Responsibility

Together we will build a better future from the ground up

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Make. Every Day. Better.

Make.

We make great things. Thoughtful, trend-right, versatile, innovative products and experiences that improve our consumers' lives.

Every Day.

Every day matters. Make amazing every day. Progress every day. Grow every day. For a better tomorrow.

Better.

Our consumers are moved to live healthier and more productive lives. Our brands help them to do just that. And we are inspired by them to get better every day ourselves, and make those around us better.


Our Heritage

A legacy more than a century in the making continues here, rooted in craftsmanship and progress as Wolverine Worldwide grows as a global brand builder. The next chapter is the best one.

1883 Where it all began.

G.A. Krause and Fredrick Hirth establish the Hirth Krause Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, laying the foundation for Wolverine Worldwide’s craftsmanship-led legacy.

1901 Electrifying Rockford.

Krause expands the Rogue River Electric Light & Power Company, bringing electricity to Rockford, Michigan, to support its new manufacturing operations and the local community.

1903 First Shoe Factory Opens.

The company opens its first shoe manufacturing plant in Rockford, Michigan, marking its transition into full-scale footwear production.

1908 Wolverine Tanning Company Founded.

Krause and his son Victor launch the Wolverine Tanning Company to supply high‑quality leather for its expanding footwear business.

1914 “Wolverine” Brand Debuts.

The Wolverine name is first used for shoes crafted from the company’s signature horsehide leather.

1916–1923 Era of Rapid Growth.

The company’s famed “1,000 Mile Boots” help drive a 700% surge in earnings during this period.

1921 Renamed Wolverine Shoe and Tanning Corporation.

The company unifies operations and adopts the new name Wolverine Shoe and Tanning Corporation.

1928 Employee Stock Ownership Introduced.

Wolverine becomes one of the first U.S. companies to offer employees stock ownership, pioneering modern profit sharing.

1941 WWII Innovation: Pigskin Suede.

During World War II, Wolverine creates pigskin gloves and develops what becomes known as pigskin suede for the U.S. Navy.

1958 Hush Puppies Launched.

Wolverine introduces Hush Puppies, a casual shoe line that revolutionizes comfort footwear and becomes a national sensation.

1964–1965 Becomes Wolverine World Wide, Inc. + Goes Public.

The company officially becomes Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (1964) and begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange (1965).

1994 Cat Footwear Introduced.

Wolverine launches Caterpillar, Inc.® work boots under license, expanding into industrial and lifestyle footwear.

1997 Merrell Acquired.

The company acquires outdoor performance brand Merrell, accelerating global expansion in trail and outdoor footwear.

1998 Harley‑Davidson Footwear License Secured.

Wolverine deepens its portfolio by acquiring the global license for Harley‑Davidson Motor Company footwear.

2012 Saucony Becomes Part of Wolverine Worldwide.

Wolverine acquires Saucony as part of a major $1.23 billion transaction that also includes Keds, Stride Rite, and Sperry, significantly expanding its performance and lifestyle offerings.

2021 Sweaty Betty Acquired.

Wolverine acquires premium women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty for $410 million, expanding the company into apparel and strengthening its digital‑first strategy.

2025 Named Footwear News' Company of the Year.

Wolverine Worldwide is recognized as 2025 Company of the Year by Footwear News, honoring its transformation, brand resurgence, and industry‑leading innovation.

Our Values.

Our vision only becomes real through the principles that guide how we work, create, and move forward every day.

Be Great.

We believe in doing great work, even when it’s hard. Show up with passion and a make-it-happen attitude every day. Greatness is a choice. Choose to be great, every day.

Win Together.

We believe in the power of WOLVER1NE. We value every perspective–of our team members, our partners, and our consumers–and we don’t let each other down. Be better together.

Make Amazing.

We believe in striving for thoughtful, relevant, trend-right design in all we do. That’s why we sweat the details wherever and whenever we show up–whether in our products, our stories, or our environments. We push ourselves and our teams to make amazing.

Stay Curious.

We believe in always asking why. Learn every day–picking up new insights from the global marketplace and our consumers. Study today’s trends and look around corners for tomorrow’s. Be curious.

Act Now.

We believe speed, agility, and relentless problem-solving are crucial to staying ahead. Our industry and consumer move fast, and we have to move faster. Don’t wait. Let’s go!

Deliver Results.

We believe that actions speak louder than words—and results matter even more. When we say we’ll do something, we do it. No excuses. Results matter.

Leaders.

Guided by leaders shaping what comes next.