Soles For The Sea: The Story Behind Strike

We’re only ever one wet deck away from turning the tuna trip of a lifetime into a nightmare. Just ask Stephen Palmer and Sandro Onofaro, the masterminds behind new saltwater fishing footwear brand Strike.

Born from a lifelong obsession with game fishing, half a century of shoe-making expertise, and too many back injuries and lost fish, Strike’s range of innovative shoes and boots is made by anglers, for anglers – a rare proposition for anyone searching for the best non-slip fishing footwear on the market. The aim? To combine safety with functionality and performance in the most sustainability-aware way possible. The result? A new, non-marking, slip-stopping, stylish shoe collection, rigorously tested and approved by the highest level of international saltwater anglers. 

We invited British journalist and angler, Chris Sayer, to join Stephen and Sandro on a productive trip on the tuna and get the story behind the start of Strike…

Stephen, what was the series of events that led to the idea of launching Strike?

SP: Like all good ideas, Strike was born during a late-night conversation between friends. As two long-time and dedicated sea fishermen, Sandro and I had both grown frustrated with the poor performance footwear we’d been wearing while targeting big game fish – we’d lost too many PBs and endured too many back injuries (and surgeries!) after slipping on decks. We needed a shoe that could meet the big demands of our style of angling, but it just wasn’t out there. So we decided to make it.

What qualified you as the right duo to do it, though?

SP: Sandro is an incredibly qualified and accomplished professional fisherman and guide based in Sardinia, Italy. His role as Strategic Consultant has been invaluable in informing the intricate design and rigorous testing processes we have in place: each product in the Strike range has undergone weeks of wear testing and feedback rounds by him and his diehard Italian fishing community to land on what we have on offer today. Aside from fishing, my expertise lies in the footwear industry. For fifty years, my career has centred around shoemaking and footwear manufacture at the highest level. Combining our backgrounds and careers has led to a unique proposition in the fishing market: a footwear brand by anglers, for anglers.

Sandro, after just a few moments sitting with you, it seems like you came into this world holding a rod and reel in your hands. Where did the passion begin?

SO: Yes, my path to becoming a professional fisherman was clear from the start. Since I was a baby, I’ve spent two months of every year cruising on ribs and boats in Greece. At four, I got my first fishing rod, and by nine, I told my parents that I wanted fishing to be my job. My entire journey was shaped by my father. He loved spearfishing – I wanted to be just like him.

What is it about Strike that, for you, really sets the brand apart from competitors?

SO: In a sentence? Like Stephen says, Strike makes shoes that are designed by fishermen, for fishermen. It’s why they guarantee grip and stability in any fishing scenario while focusing heavily on all-day comfort both on and off the water. The other major pull for me is the partnership with IGFA (International Game Fishing Association). Being trusted as their official footwear partner shows the performance of the shoes. Strike also supports IGFA with a percentage of the profit from each pair sold.

Stephen, how did that IGFA relationship begin, and what do you hope your relationship with them will help achieve? 

SP: Both Sandro and I have been involved with IGFA for a very long time, so it only felt natural to tell them about the brand we wanted to build. Of course, they’d suffered the same frustrations that we did, so they saw huge potential in a solution that could combine functionality with safety and comfort. The support they’ve given Strike has been incredible, and we hope to return the favour by sharing our profits and aiding their mission to safeguard our seas for not only our sport, but future generations too.

Strike uses a huge range of materials that help to reduce your environmental impact. What led to this decision, and can you talk through some of the fabrics?

SP: As fishermen, we have a responsibility to look after the blue spaces we explore through our sport. We see first-hand the beauty of our waters, but also the effect that humans are having on them, which is why we see marine preservation as not only our mission, but our duty. Uncovering cutting-edge fabric innovations that are grounded in reducing environmental footprints has been incredibly rewarding. For example, I’m proud to use outsoles incorporating plant waste; yarn made from recycled sea plastic in our uppers; and even recycled polyester and EVA. Not only do these choices help us to prove the fishing industry can make a step in the right direction for the environment, but they make me very proud of all the work our team has put into building Strike as a more sustainable choice.