The iconic Mitchell & Ness are officially reviving the Hood Rubber Company with a seven-piece footwear collection. After a 40 year hiatus, the revival will target a new generation of sneaker lovers.
For a bit of backstory, Hood Rubber Company was born in 1896 as the product of Frederick and Arthur Hood. They introduced a light, rubber boot, now dubbed the grandfather of vulcanized footwear, that would leap the Hood Rubber Company into the largest manufacturer of rubber athletic shoes. Not only did HRC break boundaries in everyday footwear, its contributions also led to the breakthrough of design and market campaigns of basketball footwear. In an era when brands were using wood in their constructions, HRC was revolutionizing the industry with aluminum lasts, which are still used today. The company eventually shuttered in 1972.
Flashing to today, Mitchell & Ness are ready to give the Hood Rubber Company new life. Hood Rubber Company’s innovative rubber sole concept carried on for decades, now making its return for a new generation. The debut collection will feature seven archive and standard-issue styles. The Hoods’ technical expertise will carry through the construction while receiving a contemporary upgrade.
The collection will include the 1955 Conference High Cut, 1960 Hood C.V. Oxford, 1967 Rocket High Cut, and 1967 Rocket Oxford in their archived offering. The Conference 55 HC, Rocket 67 HC, and Rocket 67 LC will comprise the standard issues. The archive release will come in vintage black, vintage natural, and vintage navy colorways. The standard issues will receive a black, white, natural, and insignia blue treatment.
“Mitchell & Ness is thrilled to give Hood Rubber Company a second life, introducing the legacy of their incredible sneakers to a new generation,” said Kevin Wulff, CEO of Mitchell & Ness. “With such a rich and important history, Hood is a brand whose story needs to be at the center of the sneaker conversation, and we’re excited to be giving these classics a fresh spin for today’s sneakerheads.”
Sneakers from the collection will range from $70 USD to $85 USD. Shop them on the Mitchell & Ness website starting November 11th.
