1980‘s
1981
Rocky released the new "lightweight hiker" at less than 1/2 the weight of other hikers at the time.
1983
When railroad companies were shedding unused lines, Congress amended the National Trails System Act of 1968 to allow Municipalities and other entities, to use the abandoned corridors for recreational trails. They became known as "rails to trails" or "rail trails". Resulted in over 1800 rail trail systems, like the HockHocking Adena Bikeway, that begins in the back corner of the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store parking lot.
Late 1989
Introduced a waterproof boot made of Dupont's Cordura fabric, one of the first licenses of Gore-Tex. First all Cordura hunting boot to capitalize on the success Rocky had at the 1984 SHOT Show. The new camouflage hunting boots were sold to Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, Bass Pro, and Gander Mountain nationwide.
1983-1987
"World Walker" Steve Newman wears Rocky Boots to walk 21,000 miles in four years, setting a World Record. The last person to walk around the world went through 27 pairs of shoes!
1987
Five Star Enterprises opens in Dominican Republic. Mike Brooks, John Brooks, David Fraedrich, Robert Hollenbaugh, Eric Beraza all took personal loans totaling $125,000 to open it. This factory still produces Rocky Brands footwear today.