Quick Answer

Roots is a premium outdoor lifestyle brand based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green. Known for its distinct beaver logo, ultra-soft "Salt & Pepper" fleece sweatpants, and genuine leather goods, Roots focuses on longevity, comfort, and craftsmanship. Key features include The Original Sweats™ made from signature fleece, vegetable-tanned leather that ages beautifully, and sustainable heritage practices. Pricing ranges from ~$80-$98 CAD for sweatpants to ~$400+ CAD for leather weekender bags. Verdict: If you value comfort above all else, Roots is a must-buy. Their sweatpants are the gold standard for lounging, and their leather goods are investment pieces that last a lifetime.

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Roots Review: The Iconic Canadian Brand for the Modern Adventurer

In the crowded world of fashion, few brands manage to stay relevant for over 50 years while maintaining a cult-like following. Roots is one of those rare exceptions. Known for its distinct beaver logo, ultra-soft fleece, and genuine leather goods, Roots has evolved from a small cabin in Algonquin Park into a global lifestyle powerhouse.

But does the "Salt & Pepper" sweatpant still hold up in 2025? Is the premium price tag justified by the quality? In this review, we'll break down the brand's offerings, its heritage, and whether it deserves a spot in your wardrobe.

What is Roots?

Roots is a premium outdoor lifestyle brand based in Toronto, Canada. While they sell everything from leather jackets to hiking boots, they are most famous for their "cozy" essentials, specifically their sweatpants and hoodies.

Unlike fast-fashion retailers that churn out disposable trends, Roots focuses on longevity, comfort, and craftsmanship. Their "Made in Canada" leather goods are still hand-crafted in their Toronto factory, a rarity in today's outsourced economy.

The Founders

Roots was founded in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green. Two friends from Detroit who met at a summer camp in Algonquin Park fell in love with the Canadian wilderness and decided to build a brand that reflected that rugged, outdoor lifestyle.

Their "negative heel" shoe was their first product, but it was the 1976 launch of the Roots beaver logo sweatshirt that cemented their status in pop culture. Their ability to blend athleticism with leisure (before "athleisure" was even a word) helped them outfit Olympic teams and capture the hearts of celebrities and locals alike.

Key Features

• The Original Sweats™: Made from their signature "Salt & Pepper" fleece, these are arguably the most comfortable sweatpants on the market. The fabric is durable, resists pilling, and softens with every wash.
• Genuine Leather: Roots leather bags and jackets are iconic. They use vegetable-tanned leathers that age beautifully, developing a unique patina over time.
• Sustainable Heritage: Long before it was trendy, Roots championed community and nature. They continue to support environmental causes and maintain ethical manufacturing practices for their core lines.

Pricing

Roots sits in the "premium casual" category. You are paying for the heritage and material quality.

• Sweatpants: ~$80 - $98 CAD
• Hoodies: ~$90 - $110 CAD
• Leather Weekender Bags: ~$400+ CAD

While not cheap, the Cost Per Wear (CPW) is incredibly low given that a pair of Roots sweats can easily last a decade.

Competitors & Alternatives

• Patagonia: Higher price point, more technical gear, similar focus on environmental ethics.
• L.L. Bean: classic American outdoor style, similar heritage feel, but less focus on "streetwear" fleece.
• Aritzia (TNA/Super World): A direct competitor for the "cozy fleece" market, often targeting a younger, more trend-focused demographic.

The Verdict

If you value comfort above all else, Roots is a must-buy. Their sweatpants are the gold standard for lounging, and their leather goods are investment pieces that last a lifetime. Whether you are outfitting for a weekend at the cabin or just working from home, Roots delivers on its promise of quality and coziness.

From Building a Brand to Protecting It

Roots didn't become a global icon by accident. Michael Budman and Don Green understood that trust is the currency of retail. Customers buy Roots because they trust the quality.

If you are an e-commerce founder building your own brand, whether it's fashion, SaaS, or digital goods, you know that maintaining that trust is expensive. But losing revenue to fraud is even more costly.

In 2024 alone, the average e-commerce return rate hit 16.9%, with "bracketing" (buying multiple sizes) and friendly fraud eating into margins. For a growing online store, chargebacks and card testing attacks can drain your bank account faster than you can ship orders.

1Capture: The "Leather Tough" Protection for Your Revenue

Just as Roots uses premium leather to ensure durability, you need premium protection for your payment stack.

Why E-Commerce Brands Need 1Capture:

• Block "Serial Returners": Identify and block customers who abuse return policies or file fraudulent chargebacks.
• Smart Charge Technology: 1Capture's pre-auth system verifies funds before the transaction clears, reducing failed payments and inventory hold-ups.
• 5-Minute Setup: It integrates instantly with Stripe, meaning you don't need a dev team to start protecting your cash flow.
• 3.7x Revenue Recovery: By preventing fraud and recovering failed payments, 1Capture pays for itself almost immediately.

You wouldn't wear cheap boots on a hike, so don't run your business with cheap security. Fortify your e-commerce store with 1Capture today. Learn more at the 1Capture Blog.