Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected quarters, and the story behind the iconic footwear brand Hush Puppies is a perfect example. It all began in 1958 when Wolverine World Wide introduced a new line of casual shoes made with pig leather, designed to provide ultimate comfort for sore feet. However, it was Jim Muir, a traveling salesman, who gave these shoes their unforgettable name.
One day, while having lunch at a friend’s house, Muir noticed that his friend’s basset hound was barking incessantly. To calm the dog, his friend tossed at it some hush puppies—a deep-fried cornmeal dish. When Muir asked why the dish was named hush puppies, his friend explained that farmers used hush puppies to quiet their barking dogs.
This seemingly mundane moment sparked a brilliant idea in Muir’s mind. He recalled the colloquial expression “barking dogs” used to describe sore or tired feet. After a long day of walking, one might say, “my dogs are barking.” Drawing a parallel, Muir thought that just as hush puppies silenced the barking dog, these new comfortable shoes could “silence” or soothe tired feet. Thus, the name Hush Puppies was born, highlighting both comfort and clever branding.
This story underscores how the most ordinary experiences can lead to extraordinary ideas. Next time you encounter a memorable brand name, take a moment to ponder the story behind it. Because every brand has a story.
