Iconic Footwear Brand Rockport Uncovers Walking Boom Amid Pandemic

Rockport, a footwear company that says it started the “walking revolution” with its ProWalker Shoe in 1985, said Americans are walking more than ever before amid the pandemic.

A poll conducted by the firm determined that 53 percent of Americans are walking an additional 1 to 5 miles daily in contrast to past years, with 36 percent walking a minimum of 1 to 2 miles and 21 percent walking 3 to 4 miles daily, according to a Wednesday (April 7) press release.

The survey also found that 57 percent of Americans find the activity to be a stress reliever, and 67 percent of Americans strongly agree or agree that walking helps clear their minds and makes for a greater sense of control over their lives.

A number of Americans are also harnessing walks as a time to “disconnect and relax,” according to the release. To that end, the poll found that 50 percent of respondents are very likely or somewhat likely to leave their phone at home as they go on their daily walks.

“For 50 years, Rockport has celebrated walking and comfort, helping people power their lives from morning to night. And while routines have changed this past year, 2020 has shown us the clear value and importance of walking — even if it’s just one mile each day,” The Rockport Company Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Laich said in the release.

Furthermore, the company said that the current walking boom isn’t a trend. Nearly every respondent — or 93 percent of respondents — are very or somewhat probable to keep walking outdoors for health and stress relief after pandemic restrictions are taken away.

Sixty-one percent of respondents indicate that they appreciate or somewhat appreciate their everyday walks more now than they did before the pandemic.

Retailers are aiming to bolster their active and casual lifestyle businesses amid the pandemic. For example, Kohl’s recently announced that footwear brand Cole Haan is now available at 200 of its physical retail locations and its website.