G.H. Bass

G.H. Bass is an American footwear brand established by George Henry Bass in 1876. Its founding principle, as stated in the brand’s official account, was to “Make the best possible shoe for the purpose for which it was intended.” The company began in Maine, where Bass moved its factory from Wilton to Wilson Stream in Farmington to make use of water-powered machinery. The brand’s history includes footwear developed for practical use, such as the National Plough Shoe for farmers and the Bass Moccasin Cruiser for woodsmen. Its best-known product family is Weejuns, introduced in 1936 and described by the brand as the first penny loafer. The homepage continues to feature men’s Larson and women’s Whitney Weejuns among its bestsellers, alongside other loafer styles. Today, G.H. Bass presents itself as a footwear brand focused on craftsmanship, versatility, and everyday wear. Its online assortment includes loafers, boots, and other shoes for men and women. Examples shown on its site include the Rumi Penny Loafer, Avery Ankle Boot, Frontier Hiker Ankle Boot, Rangeley Derby Lace-Up, and 1876-branded styles. The brand also highlights its 150-year history and has announced a G.H. Bass collaboration with Clarks Originals. The supplied sources do not establish the brand’s current parent company, headquarters, or full geographic footprint.

George Henry Bass established G.H. Bass in 1876 with the stated aim of making the best possible shoe for its intended purpose. The company’s official history dates its beginning to March 9, 1876, and says Bass moved his factory from Wilton, Maine, to Wilson Stream in Farmington that year to use water-powered machinery and speed production. The brand’s early story connects its footwear to specific working needs. In 1892, it developed the National Plough Shoe for farmers to wear year-round. In 1906, G.H. Bass became incorporated, and the company made its first moccasin, the Bass Moccasin Cruiser, designed for woodsmen. The brand also recounts the use of Bass footwear by notable figures and explorers, including Charles A. Lindbergh, golfer Bobby Jones, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, and Bradford Washburn. These accounts form part of the company’s presentation of its practical footwear heritage. A key turning point came in 1936, when Bass introduced Weejuns, which the brand describes as the first penny loafer. The name, according to the official story, was inspired by a Norwegian slipper-type moccasin associated with “loafing in the field.” Weejuns later became a central part of the brand’s identity and a recognizable loafer style. The brand’s official timeline notes that Bass outfitted the American Olympic Ski Team with footwear in 1948. It describes a Weejuns growth period from 1962 to 1982, when the shoes became mainstream and part of everyday pop culture. The timeline specifically mentions Michael Jackson wearing black Weejuns at the opening of the “Thriller” music video in 1982. In its present-day online presentation, G.H. Bass continues to emphasize Weejuns while selling a broader range of shoes for men and women, including loafers, boots, derby lace-ups, and boat shoes. Its homepage frames the brand around a 150-year craft tradition and everyday versatility, and announces a collaboration with Clarks Originals. The supplied sources do not identify the current corporate owner, headquarters, or any later ownership history.

• 1982

  Michael Jackson wears Weejuns in the opening of “Thriller”

• 1962

  Weejuns growth period begins

• 1948

  Footwear supplied to the American Olympic Ski Team

• 1936

  Weejuns introduced

• 1906

  Company incorporated and first Bass moccasin made

• 1892

  National Plough Shoe developed

• 1876

  G.H. Bass founded in Maine

• G.H. Bass x Clarks Originals collaboration announced

A heritage American footwear brand emphasizing craftsmanship, versatility, and polished everyday style.

• Weejuns

  A penny loafer line introduced in 1936 and described by the brand as the first penny loafer; current examples include Larson and Whitney styles.

• Bass Moccasin Cruiser

  The brand’s first moccasin, made in 1906 for woodsmen.

• National Plough Shoe

  A shoe developed in 1892 for farmers to wear year-round.

• Rumi Penny Loafer

  A women’s penny loafer with a soft leather upper, moccasin binding, leather sock, and flexible rubber sole.

• Avery Ankle Boot

  A women’s leather ankle boot with a stacked heel and rubber sole.

1. 1G.H.BASS homepageghbass.com
2. 2Our Story | G.H.BASSghbass.com
3. 3Women's Avery Ankle Boot Black | G.H. Bass – G.H.BASSghbass.com
4. 4Women's Rumi Penny Loafer Wine | G.H. Bass – G.H.BASSghbass.com