ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

April 29, 2024

Dear Shareholder:

I am pleased to invite you to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at the Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, located at 331 Richland Avenue, Athens, Ohio, 45701.

At the annual meeting, you will be asked to (i) elect Michael L. Finn, G. Courtney Haning, William L. Jordan, Curtis A. Loveland and Robert B. Moore, Jr. for two-year terms as Class II Directors; (ii) approve, on an advisory non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; (iii) approve the Rocky Brands, Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan; (iv) ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; and (v) transact any other business which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. A copy of the proxy statement and the proxy card are enclosed.

It is very important that your shares are represented and voted at the meeting whether or not you plan to attend. Accordingly, please sign, date and return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope at your earliest convenience. We encourage you to vote over the internet, by telephone or by submitting your proxy by mail. If you are a shareholder of record and attend the meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, and your proxy will not be used.

Your interest and participation in the affairs of the Company are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

April 29, 2024

To Our Shareholders:

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. will be held at the Ohio University Inn & Conference Center located at 331 Richland Avenue, Athens, Ohio, 45701 on Wednesday, June 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. local time for the following purposes:

Owners of record of common stock of the Company at the close of business on April 15, 2024, will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

If you wish to attend the meeting, directions to the annual meeting may be obtained by visiting the Company’s website: www.rockybrands.com. Directors and officers of the Company and representatives of its independent registered public accounting firm will be present to answer your questions and to discuss its business.

We urge you to execute and return the enclosed proxy, or vote electronically over the Internet or by telephone, as soon as possible so that your shares may be voted in accordance with your wishes. Please refer to the proxy card enclosed for information on voting electronically or by telephone. If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person if you are a shareholder of record or authorized by a shareholder of record, and your proxy will not be used.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on June 5, 2024:
The proxy statement and annual report to security holders are available at www.edocumentview.com/RCKY.

Table of Contents

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

June 5, 2024

This proxy statement is furnished to the shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. (throughout the proxy statement the terms “Company,” “we” and “our” refer to Rocky Brands, Inc.) in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be used in voting at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 5, 2024, and at any adjournment thereof. The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. We began mailing this proxy statement to the Company’s shareholders on approximately April 29, 2024.

The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners of stock. Representatives of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone or personal interview.

All shares represented by a properly submitted proxy will be voted as directed if the proxy is received by the Company before the meeting or, in the absence of specific instructions to the contrary, will be voted in accordance with the unanimous recommendations of the Board of Directors, which are:

Any shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by filing a written notice with the Secretary of the Company prior to the meeting. Shareholders of record who attend the meeting may vote in person, and their proxies will not be used.

Holders of record of common stock of the Company at the close of business on April 15, 2024, the record date for the annual meeting, will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. At that time, the Company had 7,423,181 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder to one vote on each matter submitted at the annual meeting.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Broker non-votes occur when brokers, who hold their customers’ shares in street name, sign and submit proxies for such shares and vote such shares on some matters, but not others. Typically, this would occur when brokers have not received any instructions from their customers, in which case the brokers, as the holders of record, are permitted to vote on “routine” matters.

The election of each director nominee requires the favorable vote of a plurality of all votes cast by the holders of common stock at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Proxies that are marked “Withhold Authority” and broker non-votes will not be counted toward such nominee’s achievement of a plurality and thus will have no effect.

Approval of the proposal relating to the compensation of our named executive officers and approval of the Rocky Brands, Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on such proposal. Abstentions will be counted as represented and entitled to vote and will therefore have the effect of a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes are disregarded and will have no effect. The ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will be counted as represented and entitled to vote and will therefore have the effect of a vote against the proposal. There will not be any broker non-votes with respect to this proposal, as it is considered to be a “routine” matter as described above.

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s Code of Regulations provides for a classified board of directors with two classes. The total number of authorized directors has been fixed by the Board of Directors at nine. Each class of directors consists, as nearly as practical, of one-half of the total number of directors with four directors in Class I and five directors in Class II. The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the five incumbent Class II Directors to continue their service as Class II Directors at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The four incumbent Class I Directors will continue in office until the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Michael L. Finn, G. Courtney Haning, William L. Jordan, Curtis A. Loveland and Robert B. Moore, Jr. are currently Class II Directors of the Company and are being nominated by the Board of Directors for re-election for two-year terms as Class II Directors.

It is intended that, unless otherwise directed, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the election of Michael L. Finn, G. Courtney Haning, William L. Jordan, Curtis A. Loveland and Robert B. Moore, Jr. for two-year terms as Class II Directors. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. In the event that any of the nominees for director should become unavailable, the number of directors of the Company may be decreased pursuant to the Company’s Code of Regulations, or the Board of Directors may designate a substitute nominee, in which event the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for such substitute nominee.

It is the policy of the Board of Directors that any nominee who receives a greater number of votes marked “Withhold” than “For” in an election that is not contested is expected to tender his or her resignation as a director to the Board of Directors promptly following certification of the election results. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation. The Board of Directors will then act on the tendered resignation, taking into account the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation and factors the Board of Directors deems relevant, and will disclose its decision regarding the resignation within 90 days after certification of the election results. If the resignation is not accepted, such director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which such director faces re-election and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified.

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the nominees for Director.

The following table sets forth for each nominee and each continuing director of the Company their name, age, the year in which they became a director of the Company, their term expiration, class of Director, the Board committees on which they serve and their position with the Company.

DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

BOARD DIVERSITY MATRIX

The following matrix is provided in accordance with applicable Nasdaq listing requirements as of March 31, 2024:

BOARD EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The following information is provided for each director and each person nominated for election as a director, and includes descriptions of their specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the conclusion that they should serve on the Board of Directors.

