The PPE is mostly used for worksites. However, there’s a special kind of PPE that’s so good, durable, and provides such amazing protection that even the military uses it.
If you want to find such high-grade boots just visit overlookboots.com/collections/rocky and browse Rocky boots models.
There’s a reason why the military uses them today.
Humble Beginnings
Rocky boots are known for their durability and toughness. That’s how they came to be.
During the Great Depression brothers, F. M. and William Brooks opened a shoe factory in Nelsonville, Ohio. In 1946, F. M. left Nelsonville, leaving his son John to lead the company and help it grow.
However, in 1950, William sold the business to Irving Drew Shoe Co. leaving John as a worker at something that was his until yesterday. It became even harder from 1960, as shoe factories closed one after the other.
By 1979, Irving sold the factory to John Brooks and his son Mike and thus came what is known as the Rocky brand. The following years were marked by constant innovation. The breakthrough came in 1984 when Rocky presented the Cornstalker, an outdoor boot.
It changed everything.
Catering to a Different Need
While most PPE boots cater to the specific needs of a worksite, Rocky has a different strategy. Their specialty lies in developing boots specifically for outdoor use. Instead of fighting in the crowded market, Rocky stepped aside and focused on creating a pair of boots for a better outdoor movement.
It may not sound like a revolutionary thing. However, in the previous century, the PPE market was still developing. All efforts were focused on developing boots mostly for workers building railroads, workers in mines, as well as workers in construction sites.
In the 80s, it was highly unusual to create a different kind of hunting gear. Today, it’s a staple to have a pair of outdoor boots like Rocky’s. Back then, it changed the PPE game up forever.
Shaking the Industry
The big idea and the reason for success behind the Rocky boots are the benefits they provide for outdoor workers and hunters. Loggers and hunters need a specific kind of footwear.
The boot doesn’t have to be as hard as a construction site PPE boots. It has to be lighter, durable. But, the thing it needs the most is a superior grip. Think about it, you are going to walk around on uneven soil, influenced by weather and climate change.
One day you are walking on solid soil, and tomorrow it may be mud. You need a pair of boots that won’t slip and provide you with a finer balance. And, of course, you still need protection against rocks, trees, and other outdoor hazards.
As you can see, you need a totally different pair of boots than those you usually find in construction jobs.
New Approach to Design and Development
The secret behind the Cornstalker and other series of outdoor boots are rather simple. Instead of developing a pair of boots to be heavy and super-durable, they went for a lighter footwear variant.
While you need hard boots in a closed, industrial setting, outdoors are completely different. Here, you need to move easily, feel light on your feet, and most of all – stay protected.
Following the traditional development route, it was possible to make a hard and durable boot. But, it would come with an expense on the ability to move freely. So, the Rocky brand technicians opted for lighter materials, composite and alloy metatarsal protection, or a steel-toe alloy cage.
Now they had a completely new type of footwear. And, the military soon learned about it.
The Military Boot
Military equipment and gear need to be solid, durable, and light. Soldiers and military personnel are going to move a lot, face dangers such as flying bullets and explosive shrapnel. While they can get hit in an arm or even chest and survive the encounter, it’s going to be much harder to leave one with a hurt leg or foot.
Especially when the soldiers are faced with rough terrains such as deserts, swamps, and forest areas. Thus, they needed footwear that’s both light and resistant to damage. Rocky delivers just that.
The special use of materials, along with steel-toe protection, as well as special design for more grip proved perfect for military purposes. Rocky’s relationship with the military lasts for over 50 years now, and the brand is the regular supplier to military outposts worldwide.
While Rocky caters to a specific user base, it does superbly and rightfully so. It offers them everything they need.
They stay light on their feet while fully protected. For a person or a professional that has to move a lot on uncertain terrain, that’s a blessing. They know how to make the most out of their potential.
Make the Most Out of It
You should do the same. Rocky boots are perfect for all types of outdoor use.
Whether you are logging, hunting, or camping, Rocky is going to protect you at all times. They are the perfect foundation for a fantastic adventure.
