Several years before shoe giants exploited the marketing angle that shoes are important part of the health and wellness of the consumers, the Rockport brand was already committed to understanding the benefits derived from walking. One of the most influential persons in the development of Rockport products was Mr. Sweetgall. He lost several members of his family to cardiovascular disease and this tragic event in his life drove him to find a solution to this problem.
Mr. Sweetgall believed that if people alter their lifestyle by integrating heart-friendly exercises such as walking, then, many people need not suffer from life threatening ailments such as cardiac arrest and hypertension. Mr. Sweetgall decided to promote the health benefits of walking and he did it in the most dramatic fashion because he made the declaration to travel across the US mainland on foot.
Rockport realized that the investment made on the said adventure was not put to waste. The company was given a front row seat on how an eleven thousand mile walk affected Rockport shoes.
The data that was gleaned through the said incredible project deepened the company’s commitment to build better shoes, especially those that were created for long, leisurely walks. In fact, in 1985, the company established the Rockport Walking Institute, which was the country’s first organization that was created for the sole purpose of learning more about the health impact of walking. The insights that the researchers were able to acquire was disseminated through articles, seminars, and lectures made in walking clubs.
Another important contribution to the science of walking is Rockport’s Fitness Walking Test. The said program was designed for people who are physically fit and those who are not in great shape. Thus, the program enabled the participants to determine the correct exercise program that would fit their needs.
Aside from the research programs, the most important contribution of the company is the commitment to build the world’s most advanced walking shoes. The company believes that there are many people in the world who wanted to enjoy the benefits of walking. There are many people who are ready to alter their lifestyle and include brisk walking as part of their daily routine. However, the enthusiasm did not translate to actual practice. The company believes that it is not the lack of desire to walk but the root of the problem is that people are afraid to get injured because of long walks.
George B. Jones said that there is nothing to fear because Rockport shoes were designed to minimize injuries to the foot. He said that he enjoyed the design that featured a dual heel counter system that was placed there to provide maximum support. He also appreciated the three-layer insole for maximum comfort.
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