# functional footwear brands NYC-Based Lifestyle Brand Brunch Redefines Everyday Comfort By Georgia Wray Norsten | Published 2025-10-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifestyle-brand-brunch References: [brunch.us](https://brunch.us/)  NYC-based lifestyle brand '[Brunch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-slipper)' is making waves with its modern take on everyday comfort, crafting footwear that merges slipper-like ease with sneaker-level functionality. Founded in 2020 by brothers Daniel and Joshua Sitt -- the latter also a co-founder of the optimistic athleisure label [Madhappy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-x-madhappy) -- Brunch launched with 'The Essential,' a reimagined [hotel slipper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amour-suede-shearling-bridges) built for real life. Now, the brand’s lineup includes versatile shoes, sweats, and robes designed to evoke that vacation feeling, even for those stuck behind a city desk. Blending durability, style, and the signature comfort of leisurewear, Brunch continues to expand its cult following among consumers craving elevated downtime essentials. By bridging luxury loungewear and practical footwear, Brunch occupies a growing niche in the post-pandemic lifestyle market. The brand’s focus on 'functional relaxation' aligns with the continued demand for hybrid products that transition seamlessly from home to city, positioning it for strong cross-category growth in 2025 and beyond. Image Credit: Brunch ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 51% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hybrid Footwear Innovation:** Brands merging slipper comfort with sneaker functionality signal a shift towards versatile footwear suited for home and urban environments. - **Luxury Loungewear Expansion:** The intersection of luxury loungewear and practical footwear points to new opportunities within the elevated casual wear market. - **Post-pandemic Lifestyle Products:** There is a growing consumer desire for products that balance relaxation and readiness, influencing trends in both fashion and lifestyle sectors. ### Where This Applies - **Lifestyle Footwear:** As a sector combining comfort with style, lifestyle footwear is poised to disrupt both casual wear and professional attire markets. - **Athleisure Apparel:** Athleisure continues to evolve by integrating luxury materials and design principles from related lifestyle segments. - **Functional Fashion:** This industry benefits from the increasing demand for clothing and accessories that provide both utility and aesthetics in daily wear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Slim Profile Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-slipper.md) - [Convertible Summer Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collapsible-loafer.md) - [Baseball Lifestyle Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baseball-lifestyle.md) - [Chunky Trainer Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breeze-sneaker.md) - [Comfort-Engineered Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comfortengineered-footwear.md) - [Comfortable Casual Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casual-lifestyle-shoe.md) - [Cozy Indoor Footwear Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-footwear.md) - [Modern Sophisticated Footwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flex-oxford-collection.md) - [Comfort-Driven Stylish Men's Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deming-recovery.md)