The Story Behind the Marin Boot
I always knew our Marin boot would be our best seller. I spent months talking to my buddies in the trades, especially Matt Marin, who I ended up naming the boot after. I knew the hardworking people who keep this country running needed an updated version of a classic moc-toe wedge boot that not only performed better but was also the most comfortable on the market. So I went to work building what became our Marin boot.
After months of work, I was introduced to a workwear industry legend that had an incredible track record with a ton of experience in the exact industry I planned to enter. When I shared my plan for BRUNT and how strongly I felt about our Marin boot being our top style, this legend quickly dismissed me and said “kid, I don’t care what you think, I’m telling you that you will barely sell any of those Marins, don’t waste your time or money making it.”
That moment stopped me in my tracks. What did I overlook? It changed the trajectory of BRUNT: if I launched the business with the Marin and it flopped, they’d say “I told you so.” Even worse, the brand might not survive. But if I launched the business with the Marin and it sold like I expected, the brand had a chance. So I dug back in with my buddies, the real guys on the job, and decided to charge ahead despite what this industry legend thought.
The image above is me with a size 60 trophy Marin made to celebrate our 500,000th pair sold. Not only has our Marin become BRUNT’s signature boot, but it’s also quickly become our new retail partners’ top seller.
We now have a slip, oil, and high-heat resistant outsole, our leather is barnyard resistant to tackle the harshest conditions, and we have our ultra-comfortable Cush’n insole system. We even offer free shipping, free exchanges, and an on-the-job trial because we know you’ll be blown away and won’t ever go back to your old boot brand once you try ours.
The best part: I asked the team to make me a 2nd size 60 trophy Marin so I can gift it to that industry legend the next time we cross paths as a “thank you.” Thanks for adding fuel to the fire that still burns inside of me. I knew this boot was going to blow people away.
Eric Girouard
CEO & Founder
