When Fashion Meets Compassion: Snibbs and Hedley & Bennett Join Forces for LA Wildfire Relief
I was scrolling through my Instagram feed last night, a bowl of slightly-too-soggy cereal at my side (we’ve all been there), when a particular collab caught my eye. And let me tell you, this one’s special.
You know those rare moments when two brands you love team up and it just… makes sense? That’s exactly what’s happening with Snibbs and Hedley & Bennett right now. They’ve joined forces to create a shoe that not only looks good but does good too.
More Than Just Another Pretty Shoe
I’ve been covering the fashion industry for over a decade now, and honestly, most collaborations make me yawn. Another celebrity slapping their name on something? Snooze. But this partnership between workwear specialists Snibbs and kitchen apparel experts Hedley & Bennett has substance behind the style.
Their new baby, the Orbit SE, isn’t just another sneaker. It’s a lifeline for food and beverage workers affected by those devastating Los Angeles wildfires we’ve been seeing on the news. You know, the ones that have been tearing through communities and upending lives.
I remember visiting LA last summer and chatting with a bartender who told me about working double shifts in those impossibly long days on her feet. “My shoes matter more than my mattress,” she joked. But there was truth there. For folks in the service industry, comfortable, reliable footwear isn’t a luxury—it’s essential equipment.
The Shoe That Works as Hard as You Do
The Orbit SE looks like it could be your new favorite everyday sneaker, but it’s built like a tank disguised as a comfy cloud. It’s slip-resistant (because restaurant floors are basically ice rinks covered in olive oil), water-resistant (coffee spills, anyone?), and made from 100% vegan materials.
I got to see some early photos, and the breathable knit upper reminds me of my favorite running shoes—except these are actually cute enough to wear outside the gym. They come in two colorways: “Illy” and “Foliage.” The Illy has this warm, coffee-inspired tone that would hide espresso drips perfectly (speaking from experience here), while the Foliage has this calming green vibe that feels very zen kitchen garden.
Last Tuesday, I was standing in my kitchen making pasta, and after three hours, my back was killing me. And that was just one meal! Imagine doing that for an entire shift. These shoes apparently have some serious arch support and cushioning that’s designed specifically for people who stand all day long.
When Disaster Strikes Close to Home
I’ve got friends in the restaurant industry in LA, and the stories coming out after the wildfires have been heartbreaking. So many service workers live paycheck to paycheck, and when restaurants close due to natural disasters, that income disappears instantly.
A portion of proceeds from each Orbit SE sale goes to Restaurants Care, which provides emergency funds to food and beverage workers hit hard by these wildfires. It’s not just about replacing a home—it’s about keeping the lights on and food on the table while people rebuild their lives.
Why This Collab Just Works
There’s something refreshingly authentic about this partnership. Both Snibbs and Hedley & Bennett built their reputations on creating gear that actually works for industry professionals. They’ve both spent years talking to chefs, servers, and kitchen staff about what they actually need.
I remember interviewing a chef in 2019 who showed me his collection of Hedley & Bennett aprons with pride—they were battle-scarred but still holding up after years of grease splatters and hot pan encounters. That same commitment to quality seems evident in this shoe collaboration.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’ve seen plenty of “buy this to help that cause” marketing over the years, and sometimes it feels… well, icky. But when brands with genuine connections to a community step up to help that same community? That’s something I can get behind.
If you’re in the market for work shoes (or honestly, just comfortable everyday sneakers), the Orbit SE seems worth checking out. They’re functional, apparently super comfortable, and part of your purchase helps real people facing real challenges.
In a world where so much feels disconnected, it’s nice to see two companies creating something that keeps workers comfortable while building a bridge to those who need support most.
And hey, if nothing else, they’re probably a major upgrade from whatever beaten-up shoes you’ve been meaning to replace for the last year. We’ve all been there too.
