LE CHAMEAU NAMED OFFICIAL BOOT PARTNER OF THE BOAT RACE
London, March 2025 — Le Chameau is proud to announce its multi-year partnership with The Boat Race, the iconic rowing competition between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, one of the most celebrated traditions in British sport.
The historic annual race between the Oxford and Cambridge University boat clubs is one of the oldest and most famous amateur sporting events in the UK, with the Men’s Boat Race established in 1829, and Women’s Boat Race first raced in 1927.
This year’s Boat Race is one of the most historic to date, following the announcement of a long-term partnership between The Boat Race and CHANEL, who have become both Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner of the event.
As the official waterproof boot supplier for the Boat Race, 140 rowers will be equipped with Le Chameau’s hand-crafted Neoprene-lined Vierzon boots (the “Vierzonord”), while support staff will wear Le Chameau’s rubber waders. The boots are a critical part of a rower’s kit, enabling them to wade through water, navigate slippery riverbanks and keep their feet warm at the coldest morning training sessions. The Boat Race 2025 will take place on Sunday 13 April along the 4.25-mile stretch of the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake, where one of British sport’s most intense and enduring rivalries will be reignited in front of a crowd of over 200,000 spectators, broadcast live on the BBC and viewed by millions worldwide on television. The Women’s Boat Race starts at 1:21pm and the Men’s Boat Race starts at 2:21pm.
This partnership builds on Le Chameau’s long history in the maritime arena. From equipping offshore sailors in the Vendée Globe for 30 years, to providing essential footwear for French lifeboatmen and Normandy oyster fishermen with professional waders, Le Chameau’s maritime products have been a cornerstone of the brand’s professional product offering.
James Corsellis, Le Chameau, said: ‘We are incredibly honoured to be chosen for this partnership with The Boat Race. Le Chameau has a long history in the professional marine market. Our handmade boots are the world’s finest and will provide unrivalled comfort and resilience to all of the race participants.’
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, commented: ‘We are proud to announce Le Chameau as our official boot supplier. Considering the Women’s Boat Race was first raced in 1927, which is when Le Chameau was founded, the partnership feels very natural and synergistic when it comes to brand heritage. We are excited to see the partnership come to life and witness our community of rowers benefit from Le Chameau’s innovative waterproof footwear.’
NOTES TO EDITORS:
TECHNICAL BRIEFING
The Vierzon Neoprene “Vierzonord” boot is perfectly suited for withstanding demanding conditions in comfort. Crafted from Chamolux — the brand’s exclusive blend of sustainably sourced natural rubbers — the iconic rubber boot is uniquely supple, completely waterproof, and engineered for performance.
Famed for being the original rubber Wellington boot to feature an adjustable, waterproof gusset, the Vierzonord boasts an insulating 3mm neoprene lining that will keep you warm and comfortable all day. Handcrafted from start to finish by a Le Chameau master bootmaker, the boots are reinforced with aramid fibres for extra protection, with a dual-density, shock-absorbing Grip/Cross sole, shank reinforcement board for better stability and an anti-fatigue arch support
ABOUT LE CHAMEAU
Le Chameau has crafted the world’s finest rubber boots since its founding in Normandy in 1927. Built on an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and refinement, the brand’s heritage endures in its iconic footwear, which is handcrafted by Maître Bottiers to ensure unparalleled resilience and comfort. Renowned for pioneering Chamolux — an exclusive blend of sustainably sourced natural rubbers — the Maison remains dedicated to creating timeless Wellington boots that are completely waterproof, extraordinarily supple and comfortable beyond compare.
LE CHAMEAU MARITIME
For nearly a century, Le Chameau has been the trusted choice of maritime professionals across Europe. From equipping the offshore sailors of the prestigious Vendée Globe ocean race, to providing essential safety gear for French coastal rescue teams, the brand’s professional-grade boots and waders have proven their worth in the most challenging marine environments. In Normandy, where the company’s story began, generations of oyster farmers and fishermen have relied on Le Chameau’s expertise in crafting footwear that withstands the daily rigors of tidal work. This deep connection to maritime heritage continues to inform the brand’s innovation in professional-grade waterproof footwear, making Le Chameau the natural partner for elite rowing events like the Boat Race.
ABOUT THE BOAT RACE
First raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829, The Boat Race is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part. The famous Championship Course stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.