Michael L. Finn has served as Chairman of Power Distributors, LLC, a wholesale distributor of outdoor power equipment in Columbus, Ohio, since 2014, and President of Chesapeake Realty Co., a real estate development and management company in Columbus, Ohio, since 1970. Prior to that, he served as President of Central Power Systems, the predecessor of Power Distributors, LLC, from 1985 until 2014. Mr. Finn has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Power Source Canada, a Canadian corporation that markets and distributes outdoor power equipment, since 2004. Mr. Finn’s board member experience, operations and management experience in retail and distribution, and business management experience, including his service as a president of both a distribution company and a real estate development company, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

G. Courtney Haning has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since 2004 and as Lead Independent Director since May 2021. Mr. Haning served as an independent director of both Peoples National Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company, and People’s State Bank of New Lexington, Ohio, from 2017 to January 2024. Prior to that, Mr. Haning served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples National BancShares Inc. from 1996 to 2017. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples National Bank, a community bank in New Lexington, Ohio, from January 1991 until April 2015. He also served as President of Peoples National Bank from January 1991 until January 2015 and President of Peoples National BancShares Inc. from 1996 until 2017. Mr. Haning’s business management experience in finance, corporate credit and community relations, including his service as a chief executive officer, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

William L. Jordan served as President of Designer Brands Inc., formerly known as DSW Inc., from June 2021 to December 2023. Prior to that, he served as Chief Growth Officer of Designer Brands Inc. from February 2020 to June 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Jordan served as President of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Inc. (“DSW”) from February 2019 to January 2020, and as Executive Vice President of Designer Brands Inc. from March 2009 to January 2020. In addition, Mr. Jordan served as President of Town Shoes Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Designer Brands Inc., from May 2018 to January 2019. From February 2015 to May 2018, Mr. Jordan also served as Chief Administrative Officer of Designer Brands Inc. In that role, Mr. Jordan’s direct responsibilities included strategy, supply chain, logistics, human resources, real estate, store design and construction and legal. Designer Brands Inc. is one of North America’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories, and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Jordan joined Designer Brands Inc. in January 2006 as Vice President & General Counsel and was promoted to Senior Vice President & General Counsel in March 2006. He was then promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel in March 2009. Mr. Jordan’s experience in the retail footwear and accessories industry qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Curtis A. Loveland has been a practicing corporate attorney for over 40 years and has been a partner in the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, Columbus, Ohio since 1979. He has served as a board member, secretary, or counsel for numerous public and private companies in a variety of industries including manufacturing, technology, medical devices, retailing and telecommunications. He has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since 1993 and as Corporate Secretary from 1992 to May 2021. In addition to his law degree, Mr. Loveland holds a business degree with a major in accounting. Mr. Loveland’s board member experience and knowledge and skills with respect to corporate governance, finance and accounting, mergers and acquisitions, and general business law qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Robert B. Moore, Jr. has over 45 years of experience in the footwear and apparel industry. He currently serves as Executive Director and as member of the board of directors of Bhartiya International, Ltd. (“Bhartiya”), a listed public company headquartered in New Delhi, India. Prior to that, he was a consultant at Bhartiya and also served as Chief Executive Officer of Bhartiya from April 2013 through March 2017. Bhartiya is a public company listed on the Mumbai (trading symbol BIL) and NSE exchanges, whose customers include many prominent brands and retailers including Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Levi Strauss and All Saints. At Bhartiya and in his prior positions, Mr. Moore has had executive experience and responsibilities managing several footwear and leather companies. Prior to joining Bhartiya, Mr. Moore was President and CEO of Shanghai Richina Leather Company, Ltd., Shanghai, China, a producer of finished leather for the footwear, handbag and auto seat industries, from March 2009 until February 2013. He also served as President and CEO of Prime Tanning Company, Inc., Berwick, Maine; President of Sperry Topsider, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts; and President of Bostonian Shoe Company, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Mr. Moore’s experience in the footwear and apparel industry qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Jason Brooks has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2017, and as Chairman of the Board since May 2021. Prior to that, he served as President, Core Brands, of Rocky Brands US, LLC from February 2016 until May 2017. He previously served as President, U.S. Wholesale Sales, of Rocky Brands US, LLC from March 2011 until February 2016. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice President, U.S. Wholesale from August 2010 until March 2011. From September 2001 until August 2010, Mr. Brooks held various Vice President of Sales positions within the Company. He began his career with the Company in 1997 as an independent sales representative. Mr. Brooks’ position as Chief Executive Officer and his experience in the footwear industry qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Jason Brooks is the son of Mike Brooks.

