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An exciting new eco-friendly saltwater fishing footwear brand is ready for global lift-off following its launch at one of the largest exhibitions in the sports industry.
Strike Footwear made its first public appearance at the ISPO show in Munich just before Christmas, unveiling its first line-up of footwear for sea anglers made from environmentally-friendly materials. It was a soft launch designed to test the water and introduce the brand before its major pitch to the fishing tackle industry at ICAST in Orlando, Florida – the world’s largest sportfishing trade show.
Olive Palmer, Brand Executive at Strike, told Angling International: “ISPO was an opportunity to obtain some feedback from visitors and get our name out there. We were also keen to reach distributors and retailers who are looking for something different in the fishing footwear marketplace.”
Strike Footwear is the brainchild of Stephen Palmer, owner of UK-based Overland Shoes and an enthusiastic angler who has set his sights on revolutionising the fishing footwear sector. At ISPO, the company revealed its first line of functional and stylish shoes for the environmentally-conscious angler. As well as bringing a new shoe to the market, it also announced its official partnership with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which will see a percentage of all profits from sales of the shoes donated to the organisation’s ocean science and marine conservation programmes.
“We are extremely heartened by the really positive feedback we received from visitors to our booth and enjoyed meaningful conversations with people from all over the world,” said Palmer. “They all liked the design and the fact that much of the material used is recycled. They commented how they were carefully and specifically designed to be safe to be worn on the deck of a boat. Before Strike there were not many footwear brands in this market.
“These shoes are not only designed for passionate anglers, but the non-slip technology also provides reliable support for anyone navigating wet or slippery surfaces. With a stylish design and versatile appeal, there is a model for everyone – whether you are an angler or simply seeking performance and comfort for every day adventures.
“It was great to see that people understood how the shoes worked and really got it. Many took the soles out and were showing them up against the light to see how the drainage system operated.”
Strike’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its donations to IGFA. Its shoes incorporate SEAQUAL® YARN, a material created from upcycled marine plastic, and SolumTM bio-tread, made from recycled plant by-products, which breaks down to release nutrients back into marine and terrestrial environments, supporting ecosystems wherever anglers go.
Strike shoes are engineered for the unique demands of saltwater anglers, delivering what every angler craves: stability, comfort and protection. They achieve it in three ways in particular:
- Aqua Decksole: Designed with maximum surface area and traction, this innovative sole offers stability on wet and slippery surfaces, ensuring you can focus on your catch without worrying about your footing.
- Stabiliser Chassis and Cleat Lacing: These features secure balance, providing confidence whether you are on a rocking boat or navigating rocky shorelines.
- Bimini Upper and Aqua Gill: The combination of waterproof recycled leathers and the Aqua Sluice Gill
- filtration system ensures quick drying and comfort even in the wettest conditions.
Strike has also teamed up with the England Big Game Team on the development of shoes for fishing from boats in tropical locations. Its captain, Nik Teal, a member of the team since 2018, told Angling International: “Before Strike came on the scene there were very few options for game fishermen. We tended to wear crocs, flip-flops or go barefoot. That wasn’t ideal as you don’t want to be slipping when you have a 300-600kg marlin on the other end of the line.
“The Strike shoes are very comfortable, robust and stylish. They are designed specially to wick water away from the foot. They also have a non-slip sole which works really well when fighting big fish. The whole team agreed that they are a vast improvement on other footwear that they had worn before.”
Teal also believes that Strike’s association with IGFA strikes a chord with anglers. “Discarded plastic in our oceans is a major issue – it is everywhere. Any organisation that helps to get this message across should be applauded and supported.”
Teal’s team-mate, Martin Bunce added: “As a member of the England big game fishing team, travelling the world means I need gear that is not only functional, but also reliable, stylish and easy to pack. Strike footwear has exceeded my expectations on every front.
“The first thing I noticed was the comfort. Fishing at this level means long days on your feet, moving between different locations and often enduring unpredictable conditions. Having a pair of shoes that provide all-day comfort takes away one more thing to worry about. With Strike footwear, I’ve been able to focus entirely on the task at hand – representing my country and performing at my best.
“The shoes are also incredibly lightweight, which is a huge bonus when traveling. Space in my luggage is always at a premium with all the tackle and equipment we need to carry. Strike footwear takes up minimal space while still delivering maximum performance. The versatility is another stand-out feature. Whether I’m setting up by the water or walking through airports on the way to the next competition, they’re ready to go the moment I put them on.
“Finally, they look the part. Representing England on the global stage means I want to look professional and these shoes fit right in. They’re stylish, understated and complement the team uniform perfectly. For anyone serious about fishing or travelling, I couldn’t recommend Strike footwear more highly.
“The whole team were really impressed with the gip the shoes offer on the deck of the boat. The fact that some of the shoes are made from recycled plastics from the ocean is another massive tick. We see so much plastic in the seas we fish no matter how remote the location. Plastic is everywhere. The fact that Strike is working with IGFA and donating funds to it from the sale of the shoes is in my view a fantastic idea.”
Bunce’s fellow international Jack Challis told Angling International: “Fishing for your country isn’t just a passion – it’s a commitment to excellence and every detail matters, right down to the footwear. Since being introduced to Strike, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how their shoes meet the demands of international competition.
“One of the standout features is the support they offer. Long hours on your feet, often in challenging environments, require footwear that can handle it all. Strike shoes provide that support while remaining exceptionally comfortable. I’ve noticed a real difference in how I feel at the end of a long day—there’s less fatigue, and I’m able to stay focused on what matters most.
Another major advantage is their lightweight design. When you’re hauling tackle and equipment across the globe, every kilogramme counts. Strike footwear doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your luggage, but they still deliver where it matters in terms of performance and durability. They’re versatile enough to go from airports to fishing sites without missing a beat and they’re ready to wear as soon as you take them out of the bag.
“Lastly, their appearance deserves a mention. These aren’t just functional – they’re fashionable too. Representing England means looking professional and polished and Strike shoes do exactly that. They’re an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable, stylish, and high-performing shoe for life on the move.”
Strike Footwear is part of Overland Shoes, a UK group that was established in 1987 and is a specialist in the design, sourcing and wholesale of branded men’s and women’s footwear. It has been a licencee credited with building footwear businesses for CAT, Paul Smith, Frye, Merrill, Wolverine, Vilebrequin Chasseurs and G-Star Raw Footwear and is currently licencee for Karl Lagerfeld Footwear and G.H. BASS.
Owned and managed by Stephen Palmer, Overland Shoes was built by the highly respected footwear veteran who has spent his career in footwear manufacturing, design and distribution and is supported by a strong management team with a wealth of experience in the footwear trade.
