Our Story

On March 9th, George H. Bass begins in the shoe making business in Wilton, Maine. In 1876, Bass moves his factory from Wilton, Maine, to Wilson Stream in Farmington, Maine, in order to utilize water-powered machinery for faster production time.

BASS develops the ”National Plough Shoe”, allowing farmers to wear them year-round.

G.H.BASS becomes incorporated. The first BASS moccasin is made, and called the “BASS Moccasin Cruiser”, designed to be worn by woodsmen.

Key figures go on to wear the boots in landmark events across the globe. Charles A. Lindbergh wears a pair of Bass flying boots in the first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris, which lasted 33 hours, 30 minutes & 29.8 seconds. Golfer Bobby Jones plays a Grand Slam wearing Bass Sportocassins, winning all of golf's major championships in the same calendar year. Admiral Richard E. B wears the Bass Boots over the course of the next 10 years, during 3 expeditions to Antarctica. He was the first to reach both the North & South Pole by air. Bradford Washburn wears Bass Boots while exploring the Alaska-Yukon Boundry.

The first penny loafer in history is introduced – Bass Weejuns® – named after a Norwegian slipper-type moccasin used for “loafing in the field.”

Bass outfits the American Olympic Ski Team with footwear.

The Weejuns® craze sets in, resulting in enormous growth and business. Weejuns® are seen as mainstream and part of everyday pop culture. And in 1982, Michael Jackson wears black Weejuns® in the opening of his Thriller music video. This marked the second wave of the “Weejuns® craze.”

In spring, the Bass Compass canvas shoe is introduced. By the end of 1990, 1 million pairs are sold, quickly breaking records.

Bass continues to be a permanent fixture in mainstream culture and amongst celebrities, celebrated by limited edition Weejuns collaborations with Chloe Sevigny For Opening Ceremony, Mark McNairy, Tommy Hilfiger and Rachel Antonoff.

Bass’ signature Weejuns® are more in demand than ever, worn by casual and fashion-forward crowds alike. The brand continues to find news way to combine the classics with the contemporary, launching limited edition collaborations with Universal Works. Engineered Garments® and Re/Done featuring Paris Jackson as the face of the campaign.

The G.H.BASS signature logo is renewed, channeling a refreshed energy into more contemporary classics. Still crafted with intention, still the same quality that you know and love, now with a little bit of an update to our brand. And we continue to deliver high end footwear that not only looks great, but serves our customers for their lifetime of adventures.