Robyn R. Hahn served as President, Commercial Lines of Westfield Insurance from June 2021 to July 2023. Before that, Ms. Hahn served as President, Small Business of Westfield Insurance from May 2018 until June 2021. She also served as Group Marketing and Communications Leader (chief marketing officer) of Westfield Insurance from July 2015 until May 2018. From April 2014 to March 2015, she was Chief Marketing Officer of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. From October 2009 to April 2014 she was Vice President of Marketing, Business Insurance, for Travelers Business Insurance. Prior thereto she was employed by Nationwide Insurance and served in multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility over 15 years, including Vice President of Sales from March 2005 to March 2007 and Vice President, Customer Experience from March 2007 to October 2009. Ms. Hahn began her insurance career as an agent before moving into management. Ms. Hahn has served on the board of the Westfield Insurance Foundation since 2015, the WVIZ/PBS Ideastream Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2020, and is a 2018 alumna of the Cleveland Leadership Center. Ms. Hahn’s business management experience leading sales, operations, marketing, branding, corporate communications, digital and customer experience functions, and the adaptation of the technology to these functions, along with her general management and strategic planning experience, qualify her to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Dwight E. Smith serves on the boards of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Highlights Foundation. He served as Founder Emeritus of Sophisticated Systems, Inc. from February 2023 to July 2023 and prior to that served as President and CEO from July 1990. Mr. Smith founded Sophisticated Systems, Inc. to provide businesses with a comprehensive set of information technology solutions ranging from technology deployments and assessments to fully outsourced managed services in areas including cloud computing and cyber security. Prior to founding Sophisticated Systems, Mr. Smith served in a variety of roles with Software Alternatives, Inc., Cullinet Software, Inc. and IBM. Mr. Smith currently serves on the board of directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiary, Peoples Bank, as well as OCLC, Inc., a nonprofit global library organization, and SureImpact, Inc., a privately-held data analytics firm. Mr. Smith previously served on the board of Choice Legal, Inc., a privately-held company in the records retrieval business between December 2016 to October 2022; Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland from 2015 to 2022; State Auto Financial Corporation from 2020 to 2022; State Auto Mutual Insurance Company from 2005 to 2022; and CTL Engineering Inc. from 2005 to 2021. Mr. Smith’s business management experience, including his experience as a chief executive officer, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Tracie A. Winbigler has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Amtrak since June 2019. In March 2023, Ms. Winbigler’s role at Amtrak expanded to include Business Transformation. Previously, Ms. Winbigler served as Chief Financial Officer of REI, a cooperative retailer of outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment from December 2015 until May 2019. From May 2014 to November 2015, she was Chief Operations Officer of National Geographic Society, where she also previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2012 to April 2014. From 1987 to July 2012, Ms. Winbigler was employed in various positions of increasing responsibility by General Electric Company and its subsidiaries, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GE Asset Management and as Chief Financial Officer of GE Transportation and GE Nuclear Energy. Ms. Winbigler is a 1987 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, where she served as a member of its Board of Trustees and Chair of its Audit Committee. Ms. Winbigler’s business management experience in the areas of accounting, finance and operations, along with her experience in the outdoor and retail industries qualify her to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION PAID TO NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company to include in its proxy statement at least once every three years an advisory vote regarding named executive officer compensation. In a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of future say-on-pay votes held at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company’s shareholders approved conducting a say-on-pay vote every year by a majority of the votes cast. The Company has considered the outcome of this advisory vote and has determined that the Company will hold say-on-pay votes on an annual basis until the occurrence of the next advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes. The Company asks that you indicate your approval of the compensation paid to our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” which includes compensation tables and narratives included elsewhere in this proxy statement.

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. The Compensation Committee has structured its executive compensation programs primarily to motivate executives to achieve the business goals established by the Company and reward executives for meeting business goals and delivering superior performance as measured against those business goals.

For the reasons discussed above and in this proxy statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” the Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote to approve the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval on an advisory non-binding basis the compensation of named executive officers.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of five meetings during 2023. During 2023, each of the directors attended 75% or more of the total number of (i) meetings of the Board and (ii) meetings of committees of the Board on which such director served during the period that each served, with the exception of Mike Brooks who resigned and retired from the Board effective as of December 31, 2023.

Upon consideration of the criteria and requirements regarding director independence set forth in the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Board of Directors has determined that a majority of its members are independent. Specifically, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Finn, Haning, Jordan, Loveland, Moore and Smith, and Mses. Hahn and Winbigler meets the standards of independence established by Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

The Company has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are Ms. Winbigler (Chairwoman) and Messrs. Smith, Haning and Jordan. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Ms. Winbigler and Messrs. Smith, Haning and Jordan is independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2) and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the Audit Committee meets the composition requirements of Marketplace Rule 5605(c)(2). The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Winbigler meets the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert” as set forth in Section 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The Audit Committee met eight times during 2023. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors management’s and the independent registered public accounting firm’s participation in the accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of the Company. The Audit Committee has the responsibility to appoint, compensate, retain and oversee the work of the independent registered public accounting firm and to consult with the independent registered public accounting firm on matters relating to the scope of the audit, any non-audit assignments and related fees, the accounting principles used by the Company in financial reporting, internal financial auditing procedures and the adequacy of the Company’s internal control procedures. The Audit Committee also reviews related party transactions. The Audit Committee is governed by a Fourth Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Audit Committee Report relating to the 2023 fiscal year appears on page 37.

The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Jordan (Chairman), Finn, Moore and Smith, and Ms. Hahn. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Jordan, Finn, Moore, Smith, and Ms. Hahn is independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). The Compensation Committee is governed by a Second Amended and Restated Compensation Committee Charter, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Compensation Committee met five times during 2023. This Committee administers the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Incentive Compensation Plan, and approves compensation for the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee report relating to the 2023 fiscal year appears on page 35. For more information on the Compensation Committee, please refer to “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – The Compensation Committee,” beginning on page 16.

The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Moore (Chairman), Finn and Haning, and Ms. Hahn. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Moore, Finn and Haning, and Ms. Hahn is independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). The Third Amended and Restated Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met five times during 2023. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the director nomination process. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility to identify and recommend individuals qualified to become directors.

When considering potential candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the candidate’s character, judgment and skills, including financial literacy and experience in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors. Neither the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee nor the Board of Directors has a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees; however, how a specific nominee contributes to the diversity of the Board of Directors is considered by both the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors in determining candidates for the Board. The Committee and the Board consider diversity by identifying a nominee’s experience and background and determining how such experience and background will complement the overall makeup of the Board. The Committee and the Board prefer nominees who will contribute to a board that is diverse in terms of business training, experience across a range of industries, leadership, background and education. The Company generally does not pay any third parties to identify or evaluate, or assist in identifying or evaluating, potential nominees.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the recommendations of shareholders regarding potential director candidates. In order for shareholder recommendations regarding possible director candidates to be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also has the responsibility to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company and to administer and oversee the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Mr. J. Brooks, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), currently serves as the Company’s Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders for the Board to determine which director is best qualified to serve as Chairman, including whether the position of Chairman and the office of CEO should be held by the same person and whether the Chairman should be independent. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, if the Chairman is not an independent director or is also the CEO of the Company, a majority of the independent directors of the Board will consider whether it is appropriate to appoint a Lead Independent Director. In May 2021, Mr. Haning was appointed Lead Independent Director. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Lead Independent Director shall:

Each incumbent director’s knowledge of the Company and industry as a result of the director’s years of service on the Board, and the fact that each of the directors other than Mr. J. Brooks is independent, allows the Independent Directors to provide appropriate independent oversight of management and to hold management accountable for the execution of strategy. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including each of the committees of the Board, is appropriate because it allows for beneficial communication between the outside directors and the management of the Company and effective management of the oversight tasks required of the Board.

