How much are red wing work boots? On today's episode of our 'Is It Worth It? We're now seeing people using them in more modern contexts, but is it worth the premium in both applications?
History of the Red Wing Shoe Company
Many people now embrace the 100+-year-old company as a family business, founded in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota. However, in 1873, before the founding of the Red Wing shoe company, Red Wing, Minnesota, was known as one of the most efficient wheat products in the United States of America. Soon after, the discovery of natural layers of clay in the area gave rise to a prosperous stoneware industry.
By the turn of the century, red wing work boots, Minnesota, enjoyed tremendous success with its river port, and businesses sprang up everywhere. European immigrants set up factories and workshops throughout the city.
Back then, Charles Beckman, who happened to be a very wise shoe salesman and businessman, came across carpenters and blacksmiths walking around town and noticed that they were wearing boots and shoes that didn't fit well. If so, the idea of having something specific for a certain job.
When Charles set out to launch this new company of shoes and boots that fit people properly, he initially discovered that manufacturers were unwilling to work with him. Fortunately, Charles didn't have to wait forever. He was soon joined by other investors and began founding the Red Wing shoe company in 1905.
Red Wing shoes in World War I
During World War I, when the men who had worked in the factory went off to war, the women came to the factory to help make boots. In particular, the Pershing 1088 boot enjoyed great popularity. The Red Wing shoe company manufactured the Pershing 1088 style until 1965.
Over the years, the red wing work boots company has been known for more than just shoes or war boots marketed only to farmworkers. During the 1960s and 1970s, red wing work boots and boots were embraced by a much larger audience.
Recent years
In recent years, a partnership with well-known company J.Crew helped launch the Heritage Collection around 2007. It was initially advertised as a collection that would bring together the standard Red Wing boots and a more modern aesthetic for a broader audience.
Today we see Red Wing boots appearing in the classes of very fashion-conscious people. Those who choose to wear the brand casual and opt for the more fashion-forward Heritage collection are often those branded as hipsters.
What has become one of the most iconic styles in the Red Wing Heritage collection is their classic 6-inch moc toe boot. As the rules of fashion have eased over the years, we see that many more people are willing to spend more than $200 on these popular boots.
The Red Wing shoe factory produces up to two million shoes each year and has seen more than four generations of shoemakers. Red Wing Boots not only designs and manufactures shoes under its own brand! It also produces footwear under the Irish Setter Boots, Vasque, Carhartt (discontinued in 2011), and Worx brands. Some of these non-Red Wing brands include a variety of models made in the PRC.
A tour of the factory
The 100+-year-old factory is located at 315 Main Street in Red Wing, Minnesota. I can say from experience that the amount of history it contains is incredible.
Many years ago I had the privilege of attending a tour of the Red Wing Factory in Red Wing, Minnesota, and had a great time. There is so much history and passion behind this brand and I really enjoyed seeing how something that is over 100 years old and located in a small town is helping people all over the world.
The tour took a few hours, but the people who work there were very welcoming and I could tell that they were passionate about what they were creating.
My favorite part of the tour and I had quite a few, was seeing the leather and the boots sewn together with the soles.
How Red Wing shoes are made
It takes a great team of dedicated people with a critical eye to produce a quality boot from start to finish. Many of the shoes are actually hand-sewn; It happens because much of the technology available today is not due to shoe components to Red Wing standards.
It all starts with the leather. Early on, Charles Beckman worked with SB Foot Tannery to find the best and most durable leather.