Things are going to pick up at Rocky’s Puerto Rico factory very soon. Why? Because the U.S. government recently placed an order for 45,000 pairs of Rocky military boots.

The $3.2 million contract is a follow up to last year’s $29 million blanket purchase from U.S. General Services Administration, or GSA. Rocky said it’s currently working on the first half of the order that was placed in August 2009.

In addition to the 45,000 pairs of insulated boots, Rocky said it received a request from the U.S. Military for 8,000 pairs of hot weather boots. Hot weather boots feature drainage vents that move water out and allow feet to breathe.

Based in Ohio, the footwear company said it’s looking towards the military segment as a major part of its future growth.

“We are optimistic that our ability to produce high quality boots for this market will result in further orders from the traditional contract and bid process as well as through our direct sales efforts,” said Mike Brooks, Rocky Brands chairman and CEO, in a prepared statement.

Rocky manufactures combat boots at its factory in Moca, Puerto Rico.