Our CEO is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership and establishing the Company’s course of action for achieving performance goals, while the Independent Directors provide strategic guidance. The Board of Directors believes that this structure helps facilitate the role of the Independent Directors in the oversight of the Company and the active participation of the Independent Directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures that work for the Board of Directors. The Chairman acts as a key liaison between the Board of Directors and the other members of management.

Our CEO and senior management are responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face. Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management, including general oversight of (i) the financial exposure of the Company, (ii) risk exposure as related to the overall Company portfolio and impact on earnings, (iii) oversight of information technology security and cybersecurity risk, and (iv) all systems, processes, and organizational structures and people responsible for finance and risk functions. Certain risks are overseen by committees of the Board of Directors and these committees make reports to the full Board of Directors, including reports on noteworthy risk management issues. Financial risks are overseen by the Audit Committee which meets with management to review the Company’s major financial risk exposure and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Compensation risks are overseen by the Compensation Committee.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and all employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at www.rockybrands.com. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be obtained free of charge by writing to Rocky Brands, Inc., Attn: Chief Financial Officer, 39 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.

Members of the Company’s senior management report to the full Board of Directors about their areas of responsibility, including reports regarding risk within such areas of responsibility and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Additional review or reporting of risks is conducted as needed or as requested by the Board of Directors or its committees.

We believe that our board leadership structure promotes effective oversight of the Company’s risk management by providing unified leadership through a single person, while allowing for contributions from our independent Board members, all of whom are fully engaged in Board deliberations and decisions.

The Company’s Board of Directors welcomes communications from shareholders. Shareholders may send communications to the Board of Directors, or to any director in particular, c/o Rocky Brands, Inc., 39 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764. Any correspondence addressed to the Board of Directors, or to any one of the Company’s directors in care of our offices is forwarded to the addressee without review by management.

It is the Company’s expectation that all members of the Board of Directors attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors then serving were present at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

INFORMATION CONCERNING ESG

We understand a critical component of our success in the footwear marketplace has been the result of our continued commitment to conducting responsible business practices. Our consumers rely on high quality, durable products that incorporate the highest level of comfort along with environmentally sound and socially responsible practices.

Our vision is to create meaningful products for our consumers through avenues of strategic business opportunities, and by encouraging our associates to express their talents in ways that elevate our product offering. We continuously tap into our passion for strong product innovation, associate safety and well-being, and sustainable strategies to improve our positive impact on society and the planet. We continuously leverage our global scale of operations to execute this passion and to provide products across our varied markets in the footwear and apparel industry.

Overview of ESG

Our Board and key members of our executive team oversee our environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and procedures. Our Board is actively engaged in areas of our strategic direction and growth, and hold regular meetings throughout the year to discuss ESG-related developments, among other corporate governance matters. Our board members and key Executive-level personnel assist in setting ESG strategies, recommending and approving policies and practices, and overseeing the monitoring and reporting of ESG matters.

ESG Reporting

This proxy statement provides only a high-level overview of our ESG policies and procedures. Our Inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report (the “ESG Report”) was issued on April 4, 2024 and is available on our CSR Sustainability page of our website at www.rockybrands.com/about-us/csr-sustainability/. The ESG Report is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement. The ESG Report illustrates how we drive corporate responsibility and serve our community through avenues of product innovation, philanthropy and responsible business practices.

ESG Focus Areas

The ESG Report identified business-relevant ESG priorities in line with investors and peers, as well as leading rating agencies and industry frameworks. Highlights of some of these are summarized below:

Product Innovation: Our product design, development and manufacturing integrate innovative processes that combine our standards of quality, functionality and comfort to meet the needs of our consumers. Throughout our entire product development and manufacturing process, we strive to be responsible stewards and business partners in our communities and marketplace. From raw material sourcing to developing fabrics and leathers, producing footwear to distributing products to key retailers and consumers, we ensure there is consideration of the environmental impacts of our products while keeping our operational footprint in mind.

In addition, to facilitate humane, suitable working conditions and promote ethical business practices at our manufacturing centers, we ensure our suppliers and associates comply with our Ethical Manufacturing Principles. Such principles align with our mission to promote and inspire responsible business practices.

People Focused: Founded from the humble beginnings of a small, family-owned business, our associates have always been the key to making our Company successful. As such, we believe that it is important to foster an environment that advocates for all areas of employee health, including physical, mental and emotional well-being. We aim to provide a culture that promotes the authenticity of our people while ensuring everyone can thrive in a collaborative innovative space to promote our footwear and apparel products. Our people culture is built on our core values of integrity, responsibility and humility.

The ability to attract, retain and develop talented employees is crucial to our long-term success. We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce which is reflective of a wide range of cultures, religions, ethnicities and nationalities as well as varied professional and educational backgrounds. We believe that our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion results in improved outcomes and policies at our Company. We aim to foster an inclusive workplace through recruitment and development efforts, and through the retention of diverse talent with a goal of expanding representation across all dimensions of equality and inclusion.

