Engineered Comfort: Rockport's frontier

Soon after father and son Saul and Bruce Katz founded it in 1971, Rockport became the first company to use advanced materials and technologies in traditional shoes to create lightweight comfort. Then we were the first to engineer walking comfort in all types of dress and casual shoes.

Today, we have heightened the linkage of cutting-edge engineers, designers, components and technologies to pioneer footwear, apparel and accessories. All built to perform as never before. To exude style. To supply what our customers demand of their gear.

All based on a unique heritage of innovation:

History:

In 1984 Rockport is the first footwear manufacturer to receive The American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Acceptance Rockport sends a single man walking all across all 50 states to educate Americans on the health benefits of walking, the "The 50/50 Walk for the Health of It."

In 1985 Rockport develops and markets the ProWalker, the first biomechanically designed fitness-walking shoe Rockport publishes a book on fitness walking, "Rockport's Fitness Walking"

By 1986 Rockport becomes the first company acquired by Reebok International Ltd. Outside magazine names the Rockport PROWALKER shoe the "Mercedes-Benz of walking shoes" Rockport establishes The Rockport Walking Institute, an umbrella organization to educate the on about the benefits of walking Rockport introduces the Rockport Fitness Walking TestTM, one of the first self-tests to determine an individual's cardiovascular fitness level.

Rockport begins distributing Rockport shoes internationally in 1987. By 1994, Rockport shoes are distributed in over 30 countries.

THE WALKING PUMPTM by Rockport becomes the first women's dress shoe awarded the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, in 1989 Rockport introduces a boat shoe which combines walking-shoe comfort technology with performance boat-shoe technology.

In 1990 Rockport introduces the XCS Extreme Conditions System, a collection of boots, oxfords, shoes and sandals designed to perform on various kinds of outdoor terrain. The Signature Collection receives the APMA Seal of Acceptance Tony Post, Rockport's vice president for outdoor marketing, footwear and apparel, runs the marathon in New York in DresSports shoes to demonstrate their superior cushioning and support.

In 1991 Rockport introduces Soft ImpressionsTM, a collection of contemporary casual footwear designed for today's woman Rockport shoes introduces its first line of clothing, The Rockport Apparel Collection for Men Rockport opens a "concept" retail store in Boston's prestigious Faneuil Hall Marketplace, selling Rockport shoes and apparel.

Rockport joins forces with The American Hiking Society in 1992 to create "Rockport's American Discovery Trail Blazer Day," a coast-to-coast hiking trail, where thousands of volunteers "blazed" The American Discovery Trail.

In 1993 Rockport becomes the shoe of choice for U.S. Presidents. Fortune magazine (January 25, 1993) reports that President Clinton prefers Rockport shoes "for less athletic occasions." GQ magazine (August, 1990) mentions that President Bush wears Rockport shoes for "both day and evening dress." Rockport announces its association with Jack Nicklaus, Golfer of the Century. Together Rockport shoes and Nicklaus will engineer a premium golf shoe that combines Rockport's walking-shoe experience and Nicklaus's golf expertise Rockport performs the ultimate wear test by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

By 1994 Rockport becomes the official boat-shoe supplier of the Whitbread Round The World Race Rockport shoes introduces Rockport Interval Walking, a walking program which incorporates proven principals of interval training with fitness walking Rockport becomes an official sponsor of the Leadville Trail 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon in the Colorado Rockies.

Rockport launches The Rockport Proof in 1995, a global brand platform encompassing Rockport's heritage of authenticity and consumer loyalty. The campaign included an integrated marketing program presenting real-life Rockport consumers and their experiences in their Rockport shoes.

In 1996 Rockport acquires the license for Ralph Lauren Footwear and establishes a subsidiary to manage Ralph Lauren Footwear Rockport opens concept retail stores in Newport, RI, King of Prussia, PA, and New York City, NY. Designed as the ultimate shoe store, Rockport retail provides the ultimate in service and in test products and services, including Reflexology Rockport's Mirabel heel wins the Seal of Acceptance from The American Orthopeadic Foot & Ankle Society

In 1997 Rockport shoes launches "be comfortable, uncompromise, start with your feet," a globally integrated marketing platform encompassing advertising, public relations and retail presence. The campaign is geared toward the individual who is comfortable with him- or herself and who lives the uncompromise idea. Rockport opens a concept retail store in San Francisco, CA.

Rockport shoes are known for their comfort and enduring quality, as well as their practical design. Rockports are great for casual wear everyday. Always striving to improve their shoe performance, Rockport walking shoes are a comfortable selection for both men and women.