Rockport (company)

The Rockport Company is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of shoes. Founded in Marlborough, Massachusetts in 1971 by Saul and Bruce Katz, the company continues to produce footwear and operate stores in the United States, and 66 countries around the world. The company was purchased by Reebok in 1984. Now both footwear makers are owned by shoe giant Adidas.The Rockport Company is based in Canton, Massachusetts, in the Reebok Headquarters.

History

Rockport was founded in 1971 by the father and son combination of Saul and Bruce Katz in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Saul and Bruce both decided that what was truly missing from the shoe industry was a shoe that combined both lightweight materials, comfort, and subtle stylings. These were the characteristics that would define Rockport shoes for the next decade.

In 1984 Rockport was bought out by footwear industry giant Reebok. This is notable in the fact that it was Reebok's first foray into non-athletic shoe industry. Rockport benefited from the funds influx that accompanied the acquisition, and also because Reebok athletic footwear technologies became available for use in its formal and walking shoes. This would lead to the later use of DMX comfort insoles in many styles of Rockport shoes.

Shoes

Rockport produces a variety of loafers, boat shoes, oxfords, sandals, boots, and walking shoes. These are available in mens, womens, and occasionally even childrens styles. The most famous of these is the ProWalker series, a hard-bottomed walking shoe that one of the earliest in the Rockport line.

Technologies

Rockport advertises itself as being a technological leader in its footwear field. Among their implementations are DMX, Walk Dry, XCS, and the Vibram sole.

DMX

DMX technology features cushions of moving air in the sole of the shoe. These are typically felt as slight bulges which create a massaging effect on the wearer's feet.

Walk Dry

Shoes that feature Walk Dry technology have water-resistant surfaces that are very difficult to stain, as they have very low absorbance.

Vibram Sole

Vibram soles are noted as being among the most durable in all shoe markets. They are intended to be inflexible without sacrificing comfort.

XCS

XCS or Extreme Conditions System are the basis technology in all outdoor shoes in Rockport's line, and deal mainly with anti-scratch and waterproofing on the outside of the shoe.