G.H. Bass & Co.

G.H. Bass & Co. began in 1876, when George Henry Bass started making shoes in Wilton, Maine, before moving the factory to Farmington to use water-powered machinery. Early on came the National Plough Shoe, so farmers could wear them all year, and a moccasin made for woodsmen. Bass boots went along on some famous trips, including Lindbergh's transatlantic flight and Antarctic expeditions. The brand is best known for Weejuns, introduced as the first penny loafer and named after a Norwegian slipper-type moccasin for loafing in the field. Michael Jackson wore black pairs in the Thriller video. The Compass canvas shoe sold a million pairs by the end of 1990. Recent collaborations include Universal Works and Engineered Garments.