SeaVees and BFGoodrich Reunite After Six Decades to Launch Limited-Edition Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe Celebrating Heritage, Innovation, and Iconic American Design
In a nostalgic yet forward-looking move that merges legacy with modern craftsmanship, SeaVees has announced the launch of a limited-edition sneaker created in partnership with BFGoodrich Tires. Dubbed the Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe, the release commemorates SeaVees’ 60th anniversary and marks the first collaboration between the two companies since the footwear brand’s original inception in 1964.
This historic reunion not only celebrates a significant milestone in American design history, but also reintroduces an iconic silhouette that helped shape the early foundations of California casual style.
A Legacy Reignited
The story of SeaVees begins in 1964, when BFGoodrich — then a well-known tire manufacturer — made a bold foray into lifestyle products by launching a line of casual sneakers. Branded as SeaVees, the shoes were a fresh, west coast take on relaxed yet refined footwear. At the time, BFGoodrich sought to capitalize on the emerging casual culture that was sweeping across the U.S., especially in sunny coastal cities like Santa Barbara, California.
With clean lines, practical construction, and a distinctly laid-back aesthetic, SeaVees quickly found its niche. But despite its early promise, the brand’s journey was cut short in 1971 when BFGoodrich sold SeaVees to Converse. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust suit targeting monopoly concerns in the sneaker market. The brand was shelved and seemingly lost to history.
That was until 2007, when designer and entrepreneur Steven Tiller stumbled upon a pair of vintage SeaVees sneakers tucked away in a Tokyo secondhand store. Struck by their timeless appeal and curious about their origins, Tiller embarked on a mission to uncover the brand’s story. What he discovered was a forgotten icon of mid-century American style — a brand ahead of its time. He acquired the rights and relaunched SeaVees with a mission to revive its heritage while building a new chapter rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and a distinctly Californian ethos.
A Tribute 60 Years in the Making
The new Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe is more than just a sneaker; it’s a tangible link between past and present. Drawing directly from archival designs, the shoe pays homage to the original 1964 Yacht Shoe, a staple of SeaVees’ debut collection. But this isn’t a simple reproduction — it’s a thoughtful reinterpretation that fuses vintage styling with 21st-century sensibilities.
True to its roots, the sneaker features authentic aluminum eyelets, hand-distressed foxing, and textile uppers that echo the clean, maritime-inspired aesthetic of the original design. Yet, to meet today’s environmental and performance expectations, SeaVees has infused the sneaker with modern upgrades, including insoles made from recycled BFGoodrich tire rubber, offering enhanced comfort and sustainability.
Each pair arrives in retro-themed packaging that evokes the spirit of 1960s SeaVees. Inside, customers will find commemorative cotton shoe bags, vintage-style artwork, and even a faithful replica of the original “Congratulations” card that BFGoodrich once included in every box — a delightful nod to sneaker culture collectors and nostalgic fans alike.
Tiller, who has spent nearly two decades rebuilding SeaVees as a premium lifestyle brand, sees the Founder’s Edition as a labor of love and a symbol of everything the company stands for.
“The Founder’s Edition isn’t just a shoe — it’s a reflection of the past and a true labor of love,” says Steven Tiller, Founder and CEO of SeaVees. “Every stitch, material, and process was chosen with reverence for the original while bringing it into the modern age. Our partnership with BFGoodrich gave us the opportunity to reintroduce the Yacht Shoe in a way that honors the original vision while building something that will last for years to come.”
A Cultural and Design Milestone
The collaboration is also significant for what it represents culturally. It underscores the growing popularity of heritage-inspired products in fashion and lifestyle retail — especially items that marry authenticity with sustainability. In a marketplace saturated with fast fashion and seasonal trends, SeaVees stands out by celebrating enduring design and purpose-driven innovation.
This limited release taps into a broader movement that celebrates craftsmanship, story-rich branding, and timeless aesthetics. For consumers who value more than just trend appeal, the Founder’s Edition offers a chance to own a piece of design history reimagined for today’s tastes.
According to Rohena Dua, Licensing Director for Michelin Lifestyle Americas (BFGoodrich is a subsidiary of Michelin), the relaunch is a proud moment for the tire brand as well:
“It’s exciting to see the rebirth of SeaVees shoes for the brand’s 60th anniversary,” said Dua. “Steven Tiller has meticulously re-created the Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe with footwear enthusiasts in mind, and BFGoodrich is proud to continue its legacy in sneakers.”
Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability
While the nostalgia element is at the heart of the Founder’s Edition, SeaVees also sees this product as a step forward in its journey toward sustainable footwear production. The use of recycled rubber from BFGoodrich tires in the shoe’s insole represents a tangible commitment to eco-conscious design. This innovative reuse of materials aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products — especially in the footwear industry, where waste and non-biodegradable materials remain significant concerns.
The production process also emphasizes ethical sourcing and quality over quantity. Each pair of the Founder’s Edition is crafted in small batches, allowing for close attention to detail, consistency, and reduced environmental impact.
A Limited-Edition Collector’s Item
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Founder’s Edition is poised to become a coveted item. With its unique blend of historical authenticity, luxury detailing, and limited availability, the sneaker appeals to both fashion insiders and fans of classic Americana. SeaVees has indicated that quantities will be limited, and once sold out, the model will not be reissued — reinforcing its rarity and collectible appeal.
Whether you’re a longtime SeaVees fan, a sneaker collector, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates brands with a rich story to tell, the Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe represents a moment worth celebrating.
The SeaVees x BFGoodrich Founder’s Edition Yacht Shoe is more than just a footwear launch — it’s a full-circle moment in American lifestyle history. By honoring its roots while forging a sustainable, forward-thinking path, SeaVees proves that great design never goes out of style — it just waits for the right moment to return.
As SeaVees steps confidently into the future, this reunion with BFGoodrich serves as both a tribute to its founding vision and a declaration of the enduring power of thoughtful design, storytelling, and reinvention.
