Bates
Wolverine World Wide · United States
Bates is a US uniform footwear brand founded in 1885 and part of Wolverine World Wide since 1969. It is best known for boots and shoes for military and police wearers.
| Founded | 1885 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Rockford, Michigan |
| Parent | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (since 1969) |
| Core products | Military and police uniform footwear |
What is Bates?
Bates is an American footwear brand that began in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer. It later became known for uniform footwear and is based in Rockford, Michigan.
History
Bates joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. in 1969, and it is part of that group's footwear portfolio. Its original uniform shoe was the Navy Uniform Oxford, which launched its association with the US armed forces.
Products and positioning
Bates makes uniform footwear for the US military branches and for civilian police forces. A company press release for its 125th anniversary highlighted several technologies and materials:
- DuraShocks cushioning
- The Bates Individual Comfort System
- Gore-Tex and Vibram components
The same release described the company's brand promise as "Honor Bound" and said Bates products were sold in more than 60 countries.
Why it matters
Bates is a long-running example of a specialist footwear brand built around institutional buyers, such as armed forces and police, rather than around fashion retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Bates footwear?
Bates has been part of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. since 1969, according to a company press release.
What does Bates sell?
Bates sells uniform boots and shoes for US military branches and civilian police forces.