Cat® Footwear announced today that they are partnering with Mike Rowe, creator, executive producer and host of Discovery Channel’s popular television show ‘Dirty Jobs,’ to produce a signature series of work boots and shoes to be introduced at retail later this year, under the name ‘Mike Rowe Works by Cat Footwear.’

“As a champion for the American worker, Mike Rowe is the perfect partner. From his show, Mike has extensive experience with the challenges that the everyday worker faces. We want to help minimize those challenges by making the best gear possible – tough, durable and comfortable for the long haul, which is what the Cat Footwear brand is all about,” said Kelly Ballou, Marketing Manager for Cat Footwear.

“Cat saw me on TV and took pity,” said Rowe. “Actually, they took pity on my boots, and called to ask if I'd like to wear something a bit more in keeping with my line of work. I said sure, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that, while tough, the boots that will bear my name are NOT constructed of yellow iron."

“We’ve always felt that Mike Rowe is a great representative of the same qualities that the Cat brand stands for,” says Rob Koenen, Vice President and General Manager for Cat Footwear. “Mike has had the good fortune to work with a lot of men and women who know the meaning of hard work. Mike’s website – www.mikeroweWORKS.com – speaks to this and we are proud to partner with him.”

Initially the ‘Mike Rowe Works by Cat Footwear’ series will include a small assortment of work boots and a few rugged casual shoes, inspired by Rowe’s firsthand experiences from more than 300 jobsites. “The series that we are developing with Mike will be built with his unique perspective on addressing some of the challenges that he’s experienced doing the ‘Dirty Jobs’ show. Mike has an amazing legion of followers that he can tap into for product feedback. That’s going to be a valuable part of the development process for us, as we continue to build and test the product offering,” said Ballou.

Retail prices will range from $100 to $130. Retailers will get a first look at the series beginning in early June.

About Cat Footwear

Cat Footwear produces shoes and boots that represent the long-standing values of the Cat® and Caterpillar® brands. Known globally for manufacturing high quality work and rugged casual footwear, the company is committed to developing innovative comfort, durability and technology features. Cat Footwear is a division of Wolverine Worldwide, a global licensee of Caterpillar Inc. Brand and product information is available online at www.catfootwear.com.

About mikeroweWORKS

mikeroweWORKS is Mike Rowe’s website and “PR campaign for hard work and skilled labor.” Its purpose is to call attention to the growing skills gap in the trades, provide comprehensive resources for anyone looking to explore those vocations, as well as focus the country on the very real issues facing our trade workers, miners and farmers. In addition to the trade resource center, Mike has established The mikeroweWORKS Foundation to help fund scholarship programs and other initiatives that reinvigorate trade school enrollments and industrial arts programs around the country. The website also includes Mike’s blog, videos and photos. mikeroweworks.com

About Wolverine Worldwide

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine Worldwide is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco®, Cushe™, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago® Soft Style® and Wolverine®. The Company also is the exclusive footwear licensee of the well-known brands Cat®, Harley- Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in 190 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit our website, www.wolverineworldwide.com.