Mitchell & Ness announced it has relaunched the Hood Rubber Company, a heritage footwear brand that left the marketplace more than 40 years ago.
Founded by Frederic and Arthur Hood in 1896, Hood Rubber Company is considered by sneaker historians to be an early pioneer in the development and popularization of athletic footwear in the first half of the 20th century. The company was one of the first to design and market a basketball shoe when it debuted its canvas upper high in 1914.
Hood also invented aluminum lasts, still in use today, in vulcanized footwear, at a time when brands used wood. It also became the largest manufacturer of rubber athletic shoes for nearly three decades. Its footwear distribution ceased in 1972.
“Mitchell & Ness is thrilled to give Hood Rubber Company a second life, introducing the legacy of their incredible sneakers to a new generation,” said Kevin Wulff, CEO, Mitchell & Ness. “With such a rich and important history, Hood is a brand whose story needs to be at the center of the sneaker conversation, and we’re excited to be giving these classics a fresh spin for today’s sneakerheads.”
Photo courtesy Hood Rubber Company
