Designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded footwear and apparel Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc. has posted lower sales for the first quarter ended March 31.

Net sales during the period fell to $57.5 million from the $61.5 million reported for the corresponding period in 2005. Net income was $0.9 million versus $1.1 million, this  includes approximately $94,000 in stock compensation expense now required by current accounting standards.

The decrease in sales was caused primarily by a decline in footwear sales to the military, which were $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2005. Sales were also impacted by lower than expected results in the company’s outdoor footwear category.

Other income in the first quarter of 2006 included a one-time gain of approximately $0.7 million related to the sale of company owned property.