At Rocky Brands, community giving is part of our competitive strength. We have a longstanding history of supporting our communities through volunteerism, philanthropic donations and community initiatives. We encourage everyone at our Company to get involved and help improve the quality of life for those living in the communities in which we operate. The Rocky Community Improvement Fund (RCIF) was established to support the community in which we are headquartered, in the heart of Ohio’s Appalachian region. Since 2009, the RCIF has provided impactful support to our local communities by awarding grants to build a clean, safe and healthy community for our neighbors. Since the establishment of the fund, Rocky Brands, in aggregate, has awarded over $3 million to area non-profit organizations.

Environmental Stewardship: As a global footwear and apparel company comprised of a wide range of premium brands, we aim to manage our environmental resource use in a responsible manner. We are committed to continuously improving the environmental impacts of our products while keeping our operational footprint in mind. Our environmental practices and policies permeate throughout our Company, extending to our vendors, suppliers and corporate facilities.

Sustainable practices are central to our product development process, from material sourcing to manufacturing, and distribution to our retail partners. Additionally, we understand our responsibility in the management of natural resources and the impact it can have on climate change, especially regarding energy consumption. We remain focused on practicing environmental stewardship for energy, waste and water, while continuously identifying areas where we can improve our performance.

We are committed to understanding the composition of our greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, so we can identify opportunities to mitigate climate-related risks in our operations. We are continuously assessing and identifying opportunities to improve our natural resource consumption linked to GHG emissions, including waste, water and energy use. As part of our efforts to reduce our GHG footprint across our value chain, we have invested in energy efficiency initiatives, such as retrofitting for LED lighting, renewable energy use and the adoption of various energy savings policies. Our Corporate Travel Policy targets the reduction of vehicle fuel consumption to mitigate GHG emissions. In our supply chain, we aim to reduce GHG emissions associated with raw material sourcing, manufacturing and distribution. In our distribution processes, we utilize logistics partners that have implemented environmental management policies to reduce GHG emissions from transportation operations. In addition, our sourcing and operations teams are utilizing various communications tools to reduce the need and volume of global travel, reducing aviation and vehicle related emissions.

Responsible Governance: We are committed to operating in a manner that employs responsible corporate governance practices. Our governance structure enables the execution of our policies, strengthens transparency of management-level actions and enhances our ability to generate long-term shareholder value. We have prioritized the adoption of high standards of ethics and compliance to meet industry best practices. Our Board is directly involved in assuring we are conducting ourselves responsibly and actively participates in frequent reviews of our risk management processes and systems. Along with our leadership team, the Board is dedicated to driving the growth of our Company focused on sustainable profitability for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

INFORMATION CONCERNING EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Current Executive Officers

In addition to Jason Brooks, the following individuals are executive officers of the Company:

Thomas D. Robertson, 39, currently serves as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of the Company. He has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 2023 and as Chief Operating Officer since November 2022. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from May 2018 to February 2023, and as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from March 2017 to May 2018. Upon joining the Company in October 2016, he served as Senior Financial Analyst. Prior to that, from July 2015 until September 2016, he was an audit manager with Deloitte & Touche LLP. From September 2008 until July 2015, he held various audit positions with Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. While practicing with Schneider Downs and Deloitte, Mr. Robertson spent the majority of his time working with publicly-traded footwear companies.

Byron Wortham, 57, has served as Senior Vice President of Georgia Boot and Durango Brands since February 2023. Prior to that, he served as President, Core Brands since June 2017. Before that, he served as Vice President, Brand General Manger of Durango since December 2015. He previously served as Vice President, Sales – Western Division from August 2011 to December 2015. Prior to that, he served as Manager, National Sales – Western Division from November 2010 to August 2011, Region Sales Manager from September 2009 to November 2010, and Key Account Manager from March 2005 to September 2009. Mr. Wortham began his career with the Company in January 2003 as a Sales Representative.

Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at its discretion. There are no family relationships among directors and executive officers of the Company, except as disclosed above.

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES

Ownership of Common Stock by Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership of common stock by each person known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock:

Ownership of Common Stock by Management

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by each nominee for director, each director, each of the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, and the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group as of March 31, 2024:

* Indicates less than 1%

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following information provides discussion, analysis and data tables regarding the compensation of our named executive officers (“NEOs”), who are those officers listed in our Summary Compensation Table on page 22.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

We have prepared this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) to provide you with our perspective on executive compensation so that you may understand our compensation policies and our decisions regarding compensation for our NEOs. We recommend that you review the various executive compensation tables below in conjunction with this CD&A. Unless otherwise noted, the policies, plans and other information in this CD&A apply to all of our NEOs. Our CD&A covers the following topics:

The Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee (referred to in this CD&A as the “Committee”) was appointed by our Board of Directors and is governed by a written charter that is available in the governance section of our website, www.rockybrands.com. The Committee members are William L. Jordan (Chairman), Michael L. Finn, Robert B. Moore, Jr., Robyn R. Hahn and Dwight E. Smith. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of the Committee members is independent under the standards of independence established by Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). In addition, each of the Committee members is a “non-employee” director as defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Pursuant to its charter, the Committee has the authority and responsibility to:

The Committee has the sole authority, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, to retain any compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of executive compensation and has the sole authority to approve any such firm’s fees. The Committee also has the authority to obtain the advice of and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors, and may request any officer or employee of our Company, our outside counsel or independent registered public accounting firm to attend a meeting of the Committee or meet with any member of, or consultants to, the Committee. The Committee will evaluate whether any compensation consultant retained or to be retained by it has any conflict of interest in accordance with Item 407(e)(3)(iv) of Regulation S-K. Any compensation consultant retained by the Committee to assist with its responsibilities relating to executive compensation will not be retained by the Company for any compensation or other human resource matters.

