Cole Haan is jumping feet first into the performance apparel space.
The footwear brand has signed a licensing deal with Catapult Group to launch a line of performance apparel beginning in the spring of 2026. The collection will start with Cole Haan Golf apparel and expand into racket sports and performance lifestyle products in the future.
Cole Haan has a history in the golf industry that dates back to 1940, when cofounder Eddie Haan patented the company’s first golf shoe. In the past several years, the company expanded into golf, running and tennis footwear, so moving into performance apparel for these sports is seen as a complementary move.
“Since re-entering the golf footwear category in 2021, we have been focused on a journey to bring well-designed, high-quality performance footwear and apparel to professionals and enthusiasts who live a 24/7 lifestyle — from the back nine to the corner office and everywhere in between,” said Jack Boys, Cole Haan’s chief executive officer. “With Scott Davis and the Catapult team as our partners, we have the proven expertise needed to deliver on products at the intersection of style and performance — bringing a uniquely Cole Haan perspective to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”
Scott Davis, co-CEO of Catapult, will also serve as president of Cole Haan Golf, overseeing global strategy and operations for the new company.
Cole Haan golf shoes.
Courtesy of Cole Haan
Davis, who has more than 25 years of experience in fashion, golf and retail, said: “It’s a true honor to operate as president, Cole Haan Golf at Catapult and help steward a brand celebrated for nearly a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless American style. As a longtime PGA professional, I am deeply proud to bring my experience in the game to this exciting new chapter — introducing a golf apparel collection that merges performance with sophistication and extending the brand’s legacy into the world of golf. This initiative underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s athletes while staying true to the values that have defined Cole Haan for generations.”
Currently, footwear represents more than 80 percent of Cole Haan’s business, but outerwear, handbags, small leather goods and other categories are seen as big growth opportunities.
Cole Haan has been owned since 2012 by Apax Partners, which purchased the brand from Nike for $570 million.