Bates® Introduces GX-8 GORE-TEX® Insulated Side Zip Boot

Bates® launches an extension of their popular GX series with an 8” insulated boot featuring 200g. Thinsulate™ Insulation and GORE-TEX® waterproof technology.

ROCKFORD, Mich. (July 2009) As the GX Series product tops the charts each year as a best seller, Bates has extended this line with an 8” Gore-Tex® Insulated Side Zip (Style 2488). Waterproofing and warmth join forces with the combination of two superior footwear fabrics, Thinsulate™ and Gore-Tex® to make this new product a necessity for those withstanding cold temperatures and wet climates.

The unique fibers of Thinsulate™ insulation rank superior when compared to synthetic insulations and are much more efficient at keeping feet warm and comfortable. The GORE-TEX® Insulated Comfort features keep feet dry, warm and protected by being durably waterproof and breathable and providing vital climate comfort. Built with an athletic cement construction for lightweight flexibility and side zip for easy on and off, these boots reflect the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every product Bates manufacturers. The new 8” Gore-Tex® Insulated Side Zip Boot is best suited for fall and winter outdoor activities and will be available in stores and online at www.batesfootwear.com October 2009.

Committed to service and product excellence, Bates Footwear is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., 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 popular brands including 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 our website, www.batesfootwear.com.

Soles4Souls Distributes Bates To Those In Need

(2008) Nashville based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs to people in over 70 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the US. Bates is fortunate to be among the many brands that contribute to thier efforts in helping those in need.

Soles4Souls is also a green way to make sure that shoes do not end up in a landfill before their wear life has ended. Quoted from their website " The reward of buying a new pair of shoes simply cannot compare to the joy of giving a pair to someone in need. These shoes are treasured beyond description and it's just at that very moment that we understand just how awesome shoes can be."

To donate or become invovled in Soles4Souls events Click Here to visit thier website.

Bates Participates in Sponsorship to Raise Funds for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)

(October 2009) Bates footwear along with, Metro PCS, and Sunset retirement services is sponsoring our local Jenison Highschool football this fall to raise funds for Wounded Warrior Prject (WWP).

On and off the field, Jenison Football understands there are many battles that need to be won. They recognize that some battles are much bigger than our own. Together we can help raise awareness and funds to help this cause win its battle. The 2009 season will conclude with the Jenison-Hudsonville game. The Georgetwon neighbors, and long time rivals will work together this season to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. During the game, both booster clubs will come together to present a check to WWP.

To date, they have raised $2500 with Wolverine World-Wide Bates Division and Metro PCS being the lead donors. Thier goal is to raise $5000 to donate.

Dedicated Wounded Warrior Project Football Game takes place Friday, October 23, Jenison HS Stadium.

Bates Wins Special Operations Forces Contract for Tactical Combat Boots

Rockford, MI (September, 2008) – Bates® Footwear, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. announces that it has received a contract to manufacture roughly 5,000 lightweight Tactical Combat Boots for the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). Bates is a market leader in the design and manufacture of innovative high performance footwear for military and law enforcement communities, As a brand in the Wolverine World Wide portfolio, Bates utilized its own technologies and integrated with technological advances of other brands in the Wolverine portfolio, namely the Company’s Merrell® and, Wolverine® brands to develop this Tactical Combat Boot.

Bates developed the Tactical Combat Boot specifically to provide enhanced durability, stability, and traction in urban and field operations. The Vibram® Mutant outsole creates superior traction on wet and dry surfaces, while the direct-attach construction provides superior cushioning and durability. The anti-bacterial, abrasion-resistant Dri-Lex® Camo lining delivers enhanced moisture management and ensures soldiers’ feet remain cool, dry and comfortable.

"Bates is committed to being the leader in providing footwear solutions for all branches of the US Military – We intend to achieve this goal by leveraging a wide range of technologies and development expertise through-out Wolverine World Wide’s array of footwear brands such as Merrell and Wolverine Brand,” said Ron Woznick, Vice President and General Manager of Bates Footwear. “We feel privileged to provide yet another new footwear solution for our nation’s elite combat forces needs.”

The Special Forces Tactical Combat Boot joins the Chem Bio Protective Overboot and the Tora Bora™ Alpine Combat Boot as the mission footwear of choice for the Special Forces.

All three products are manufactured with 100% domestic materials at Bates facilities in Big Rapids, Michigan and Jonesboro, Arkansas, maintaining the company’s commitment to manufacturing in the United States.

Bates is a leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the U.S. military and has been building a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear for more than 120 years. Engineered advancements such as Bates DuraShocks® comfort system, Ultra-Lites® technology and Bates Individual Comfort System combine to set the brand apart and cement its status as the gold standard in uniform footwear. For more information and to view product lines, visit http://www.batesfootwear.com/

Bates® Footwear to Develop and Manufacture Tora Bora™ Alpine Combat Boot

ROCKFORD, MI (October 31, 2007)—Bates® Footwear, a division of Wolverine World Wide Inc., announced today that it will complete development and manufacture 10,000 pairs of Tora Bora™ Alpine Combat Boots under a new $2.2 million government contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command. Through initial development with the Special Operations Command, this new technical boot has been specifically engineered for soldiers operating in mountain warfare conditions. Bates will manufacture the Tora Bora Alpine Combat Boot with 100% U.S.-sourced materials at U.S.-based ISO 9001:2000 compliant manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Michigan; Big Rapids, Michigan; and Jonesboro, Arkansas.


Wolverine World Wide Chief Executive Officer Blake W. Krueger said, “We are honored to be a source of technical innovation for the Special Forces and strive to design the best possible footwear solutions that meet the specific needs of the U.S. military. In doing so, we are pleased to continue to develop domestically manufactured footwear that employs cutting edge technologies cultivated through the creative synergy between the Bates® and Merrell® divisions.”

Since 2004, Bates Footwear has worked closely with the Special Operations Forces to understand the performance characteristics required for their tactical footwear. The Tora Bora Alpine Combat Boot incorporates proprietary design and manufacturing technologies from both the Bates and Merrell divisions of Wolverine World Wide to provide soldiers with the only domestically manufactured technical footwear suited for advanced mountaineering and high altitude combat operations.

The Tora Bora Alpine Combat Boot integrates new technologies developed to meet the needs of the U.S. military with commercially available design and construction innovations that have been tested and adopted by extreme mountaineers. This new combat boot will provide soldiers enhanced durability, stability and traction to navigate across varied terrain including deep snow pack; arid desert sand; steep, muddy slopes; and sheer rock face. The technical boot design offers total performance in a broad range of temperatures and optimum compatibility with tools commonly used by the Special Operations Forces in specialized ski warfare, ice climbing, and snowshoeing expeditions.

Bates remains focused on providing soldiers with advanced footwear and is committed to keeping its domestic operations in Arkansas and Michigan technologically competitive. Bates will be equipping its factories with advanced equipment to enable the construction of this state-of-the-art boot and conduct training for the employees on new manufacturing techniques. These resources will equip the employees with highly specialized manufacturing skills to build the complex footwear – a vital tool for the men and women who are serving in uniform.

Recognizing the military’s need for domestically manufactured, high-performance technical footwear, Bates® Footwear has received strong Congressional support from Members of Congress, particularly Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Rep. Dave Camp (R-4th/MI) and Rep. Marion Berry (D-01/AR).

“From their body armor to their boots, our men and women in uniform should have cutting-edge equipment at their disposal,” Senator Pryor said. “I applaud Bates for developing innovative footwear that better meets the needs of our soldiers, and I appreciate the hard work of their employees in Jonesboro and elsewhere.”

“We have a responsibility to give the brave men and women in uniform who defend our country the best equipment available,” said Congressman Berry. “By providing the soldiers with this valuable tool, Bates is also developing a highly-trained and specialized workforce in Jonesboro, which will benefit the community. I’m proud Arkansas will play a role in improving the equipment for our Special Operations Forces and commend the work Bates is doing to aid our troops in their mission and keep them safe from harm.”

Congressman Dave Camp said, “I am pleased that Bates workers continue to innovate and produce the most cutting-edge footwear available to suit the specialized needs of our Special Operations Forces. It is important news that our troops will continue to have the best products available as they serve our country.”


Bates® is part of the Wolverine Footwear Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. manufacturers and marketers of branded and licensed footwear and performance leathers. Bates is a leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the U.S. Military and has been building a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear for more than 120 years.. For more information and to view the product lines please visit www.batesfootwear.com.

Bates Awarded Contract to Manufacture USMC Hot and Temperate Weather Boots

Rockford, MI (January 2009) – Bates® Footwear (Bates), a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. was awarded a contract totaling over $11 million for the manufacturing of Hot and Temperate Weather Combat Boots for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Bates Temperate Weather Boots have already begun shipping to combat regions in support of ongoing military operations.

The DSCP (Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia) awarded Bates a one year contract to manufacture up to 91,500 pair of Temperate Weather Combat Boots and 76,000 pair of Hot Weather Combat Boots with four optional one-year contract renewals. Bates developed the USMC Hot and Temperate Weather Combat Boots to perform in a wide range of environments including those found in urban, desert, wooded and jungle areas. The USMC Hot and Temperate Weather Combat boots feature WWW’s proprietary Wolverine Warrior Leather® providing superior breathability and quicker dry-time together with direct attach construction offering superior cushioning and durability.

The contract was awarded following an industry wide, extensive 90-day Field User Evaluation (FUE) performed at “The Crossroads of the Corps” in Quantico, VA by the USMC. The FUE was used to assess the performance of the boots’ durability, breathability, and overall functionality in an operational environment. The FUE results were the most important factor in selecting the awardees in the final phase of this contract. The superior performance of the Bates boots in the field contributed to Bates winning a majority of the contract.

“Bates is honored to have participated in this industry wide evaluation of combat boots for the United States Marine Corps. To have been selected as the top performing footwear through a vigorous field user evaluation by the Marines themselves is a testament to the superior design and functionality of our footwear. We look forward to providing the Marine Corps with the best boots America can build.” said Ron Woznick, Vice President and General Manager of Bates Footwear.

The USMC Hot and Temperate Weather Combat Boots are manufactured with 100% domestic materials, maintaining the company’s commitment to manufacturing in the United States. As a brand in the Wolverine World Wide, Inc. portfolio, Bates utilized its own technologies and additionally integrated the technological advances of the Wolverine® brand to develop the Hot and Temperate Weather Combat Boots for the USMC.

Bates is a leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the U.S. military and has been building a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear for more than 120 years. Engineering advancements such as Bates DuraShocks® comfort system, Ultra-Lites® technology and Bates Individual Comfort System combine to set the brand apart and cement its status as the gold standard in uniform footwear. For more information and to view our product line, visit http://www.batesfootwear.com./

Bates Footwear and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announce Partnership to Honor Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice

Rockford, MI (March 24, 2009) – Bates® Footwear (Bates), a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., has partnered with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to raise public awareness of National Police Week and to thank law enforcement for their service, sacrifice and dedication.

Bates is pledging a minimum of $25,000 to the Washington DC–based, non-profit Memorial Fund that works to increase public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of officers as well as promoting law enforcement safety.

According to Julie McCauley, Marketing manager of Bates Footwear, “We are proud to partner with such an incredible organization that is so committed to law enforcement. We have a unique opportunity through our retail partners to raise awareness of National Police Week, generate support for NLEOMF and help promote officer safety.”

“We have always relied on the generosity of our corporate partners to help us maintain the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, organize the National Police Week observance each May and conduct important research on officer safety trends and issues,” said NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd. “We are honored to have Bates Footwear join us as a valued partner. Bates understands the rigors of police work and shares our commitment to honoring and protecting the men and women of law enforcement,” Mr. Floyd added.

Bates’ program with the NLEOMF will be twofold. During the months of April and early May Bates will work with participating retail partners to raise funds and promote events during National Police Week (see photos below) honoring those in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others. Officers who cannot make the trip to Washington, DC, May 10-16 for National Police Week will have the opportunity to honor their brethren through fundraising events at participating Bates dealers. In the second half of the year, Bates will focus on promoting officer safety.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers and to promoting officer safety. The NLEOMF maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 18,274 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund is now working to create the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum, which will tell the story of law enforcement through high-tech, interactive exhibitions, historical artifacts and extensive educational programming. For more information, visit www.lawmemorial.org.

Bates Launches iCS Technology

Bates Launches iCS Technology

A Proprietary Adjustable Comfort Dial Technology

Bates iCS Lets the Wearer Get Into Their Comfort Zone.

A genuine breakthrough in advanced comfort technology, the new Bates Individual Comfort System(iCS) gives the wearer the freedom to customize the comfort of their footwear. By using the new “dial” technology, each individual can choose the comfort zone that’s right for them.

Every individual is unique, and so are their foot comfort needs. The new adjustable comfort system from Bates can be adjusted for each individual’s unique comfort tastes and requirements. Developed by the Bates Product Design Team and wear-tested by actual customers, the innovative “dial” technology offers a truly effective way for consumers to define all-day comfort on their own terms.

The comfort system is not only highly flexible, but is easily customized. The adjustable comfort dial is built directly into the midsole of the shoe and is easily rotated to rest at one of four zones. Each zone satisfies different comfort needs and allows the user to put comfort where they want it.

Here is how it 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
  

Bates Individual Comfort System is available in a low, 6", 8" , and GORE-TEX® versions. Women's sizing also avaialable. For those who desire comfort and the ability to keep their feet dry throughout the day, GORE-TEX® footwear is breathable, durably waterproof and engineered to keep feet dry and comfortable at all times.

  

To view the collection, visit our website or a retailer near you.