The Committee meets as often as its members deem necessary to discharge its duties and responsibilities and held five meetings during fiscal 2023. The Chairman of the Committee works in conjunction with our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer to establish the meeting agenda. The Committee typically meets with the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer and outside legal advisors and, where appropriate, other executive officers of our Company. In addition, the Committee regularly meets in executive session without management. Generally, the Committee receives and reviews materials in advance of each meeting. These materials include information that management believes will be helpful to the Committee as well as materials that the Committee has specifically requested.

Compensation Philosophy

The philosophy of the Committee is to make compensation decisions based on an executive compensation program that is designed to meet the following objectives:

The Committee believes that an executive compensation program designed with these objectives in mind has a direct impact on the success of the business by helping to ensure we have qualified executive talent in the right positions at the right time. Our executive compensation program helps ensure that our leadership group is focused on performing effectively to deliver results and build long-term shareholder value.

The Committee periodically reviews the compensation programs and policies that apply to all of our employees and has determined that such programs and policies are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, in establishing and reviewing the executive compensation programs, the Committee considers whether the programs encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking and has determined that they do not. On the Committee’s recommendation, the Board of Directors adopted a clawback policy during 2015, which provides for the recoupment of certain incentive compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the securities laws, which clawback policy was amended and restated on October 31, 2023 and is Nasdaq compliant. The clawback policy also provides for the potential recoupment of certain incentive compensation in the event of misconduct by our executive officers and other specified employees.

The Committee also considered the result of the 2023 advisory, non-binding “say-on-pay” vote in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities. Because approximately 98% of the votes cast approved the compensation for our NEOs described in our 2023 proxy statement, the Committee determined that no changes to our compensation programs were warranted as a result of the shareholder advisory vote.

Compensation Committee Process for Determining Executive Compensation

A substantial amount of the Committee’s annual cycle of work relates to the determination of compensation for our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer. Generally, during or prior to the first quarter of our fiscal year, the Committee makes determinations of base cash compensation, incentive compensation percentages for the year and equity grants for executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer. For a discussion of each individual element of compensation and how it is specifically determined, refer to “Compensation Program Elements” below.

Although many compensation decisions are made near the beginning of the first quarter of the fiscal year, our compensation planning process is not a rigid yearly process with fixed beginning and end points. Rather, compensation decisions are designed to promote our compensation philosophy and principles throughout the year. The Committee believes that evaluation of executive performance, business and succession planning, and consideration of our business environment are year-round processes, and the Committee members monitor these as such.

Our Chief Executive Officer is not permitted to be present during deliberations or voting on his compensation. During this process, the Committee reviews and approves any new corporate goals and objectives with respect to compensation for our Chief Executive Officer. In light of the established goals and objectives, the Committee evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and, based upon these evaluations, sets the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves on an annual basis the evaluation and compensation structure for the Company’s other executive officers, including approval of salary, bonus, incentive and equity compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer is present and provides input at the meetings and deliberations on the compensation of the Company’s other executive officers but is not permitted to be present at the vote.

Compensation Program Elements

In fiscal 2023, our NEOs received the following elements of compensation:

The Committee carefully considered and chose each compensation program element as a critical component in a comprehensive total compensation package. Each element is intended to reward and motivate executives in different ways consistent with our overall compensation principles and philosophy. Each of the elements has a critical relationship with one another with each focusing on and rewarding different areas. These elements are necessary for us to achieve our compensation program objectives.

Salary is utilized to compensate our executive officers for services rendered during the fiscal year. The Committee annually reviews and approves the compensation package of each NEO, including salary. The Committee considers an individual’s qualifications and experience in setting an executive’s salary. In determining salary increases, the Committee considers the size and responsibility of the individual’s position and the individual’s overall performance and future potential. The Committee considers these factors subjectively in the aggregate. Because the Committee believes that each of the factors is significant, the Committee does not assign a formula weight to any single factor in determining a salary increase.

Please refer to the “Salary” column in the Summary Compensation Table on page 22 for more information on each NEO’s salary for fiscal 2023.

Non-equity incentive compensation (“IC”) for our NEOs is determined under our Incentive Compensation Plan (the “IC Plan”). Our IC Plan is designed to provide a competitive cash compensation program for recruiting and retaining executive talent and a short-term incentive and reward program that aligns pay with performance and motivates our executives to achieve results.

When setting IC, the Committee considers individual and corporate performance, levels of responsibility, prior experience, breadth of knowledge and competitive pay practices. The Committee considers these factors subjectively in the aggregate. IC is based on base salary and a corresponding percentage of all IC payouts if Company performance goals are met. Payment of IC is prorated based on the performance level achieved. The Committee establishes the financial performance goals under the IC Plan for the fiscal year. These goals are generally determined near the beginning of the year and are based on an analysis of historical performance and growth expectations for our business, expectations of the public markets and progress toward achieving our long-range strategic plan for the business.

Messrs. J. Brooks, Robertson, Simms and Wortham, and Ms. O’Connor were eligible to receive IC under the IC Plan in fiscal 2023. The cash incentive was based on a percentage of base salary if performance goals were met for the year.

The Committee determined that the performance criteria for IC in fiscal 2023 would be based upon the Company’s adjusted operating income for all participants. Adjusted operating income was determined based on the Company’s actual reported operating income, less any expenses attributable to the IC Plan (including any expenses relating to the grants of long term equity incentives thereunder and to grants of options to outside directors), the Company’s manager bonus plan, the Company’s island manufacturing management bonus plan and the Company’s hourly bonus plan, and exclusive of any gains or losses resulting from one-time, extraordinary events, such as charges for goodwill impairment, charges relating to mergers or acquisitions, gains or losses on the sale of assets other than in the ordinary course of business, changes in tariff rates, and charges resulting from changes in accounting policies, all as may be determined in good faith by the Committee in its discretion. For fiscal 2023, the threshold was set at 85% of the target and the maximum was set at 120% of the target.

