On the way to becoming one of the world’s largest uniform footwear companies, Bates has traveled a long and formative road. The company began as a small dress footwear maker in 1885. In the early 1960s, the Bates Shoe Company changed direction to focus on making the finest military dress shoes for the United States Navy.

The Bates experience spread worldwide during the 1970s and 80s, so that now they are outfitting elite military organizations in over 50 countries. Market-leading innovation continues to lead the way to Bates’ future — while the company will never waver from its dedication to craftsmanship, integrity and value that has proudly brought them to where they are today.