Rocky Brand

Footwear manufacturing in the U.S. languished throughout the 1960's. Production facilities closed and, eventually, the former William Brooks Shoe Co. factory became outdated. By 1975, Irving Drew was ready to sell or shut down the factory.

John Brooks grasped the opportunity and bought the business back with his son Mike, who immediately moved back to Ohio from his job at a Milwaukee tannery. In search of a rugged, outdoorsy name, the Rocky brand was created in 1979.

With Mike Brooks at the helm, the company continued to grow throughout the 1980s. Following a successful SHOT show in 1984, Rocky shifted focus and expanded their efforts in hunting footwear, designing innovative boots like the Cornstalker. Soon, outdoor stores and retailers such as Dick's Sporting Goods and Cabela's were selling Rocky products across the country.