Founded in 1896 in Watertown, Massachusetts, Hood Rubber Company is one of the oldest and most influential pioneers in the athletic footwear industry.

Among its many contributions, Hood pioneered the use of aluminum lasts in the vulcanization process, significantly enhancing durability and shape retention—a revolutionary method later adopted by all its competitors.

In 1914, Hood made history by debuting its first basketball sneaker, potentially the first ever in the industry. Notably, Hood was also a trailblazer in designing basketball sneakers for women, launching its first women’s model in 1924.

For nearly three decades, Hood Rubber's Watertown factory was the world's largest rubber shoe manufacturing facility, producing over 100,000 pairs daily at its peak. By the 1930s, Hood had become the first global athletic footwear brand, with distribution in 84 countries.

In 1969, Hood's parent corporation, BF Goodrich, decided to shutter Hood's aging Watertown facility, cutting short the legacy of this great brand. Today, Hood is being revived with the same spirit of innovation and commitment to quality that made it a pioneer in the athletic footwear industry.

Hood Rubber Company's legacy of groundbreaking designs and technological advancements continues to leave an indelible mark on the sneaker industry, solidifying their place in athletic footwear history.