Posted On Thursday, May 02, 2013
On Friday May 3, Congressman Dave Camp visited to thank our factory team in Big Rapids, MI for all their hard work and dedication in making boots and shoes for our warfighters and first responders. He was briefed on the manufacturing of the Army's Temperate Weather Mountain Combat Boot which will begin early Summer 2013. Also on the agenda was the other footwear programs from Wolverine Worldwide's portfolio of brands that are planned for production in Big Rapids.
The Congressman was presented a personalized pair of the Temperate Weather Mountain Combat Boots with his name embossed on the tongue (featured below).
Featured Above: Congressman Dave Camp (Left) with Big Rapids team members and our CEO Blake Krueger (Right).
Posted On Saturday, March 31, 2012
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Julie McCauley, (616) 863-3998
Julie.McCauley@wwwinc.com
www.batesfootwear.com
It’s Time to Rev ‘Em Up:
The Bates Riding Collection is Hitting the Road in Time for Spring
Rockford, MI (March 2012) – Just when you thought the ride couldn’t possibly get any better, it has. Available for Spring 2012, the Bates Riding Collection is hitting the asphalt, and select retail locations. Designed for those who demand indestructible riding equipment, from their motorcycle to their riding gear, the newest offering by the well respected uniform footwear manufacturer, Bates® Footwear (Bates), promises high-performance quality and delivers high-style wearability.
“While we’re experts in creating heavy-duty boots, this is a bit of a departure for our brand,” says Julie McCauley, Bates Marketing Manager. “To date, our focus has been on designing footwear that could, for instance, carry soldiers into hostile terrains. Now, we’re using that same expertise to make boots that perform as well for everyday motorcyclists and the recreational weekend warrior.”
But make no mistake. The attention to detail and consistent use of top-tier materials that Bates is celebrated for is reflected in each of the eight diverse styles that comprise the men’s collection: Ormond, Big Bend, Talimena, Tahoe, Palomar, Black Canyon, Copper Trail, and Escalante. And if the names sound familiar to motorcycle enthusiasts, it’s no surprise—each boot was named after a favorite scenic ride.
From the sleek mid-calf Tahoe with classic metal accents to the hardcore lace-up Escalente that boasts a waterproof leather/mesh fusion upper, Bates wanted to deliver what riders wanted as well as needed. Says McCauley, “We realize that riders look for specific qualities in their riding boots. Some prefer the longer boot while others prefer a shorter one. Some like laces, others like the classic zip-up. That’s why, when designing our boots, we focused on the collection as a whole and repeatedly asked ourselves if we were creating variety as well as value. We think the answer is clearly ‘yes.’”
Which is why, whether they’re worn daily or just on long weekend rides, one thing’s for certain. When it comes to high-performance riding boots, in more ways than one, you could say that there’s a new leader in the pack. The Bates Riding Collection. Available now.
About Bates Footwear. For over 125 years Bates® has been dedicated to the development and manufacturing of performance footwear. In 2003, the company joined the billion-dollar footwear giant, Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. and is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. For more information visit www.batesfootwear.com.
Posted On Monday, May 09, 2011
http://soldiersystems.net/tag/the-boot-campaign/
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 | Soldier Systems
Unless you’ve been living on Mars, you’ve heard about The Boot Campaign by now. Their motto is simple; “When They Come Back, We Give Back”. Founded by five Southern ladies from Texas who call themselves “The Boot Girls”, The Boot Campaign provides a tangible way for Americans to show support of our troops and directly benefit our military through purchases of boots and other merchandise. Bates Footwear has teamed with them to add several footwear styles to the program. Proceeds from purchasing signature boots from The Boot Campaign are donated to their charity partners including the Lone Survivor Foundation, Not Alone, Wounded Wear, and Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Read more at soldiersystems.net.
Posted On Monday, May 02, 2011
Rockford, MI (April 2011) Bates Footwear has partnered to join the fast-paced grassroots movement, The Boot Campaign. Originated by five women from Texas who call themselves “The Boot Girls”, The Boot Campaign provides a tangible way for Americans to show support of our troops and directly benefit our military through purchases of boots and other merchandise.
The Boot Girls are on their way to achieve one mission; to see one million Americans in a pair of Boot Campaign “give back” boots. Their motto is simple; “When They Come Back, We Give Back”. To help them achieve this mission, Bates has provided a lineup of boot styles for the Boot Campaign. The Bates boots available to purchase online include Army boots, a Navy SEALs boot, USMC styles and an Air Force style. Proceeds from purchasing signature boots from the Boot Campaign are donated to their charity partners including the Lone Survivor Foundation, Not Alone, Wounded Wear, and Military Warriors Support Foundation.
A driving factor in the success of The Boot Campaign has been the wide support from music, sports and political influences signing up to show their patronage. Celebrities range from country music stars Joe Nichols and Dolly Parton to TV and radio host Glenn Beck. Sports and Political figures such as The Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Cubs and the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry have been spotted wearing the military fashioned boots to show their support.
Bates is humbled by the opportunity to give back to the men and women that so proudly serve to protect their country. As Ron Woznick, VicePresident & General Manager for Bates, said; “Bates has the honor of providing footwear to thousands of warfighters each year that selflessly protect our country. Their sacrifices and commitment are simply amazing. We are privileged to begin working more closely with the Boot Campaign, who has done a phenomenal job of drawing attention and supporting our military heroes.”
For additional information or to show your support, visit www.bootcampaign.com.
About The Boot Campaign
The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by 5 women from Texas known as the Boot Girls. They provide an easy and tangible way for Americans to show support of our troops (both past and present) that’s practical and directly benefits our military. Proceeds from boot sales are donated to partner charities, which assist returning veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and varying degrees of physical injuries. For more information or to lend your support, visit www.bootcampaign.com.
About Bates Footwear
Founded in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer, today Bates® Footwear has become one of the most popular and preferred footwear brands in the US military and civilian uniformed law enforcement communities. The Bates brand is represented at each of highly respected military academies and in some of most selective and prestigious uniformed communities within the US: Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National cemetery; Old Guard in Washington DC; in addition to many Special Forces communities. The brand has emerged as the market leader with its singular focus on providing innovative and athletic footwear of the highest quality available. For more information, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
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Posted On Tuesday, April 26, 2011
May 15-18
National Police Week | Washington D.C.
http://www.policeweek.org/
May 15-17
American Jail Association Annual Conference | Cincinnati,OH
http://www.aja.org/conference/default.aspx
May 16-20
Army National Guard Logistics Management Show | Palm Springs, CA
http://www.arnglms2011.com/11NL/
Posted On Tuesday, March 01, 2011
As Seen in Country Weekly:
The Boot Campaign is getting an extra kick. The program, which encourages Americans to buy combat boots in support of the armed forces, is welcoming a new wave of country stars for their ads and promotional efforts. Most recently, Josh Turner, George Jones, Craig Morgan, Randy Houser, Charlie Daniels, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jack Ingram and many others laced up with the Boot Campaign, joining already-onboard celebs including Joe Nichols, Gretchen Wilson and Heidi Newfield. The stars appear in print advertisements sporting combat boots as a way of showing gratitude to U.S. troops. Artists from other musical fields as well as athletes and Hollywood stars—heck, even the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are also showing their support.
The Boot Campaign began in 2009 as a truly grass-roots movement. It’s the collective brainchild of five Texas women, known as the “Boot Girls,” who teamed up to find a creative way to say thanks to those members of the American military who were returning home from duty. The campaign was inspired by the book by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Red-wing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.
The ladies came up with the idea of wearing combat boots as a symbolic, “walk a mile in my shoes” statement. The campaign’s signature boots are available for purchase through the bootcampaign.com website, and all pro¬ceeds go to organizations such as the USO and the Lone Survivor Founda¬tion, founded by Marcus, which helps wounded warriors and their families. Though the program is less than two years old, it’s gaining momentum with the speed of a fighter plane. “We get letters from the deployed military that have heard about us and they all have great things to say,” says Sherri Reuland, one of the five Boot Girls. “The Boot Campaign is really our call to action. It shows compassion and it is a reminder of what these men and women in the service go through every day.
When you wear the combat boots, the military people know that you are standing beside them in support.” And now, they’re picking up even more support from the country music community. Charlie Daniels was so impressed by the program that he included it in his annual charity event in Nashville this past September. The superpatriot hosted the “Get Your Boots On, Nashville” fundraising event to benefit both the Boot Campaign and Stars for Stripes. He sums up his support for the movement in a statement to Country Weekly, saying, “We’re putting some boots on the ground in this country to support the ones who put their boots on the ground in combat to keep our country free. It’s the least we can do.”
Craig Morgan, who served in the United States Army for more than 10 years, is also a recent “enlistee,” so to speak. “I was approached by the Boot Campaign organization to be a part of this,” says Craig. “I’m sure a lot of that had to do with the fact that I was in the Army for so many years. But anytime we can do something that’s going to improve the lifestyle of our returning soldiers, that is something we should do. For me, it was a no-brainer.”
Craig was familiar with the organization and especially admired the creative concept behind the movement. “It is unique,” he says. “There is a visual appeal to it. I have been working with the military since I left active duty, but we always do some investigating before we get involved with an organization. I like being affiliated with those that look to have some longevity, and the Boot Campaign looks like it will be a long-term thing.”
Randy Houser’s involvement with the Boot Campaign would seem a natural fit, on the heels of his most successful single, the humorous “Boots On” in 2009. He began hearing about the Boot Campaign after performing for a USO tour of the Persian Gulf in January of 2010. That proved a life-changing experience for the rough-hewn singer. “When I went on that USO trip, I saw what those guys do over there, and you realize what you are doing for them,” Randy says. “They have such a sense of team. Some of them almost feel guilty for coming home because they feel like they are leaving their team behind. Hats off to them, man.”
And much like the workings of the military, the Boot Campaign is prov¬ing what can be accomplished when people pitch in as a team. The fact that five everyday-type women, all with jobs and families of their own, can successfully spearhead a move-ment of this proportion suggests a true “American dream” story. That is certainly not lost on Randy or Craig.“I love to see Americans actually doing something,” Randy says with a robust laugh. “It shows that people can make a big difference. I mean, as art¬ists, we can show our support through songs or performing for the military. That’s how we raise awareness. But these five women have hit on somehing that looks like it’s really catching on.” And the campaign ads definitely catch your attention, Randy adds. “You know, you’re looking at a picture of a big star or a celebrity and you scan down and you see that they’re wearing those brown combat boots, and you just want to know why,” he says. “You know immediately that it represents something that’s pretty important.” Craig also makes sure to give the Boot Girls their proper respect. “These ladies have put so much heart and soul into this,” he says earnestly. “They are the ones who should be commended. I mean, all we [artists] have to do is take some pictures. That’s the easy part.”
The Boot Campaign is getting a further boost from Joe Nichols, who has been working with Marcus Lut¬trell as well as the Boot Campaign. Joe dedicated his latest music video, “The Shape I’m In,” to the men and women returning home from military service, and selected Marcus to provide the opening narration. The video was made in partnership with the Lone Survivor Foundation and the Boot Campaign. Joe says in a release, “We came up with the idea to connect the song’s lyrics with what Marcus and company have been doing already which is, helping soldiers get back into a normal life after returning home.” And fans can help by literally “getting your boots on.” While you’re at it, bring the family, urges Randy Houser. “I think every family portrait should have somebody, or even everybody, in combat boots,” he says, with a slight hint of facetiousness in his voice. “Heck, why not? It’s one way we can give back.” CW
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY THE BOOT CAMPAIGN/WEBSTER PR
Posted On Thursday, January 27, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Julie McCauley, (616) 863-3998
Julie.McCauley@wwwinc.com
Bates® Footwear Partners with Wounded Warrior Project to Honor and Empower Wounded Warriors.
Rockford, MI (January 2011) Bates Footwear will be partnering with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization that supports thousands of wounded warriors each year during their transition back to civilian life.
WWP began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded servicemen and women has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover. Over 40,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury.
WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery. Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services, or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.
Bates Footwear is proud to announce our partnership with Wounded Warrior Project to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members. It humbles us to know that we may be playing a small role to help troops heal from the physical and emotional wounds they have suffered while serving our nation.
Manufacturing quality boots and shoes to protect the men and women that wear them is part of the value that drives Bates to give back. “We are grateful to show our support and gratitude to warfighters who have honored our country with incredible sacrifice by supporting a worthy cause such as Wounded Warrior Project” said Ron Woznick, Bates VP & General Manager.
About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
About Bates Footwear
Founded in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer, today Bates® Footwear has become one of the most popular and preferred footwear brands in the US military and civilian uniformed law enforcement communities. The Bates brand is represented at each of highly respected military academies and in some of most selective and prestigious uniformed communities within the US: Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National cemetery; Old Guard in Washington DC; in addition to many Special Forces communities. The brand has emerged as the market leader with its singular focus on providing innovative and athletic footwear of the highest quality available. In 1969 Bates joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and is now headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. In addition to the US market leading position, the Bates brand is sold in more than 60 countries on six continents. For more information, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
Posted On Wednesday, January 26, 2011
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Julie McCauley
(616) 863‐3998
Julie.McCauley@wwwinc.com
Bates® Footwear Expanding European Presence
Rockford, MI (January 2011) Bates Footwear, a leading footwear provider to the U.S. Military and Public Safety communities, is expanding their presence in Europe. Bates has already earned these category leading positions within the United States based on the brand’s emphasis of high performance, lightweight and athletic footwear technologies, such as iCS®, C3® and Ultra Lites®.
Bates’ expanded presence internationally positions the brand as a global provider of footwear to uniform communities worldwide.With the backing of its global parent company, Wolverine World Wide, Bates’ European operation will be based out of the Company’s London office in Kings Place. This office has been the Europe headquarters to other well known sister brands such as Merrell, Hush Puppies, and CAT Footwear.
To service this office regionally, Bates is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin McLachlan, European Brand Manager. Gavin has worked previously for Gore-Tex® and CamelBak, brands that have targeted both military and tactical categories within Europe. Gavin joins Bates with over twenty five years of knowledge and experience in the European Military & Government tender business.
Ron Woznick, VP & GM for the Bates brand, noted “Bates has been very fortunate over the last 10 years to obtain industry leading positions through the launches of innovative footwear with both the U.S. Military and civilian uniform markets. We are excited to have Gavin join the Bates team and believe that his background uniquely qualifies him to strengthen the Bates brand and its performance in the European market.”
To Contact Gavin McLachlan directly:
Bates Footwear
Wolverine Europe Ltd
Kings Place
90 York Way
London, UK N1 9AG
Phone: +44 (0)207 860 0100
Email: gavin.mclachlan@wwwinc.com
About Bates Footwear
Founded in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer, today Bates® Footwear has become one of the most popular and preferred footwear brands in the US military, civilian uniform and law enforcement communities. The Bates brand is represented at each of the highly respected military academies and in some of the most selective and prestigious uniformed communities within the US: Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National cemetery; Old Guard in Washington DC; as well as many Special Forces communities. The brand has emerged as a uniform market leader with its singular focus on providing innovative, performance footwear of the highest quality available. In 1969, Bates joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and is now headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. In addition to the US market leading position, the Bates brand is sold in more than 60 countries on six continents.For more information, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
About Wolverine World Wide
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco®, Cushe®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of the well-known brands, CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in more than180 countries.
Posted On Wednesday, January 26, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Julie McCauley
Ph: 616.863.3998
Email: julie.mccauley@wwwinc.com
BATES® FOOTWEAR EXPANDS INDIVIDUAL COMFORT SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED STYLING AND TECHNOLOGY
ROCKFORD, Michigan (January 2011). A genuine breakthrough in advanced comfort technology, the Bates Individual Comfort System (iCS) gives the wearer the freedom to customize the comfort of their footwear. By using the “dial” technology, the wearer is able to select the comfort zone that’s right for them.
Increasing ease and application when selecting the level of cushion or support the wearer requires, the new top-loaded iCS disk is integrated directly into the shoe’s midsole. Available March 2011, Bates will introduce five new styles to the iCS collection. The five new styles include a low sport shoe, athletic trainer, both 6” and 9” GORE-TEX® versions and a desert tan boot.
With street styling and versatile design, the Delta Sport and Delta Trainer are built for comfort and stand ready for action. Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. Stay grounded with the slip resistant rubber outsole in these two Delta styles. The removable full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion and comfort for extended wear.
DELTA SPORT
STYLE E03204
DELTA TRAINER
STYLE E03206
The enhanced GORE-TEX® styles, Delta-6 GORE-TEX® Side Zip and Delta-9 GORE-TEX® Side Zip come fully equipped with technology features. A GORE-TEX® waterproof lining that keeps feet dry and comfortable is coupled with a slip resistant Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole for superior traction and comfort. Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. The removable full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion and comfort for extended wear.
DELTA-6 GORE-TEX® SIDE ZIP
STYLE E02905
DELTA-9 GORE-TEX® SIDE ZIP
STYLE E02900
The fifth style to join the Bates iCS collection will be the Delta-9 Desert Tan boot. Utilizing a durable upper made with Wolverine Warrior Leather™ and Nylon, this boot is fully functional for multi-terrain environments.Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. The slip resistant Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole provides increased traction while the full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion for extended wear.
DELTA-9 DESERT TAN
STYLE E02950
Developed by the Bates Product Design Team and wear-tested by actual customers, the iCS technology offers a flexible and effective way for consumers to define all-day comfort on their own terms. The iCS disk is integrated directly into the shoe’s midsole and can be placed to rest at one of the four zones. Each zone satisfies different comfort needs, allowing the user to place comfort where they want it.
Here is how the iCS Technology works:
Firm Zone: Increases energy return and maximizes all-day support
Outward Zone: Reduces outward tilt and encourages natural walking motion and stability
Cushion Zone: Increases heel cushioning and maximizes shock absorption
Inward Zone: Reduces inward tilt and encourages natural walking motion and stability
The new Bates Individual Comfort System products will be available March 2011 at your local Bates footwear dealer and online at www.batesfootwear.com. For up to date information, join the conversation online and on Facebook and Twitter.
About Bates Footwear
Founded in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer, today Bates® Footwear has become one of the most popular and preferred footwear brands in the US military and civilian uniformed law enforcement communities. The Bates brand is represented at each of highly respected military academies and in some of most selective and prestigious uniformed communities within the US: Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National cemetery; Old Guard in Washington DC; in addition to many special forces communities. The brand has emerged as the market leader with its singular focus on providing innovative and athletic footwear of the highest quality available. In 1969 Bates joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and is now headquartered in Rockford,Michigan. In addition to the US market leading position, the Bates brand is sold in more than 60 countries on six continents. For more information, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
About Wolverine World Wide
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco®, Cushe™ Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago®, Soft Style® and Wolverine®. The Company also is the exclusive footwear licensee of the well-known brands CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in 180 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/.
GORE-TEX® is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.
Vibram® is a registered trademark of S.P.A. Italy