The Committee approved the following threshold, target and maximum payouts based on specified levels of adjusted operating income:

No IC payments were to be made if we did not meet our threshold performance target. No IC payments were to be made if the executive was terminated for cause by the Company prior to the date of payment. When the performance results fall somewhere between the threshold and target amounts or between the target and maximum amounts, the payout is prorated accordingly. The Committee believes that the fiscal 2023 goals represented an appropriate and substantial degree of difficulty for achieving a payout.

At year end, the Committee reviewed the Company’s adjusted operating income and the extent to which objectives were met. There were no IC payments made for 2023 as the Company did not achieve the threshold.

The Committee believes that equity-based compensation opportunities encourage a high level of long-term performance that enhances shareholder value, thereby further linking leadership and shareholder objectives. Equity compensation is intended to motivate our NEOs to contribute to our future growth and profitability and to reward performance in a manner that:

Equity compensation is granted to our NEOs under our Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Committee determines the award opportunity level for each NEO based on the individual’s responsibility level and potential with our Company, competitive practices, the number of shares available for grant, business needs, individual and Company performance, and the market price of our common stock.

For 2023, the Committee moved from awarding stock options to restricted stock units and the Company awarded restricted stock units to NEOs in the amounts set forth in the Summary Compensation Table found below beginning on page 22. The Committee believes that restricted stock units are easier for employees to understand and value, and are better form of equity to attract and retain talent.

The “All Other Compensation” column in our Summary Compensation Table on page 22 primarily consists of these items:

We sponsor a qualified retirement and 401(k) plan for eligible employees (the “Retirement Plan”). The Retirement Plan allows NEOs to defer a portion of their total cash compensation (up to IRS limits) into this retirement account on a pre-tax basis. We make an annual contribution into the Retirement Plan for eligible employees, including NEOs, of three percent of applicable salary. We also provide a company match for eligible employees, including NEOs, on any money they defer into the Retirement Plan up to the maximum allowable in accordance with the Retirement Plan.

These annual employer contribution amounts to NEOs are included in the Summary Compensation Table’s “All Other Compensation” column on page 22 below.

We provide each of Messrs. J. Brooks, Robertson, Simms and Wortham, and Ms. O’Connor during their employment with basic group term life insurance with a death benefit of $150,000. This is a relatively inexpensive benefit that we offer to our executives. This element of compensation, though relatively small, provides one additional item to the overall compensation package which strengthens our ability to recruit and retain talented executives. For specific premium amounts paid, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table’s “All Other Compensation” column and footnotes below on page 22.

On December 14, 2018, the Board adopted the Rocky Brands, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), which became effective January 1, 2019. The Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the NEOs are eligible to participate.

Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may elect to defer up to 75% of their base compensation and up to 100% of their bonuses, commissions and other compensation. The deferred amounts are paid in accordance with each participant’s elections made on or before December 31 of the prior year. In addition to elective deferrals, the Deferred Compensation Plan permits the Company to make discretionary contributions to eligible participants, provided that any participant who is employed on the last day of a plan year will receive a Company contribution equal to no less than 3% of the participant’s base compensation, bonus earned and non-equity incentive plan compensation in the plan year. Company contributions will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule determined by the Committee, except in the event of the participant’s death, disability or retirement, in which case the contributions will vest 100% upon such event. Participants may elect to receive payment in a lump sum cash payment or, in the event of the participant’s retirement, in annual installments for a period of up to ten years. In the event of a participant’s termination of employment, deferred amounts will generally be paid within 60 days following the later of the date (i) of such termination or (ii) the participant attains age 60, except where such termination is due to such participant’s death, in which case deferred amounts will be paid to such participant’s beneficiary within 30 days of confirmation of the participant’s death.

We have entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. J. Brooks, Robertson, Simms and Wortham, and Ms. O’Connor. For a discussion of these agreements, please refer to “Agreements with NEOs and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 30 below.

In addition to the compensation and benefits programs discussed in this proxy statement, we offer our employees, including our NEOs, a comprehensive benefits program. This program is designed to provide the employees and their families with competitive coverage at competitive rates. We strive to provide the employees with appropriate health benefits (medical, pharmacy, dental and vision) to help protect the physical, mental, and financial health of our employees and their immediate families.

Insider Trading, Hedging and Pledging Policies

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics prohibits our directors, officers and employees from purchasing or selling Company securities while in possession of material, non-public information, except through use of stock trading plans adopted pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Rule 10b5-1 allows insiders to sell and diversify their holdings in our common shares over a designated period by adopting pre-arranged stock trading plans at a time when they are not aware of material nonpublic information about the Company and thereafter sell our common shares in accordance with the terms of their stock trading plans without regard to whether or not they are in possession of material nonpublic information about the Company at the time of the sale

In addition, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics prohibits all directors and employees from short-selling common shares of the Company or engaging in transactions involving Company-based derivative securities, including, but not limited to, trading in option contracts (for example, buying and/or writing puts and calls). Hedging transactions, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts, that permit a director or employee to own securities of the Company without the full risks and rewards of ownership are prohibited. This does not prohibit the exercise of options, stock appreciation rights, or other derivative securities received through our equity incentive plans. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also prohibits pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation of each named executive officer (each, an “NEO”) of the Company for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021. For a discussion of the various elements of compensation provided in the table below, please refer to the discussion of our various compensation elements in our Compensation Discussion & Analysis under the heading “Compensation Program Elements” beginning on page 16 above.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

The following table shows all plan-based award granted to our named executive officers during fiscal 2023. For more information on the grants represented in the table below, please refer to the discussions in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the headings “Non-Equity Executive Incentive Compensation” and “Equity Compensation” beginning on pages 19 and 20, respectively.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, shares that have not vested and equity incentive plan awards outstanding as of the end of the last completed fiscal year:

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2023 YEAR-END

Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each exercise of stock options, SARs and similar instruments and each vesting of stock, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments during the last completed fiscal year for each of the named executive officers on an aggregated basis:

2023 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE

Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Pay Ratio Disclosure

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is exempt from the requirements of Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K. We have nevertheless chosen to provide the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of Jason Brooks, the Company’s CEO during fiscal year 2023.

