Introduction
Footwear is an essential item that every person needs to wear. The history of footwear brands dates back to the 19th century when rubber was used to create soles for the shoes. Among the many brands, US Rubber Co was one of the most popular brands in the early 20th century. This blog post aims to explore the history and legacy of the US Rubber Co brand.
History
US Rubber Co. was founded in 1892 by nine rubber companies that merged together. The company was headquartered in New York City and produced a wide range of rubber products, including automobile tires and footwear. The firm became one of the largest and most respected rubber companies worldwide in the early 20th century. In 1916, the firm introduced the Keds sneakers, which became one of the most significant contributions to the shoe industry.
Product Line
The US Rubber Co company had a wide range of footwear products, including boots and sneakers. The KEDS sneakers were the most popular product in the 20th century. The product was unique because of its rubber soles, which made it comfortable and durable. The company’s boots were also popular among men and women. The company provided boots with features such as waterproofing, insulation, and slip-resistant soles. The company’s footwear products were designed to cater to various needs, and customers could choose their preferred options.
Pictured: US Rubber Co. Military Gum Hi Top - Navy/Gum
Brand Legacy
The US Rubber brand’s impact is still visible in today’s footwear industry. The Keds sneakers became a cultural icon of the 20th century, featuring in movies, music videos, and advertisements. The company’s focus on innovation and design paved the way for modern-day footwear. The footwear industry continues to use rubber in the soles, which was first introduced by the US Rubber Co. The brand paved the way for other footwear brands to follow, setting the bar high in the industry.
Conclusion
The US Rubber Co. company revolutionized the footwear industry by providing a wide range of products and advancements in design and innovation. Their footwear products remain an inspiration to designers, marketers, and product managers in the footwear industry. The Keds sneakers remain one of the most iconic footwear products in the 20th century. The brand’s impact is still felt in today’s footwear industry, making the US Rubber Co. a legacy brand.
Shop now and step into a piece of footwear history with our selection of iconic sneakers.
References:
Birchmeier, J. A. (2009). US Rubber Company. Encyclopedia of American Business History and Biography: The Era of Industrialization, 1870 to 1900, 315-321.Playle, J. F. (2014). The effect of globalization on brand image and brand architecture in the US sportswear and footwear industry. Journal of Global Business and Technology, 10(1), 23-39.
Rhode, D. L. (1995). American rubber workers and organized labor, 1900-1941: A case study in social policy and economic change. Journal of Social History, 28(3), 555-573.
