“RUBBER CHIC” REIGNS AS WASHINGTON SHOE COMPANY DEBUTS

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“RUBBER CHIC” REIGNS AS WASHINGTON SHOE COMPANY DEBUTS
NEW FALL 2009 COLLECTION FOR POPULAR CHOOKA BRAND

11 New Silhouettes Integrate Rain Boots into Everyday Footwear with Couture Styling

Los Angeles (February 10, 2009) – Infusing high fashion into the designs and prints that have already made Chooka boots an industry leader, Washington Shoe Company announced today that it will introduce nearly a dozen new boots at the World Shoe Association’s 2009 trade show from February 12-14 in Las Vegas, NV. This new collection, rooted in durability and weatherproof materials, is now remixed with high fashion to redefine luxurious style, comfort and function.

Chooka is releasing over 11 new revolutionary silhouettes as part of an effort to bring couture to rainwear. The new lifestyle line will allow consumers to integrate their rain boots into everyday footwear, making them more ready-to-wear with daily ensembles to take them from day to night. Two of the new styles include the Moto Rain Pup, a mid-calf punk-rock boot with studded strapping, and the Biker Rider Riding Rain Boot which has the look and feel of leather, but consists of waterproof rubber. The boots are adorned with branded buckles in addition to gold, silver and brass elements to enhance the footwear.

Some other styles include classic riding boots in a crisp white or jet black, animal prints such as zebra stripes or cheetah spots, and tattoo-inspired designs, with vibrant colors and inspired sayings like “Live Fast!” Chooka has also created Chooka Liners, fleece socks that not only accessorize the rain boots, but extend their wearability throughout the winter season.

“This new collection stakes out fresh territory with the dynamic pairing of fashion meets function, providing an added value to our customer,” said Rob Moehring, president of Washington Shoe Company. “These new styles have taken rubber chic to a whole new level of sophistication.”

The boots retail from $69.95-$89.95 and, while the Classic Riding Boot is available now, the entire collection will hit stores in Fall 2009. Select styles will be available at department stores such as Nordstrom and Dillard’s as well as online retailer Endless.com.

Washington Shoe Company is committed to providing the consumer with high quality footwear created to meet and exceed the demands of today’s lifestyle. Washington Shoe Company was founded in Seattle in 1891 to manufacture Western Chief Work boots. Today the company produces Western Chief work boots, women’s and children’s rubber boots and rainwear, Chooka, a line of fashion rubber and sheepskin boots, Staheekum a full line of classic sheepskin slippers, and 2Pod a promotional line of sandals, sport and adventure footwear. For more information check out www.washingtonshoe.com, www.chookaboot.com, and www.staheekum.com.

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