We determined that, as of December 31, 2023, our employee population consisted of 2,107 individuals globally (482 in the U.S. and 1,625 outside of the U.S.). After excluding employees from Canada (1 employee), Mexico (1 employee), and United Kingdom (6 employee) pursuant to the “de minimis” exception provided for in the rules, we used a base of 2,099 employees for purposes of determining the “median employee.” We selected December 31, 2023 as the date upon which we would identify the median employee in order to align with year-end.

For 2023, our last completed fiscal year, the annual total compensation of the employee of the Company identified at median was $10,652 and the annual total compensation of the CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, was $670,346. As a result, we estimate that Mr. Brooks’ 2023 annual total compensation was approximately 63 times that of our median employee, who is an intermediate level operator in Chuzhou, China. We calculated annual total compensation for the median employee using the same methodology we use for our named executive officers as set forth in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement.

Pay-Versus-Performance

As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following table provides information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid to our NEOs and certain financial performance measures of the Company. The table below provides information about the compensation shown on the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) and the Compensation Actually Paid (“CAP”) to the CEO and the average for the other NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, along with information on total shareholder return (“TSR”), net income and adjusted operating income as the Company-Selected Measure for each year. For more information concerning the Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy and how the Company seeks to align executive compensation with the Company’s performance, please refer to “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion & Analysis” on page 16.

As reflected in the table below, CAP for our CEO for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately 16.2% higher than the total compensation disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table for our CEO.

Narrative Disclosures

The graphs below provide a description of CAP (as calculated in accordance with the SEC rules) and the following measures:

 

●

the Company’s cumulative TSR and Standard & Poor’s Footwear Index Total cumulative TSR (assuming a $100 investment made on December 31, 2019);

●

the Company’s Net Income; and

●

the Company-Selected Measure, which is Adjusted Operating Income.

 

28

---

Table of Contents

 

 

29

---

Table of Contents

 

Agreements with NEOs and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

On January 1, 2019, we entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. J. Brooks, Robertson, Wortham and Simms, and in March 2023, we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. O’Connor (the “Employment Agreements”). Mr. Simms resigned from his employment with the Company on April 27, 2023 and Ms. O’Connor resigned from her employment with the Company on September 12, 2023. Messrs. J. Brooks, Robertson, Simms and Wortham and Ms. O’Connor are referred to below as an “Executive.”

In exchange for performing the duties and responsibilities customarily performed by persons employed in a similar executive capacity, each Executive is entitled to an annual base salary, which may be decreased up to 20%, or increased, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Each Executive is also entitled to participate in additional compensation and employee benefit plans.

Under the Employment Agreements, the Executives agree to maintain the confidential information of the Company and to assign all inventions to the Company, and the Executives will not compete with the Company for six months following termination of employment for any reason or solicit the employees of the Company for 12 months following termination of employment for any reason.

In the event of termination of an Executive by the Company for cause, or due to the Executive’s death or disability (as defined in each employment agreement), or by the Executive for any reason, pursuant to the Employment Agreements, the Company will pay the Executive only the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date. The Executive must provide the Company 30 days’ written notice prior to termination of employment by the Executive.

Cause is defined in each Employment Agreement to include:

Under the Employment Agreements, in the event an Executive is terminated by the Company without cause, the Company will pay the Executive the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date and will continue to pay his base salary for an additional six months; provided, however, any such payments will immediately end if the Executive is in violation of his obligations under the Employment Agreement or if the Company learns of any facts that would have been grounds for termination for cause. Additionally, the Company will pay the Executive any earned bonus for a completed bonus period and if the Executive was employed for at least half of the days in an applicable bonus period, a pro-rated bonus, if any, for such bonus that would have been payable had the Executive remained employed throughout the bonus period, based on the actual financial performance of the Company. The Company must provide the Executive 14 days’ written notice in the event of a termination without cause, and 30 days’ written notice in the event of a termination for disability.

In the event of termination of an Executive following a change in control (as defined in each Employment Agreement), the Company will (i) pay the Executive the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date and any bonus earned for a bonus period completed prior to the termination date, (ii) continue to pay the Executive his base salary for an additional six months, and (iii) pay the Executive a pro-rated bonus for a bonus based on the financial performance of the Company if the Executive was employed for at least half of the days in an applicable bonus period. Additionally, any outstanding stock options or restricted stock awards issued to the Executive will immediately vest 100%. Further, the Company will maintain COBRA coverage for at least six months after the termination date, provided however, that the Company’s obligation to provide this coverage will cease if the Executive becomes employed or self-employed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such payments in (i) – (iii) will immediately end if the Executive is in violation of his obligations under the Employment Agreement or if the Company learns of any facts that would have been grounds for termination for cause.

Potential payments upon termination or Change in Control under the Employment Agreements with our NEOs are shown in the tables below. We have used estimates where it is not possible to give a precise dollar amount for the potential payments. With the exception of Ms. Sarah O’Connor, who resigned from the Company on September 12, 2023, and Mr. Richard Simms, who ceased serving as an executive officer of the Company in February 2023 in connection with his appointment as Senior Vice President of IT, Customer Service and Operational Excellence and resigned from the Company on April 27, 2023, the estimates below assume that the triggering event took place on December 31, 2023, the last day of the Company’s prior fiscal year. In the tables below, we have assumed that all accrued base salary has been paid as of the termination date.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. J. BROOKS UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. ROBERTSON UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT