An esteemed American shoe brand, Rockport has carved a niche in the footwear industry by blending style with unparalleled comfort. The brand’s origins trace back to 1971, when father-son duo Saul and Bruce Katz established The Rockport Company in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The genesis of Rockport began with a fortunate mishap involving 3,000 pairs of hand-sewn moccasins, which led to the shoes being branded as “Rockport type.” Realizing the potential of their unique product, the Katzes officially branded their footwear under the Rockport name, initiating a legacy that would revolutionize the shoe industry.

The company’s initial product, the Country Walker, launched in 1973, set the tone for Rockport’s future. This shoe epitomized the brand’s commitment to combining the comfort of athletic shoes with the style of traditional footwear. Bruce Katz, recognized for his innovation, was instrumental in creating what Footwear Plus described as the “modern-day lightweight and technology-infused comfort shoe concept.” This blend of technology and comfort became Rockport’s hallmark, distinguishing it from other brands and fostering a loyal customer base.

Rockport’s dedication to comfort extended beyond its designs to its promotional strategies. In 1984, the brand sponsored an 11,600-mile walk across every U.S. state, known as “Walk for the Health of It.” This event, documented in the film “Walk America!,” highlighted Rockport’s commitment to promoting walking as a healthy lifestyle. The walkers, equipped with Rockport shoes, demonstrated the brand’s superior comfort and durability, further cementing its reputation in the market.

Over the decades, Rockport has continued to innovate, introducing machine washable styles in 2005 and the advanced Total Motion technology in 2013. These innovations ensured enhanced stability, flexibility, and cushioning, maintaining the brand’s lightweight construction. Rockport’s shoes, favored by sailors in prestigious races like the Whitbread Round and the Volvo Ocean Race, exemplify the brand’s nautical inspiration and commitment to excellence.

Today, Rockport remains at the forefront of footwear technology, maintaining its ethos of high-quality, fashionable shoes that do not compromise on comfort. The brand’s journey, marked by continuous innovation and a steadfast commitment to comfort, underscores its enduring appeal and influential legacy in the world of shoes.

90s Rockport TV Commercial

How to tell if Rockport is vintage from the logo

Rockport, known for its high-quality footwear, has evolved its logo over the decades to reflect changing styles and branding strategies. Identifying a vintage Rockport logo can help determine the era of a product. Here’s a guide to the different Rockport logos through the years.

1970s Rockport logo

• The 1970s logo features a bold, stylized “R” that is thick and blocky.
• The color used is a deep brown, typical of the era’s design trends.
• This logo represents the early days of the brand, focusing on strong visual identity.

1980s Rockport logo

• The 1980s logo introduces the full “Rockport” text in a serif font.
• The color is a dark brown, consistent with the previous decade’s branding.
• This period marks a shift towards a more formal and recognizable brand name.

1990s Rockport logo

• The 1990s logo retains the serif font but switches to a blue background with white text.
• The oval shape surrounding the text adds a distinct brand element.
• This logo reflects a more modern and clean design approach.

2000s to now Rockport logo

• The 2000s logo simplifies the design, using a straightforward sans-serif font in black.
• This version emphasizes minimalism and clarity, aligning with contemporary design trends.
• The use of the ® symbol next to the text denotes trademark protection.

2010s to now Rockport emblem

• The most recent emblem is a blue circular design with a stylized “R” inside.
• This modern emblem focuses on simplicity and brand recognition.
• The blue color represents trustworthiness and stability, key brand values for Rockport.

How to tell if Rockport is vintage from the tags

Identifying vintage Rockport tags can help authenticate and date the garments accurately. Here’s a breakdown of Rockport tags through the years.

Need help identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1990s vintage Rockport tags

• Square tags featuring the Rockport logo with an oval border.
• Commonly found on jeans and casual wear.
• Tags often include size information, such as W32 L32.

2000s vintage Rockport tags

• Tags with a more modern look, often rectangular in shape.
• Rockport name prominently displayed in bold lettering.
• Some tags feature additional brand descriptors and size information on a separate tag.

2010s vintage Rockport tags

• Modernized tags with sleek designs and darker colors.
• Introduction of new tag layouts, including loop tags.
• Tags may feature additional brand messaging and logos.