • LWG (Leather Working Group) certified Auburn Leather lace
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from durable natural rubber
  • A stitch for stitch recreation of the style that started it all in 1964

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The Hawthorne Slip On Magnum

  • Limited Edition. Designed using tropical archival prints from Hoffman California Fabrics, most known from 1980’s television fame alongside one of the greatest mustaches of all time. The Magnum Collection is the first and only time a footwear brand has had permission to use the original artwork.
  • Men’s classic slip on sneaker
  • LWG (Leather Working Group) certified suede backstay
  • Featuring exclusive red and black prints from Hoffman California Fabrics screenprinted on cotton poplin twill
  • Soft washed, cotton canvas lining
  • Matching elastic twin gore
  • Contoured, cushy foam footbed with extra heel-strike cushion
  • Includes our exclusive cooling system with perforations for breathability and cooling airflow channels for extra cool comfort
  • Bouncy, original “power-grip” outsole made from durable natural rubber
  • Inspired by the hometown of the quintessential California band, The Beach Boys

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The BroBible team writes about products and services that we think you want. Occasionally, we write about items that are a part of one of our affiliate partnerships and we will get a percentage of the revenue from sales.

Brandon Wenerd is BroBible's publisher, writing on this site since 2009. He writes about sports, music, men's fashion, outdoor gear, traveling, skiing, and epic adventures. Based in Los Angeles, he also enjoys interviewing athletes and entertainers. Proud Penn State alum, former New Yorker. Email: brandon@brobible.com