Where Are Red Wing Boots Made?

Red Wing Boots is a footwear brand that was founded in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota. The company is known for creating premium work boots that are made to be strong, comfortable, and stylish.

Red Wing has become a well-known brand in the footwear market and is frequently preferred by employees in construction, manufacturing, and other industries that require durable and dependable boots. In addition to work boots, Red Wing also produces a range of other footwear, including casual shoes and boots, as well as accessories like socks and insoles.

Red Wing Boots: Origin And Achievements

A local shoe dealer called Charles Beckman established the Red Wing Shoe Company in Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1905. Beckman recognized a need for durable work boots that could withstand the harsh conditions of the local mining and logging industries. In 1909, Red Wing Shoes introduced a new method of shoe construction called welting, which made the bond between the shoe upper and sole much stronger.

During World War I, Red Wing Shoes created the Munson Army Last, which quickly became a favorite among soldiers for its durability and comfort. The company also began producing specialized boots for workers in the oil and gas industry, which helped establish its reputation for purpose-built footwear.

In 1963, Red Wing Shoes continued its innovative streak by introducing its first mobile shoe truck. This allowed the company to bring expert fitting directly to the job site, making it easier for workers to get the right shoes for their needs.

In a nutshell, all of these key moments in Red Wing Shoes’ history contributed to the brand’s success and continued popularity today.

Now that we’ve explored the rich history of Red Wing Shoes, let’s take a closer look at where are these iconic boots made.

Where Are Red Wing Boots Made?

Red Wing boots are primarily made in the United States, in the town of Red Wing, Minnesota, and continue to produce many of its boots there, although it has also expanded its manufacturing to other locations in the U.S. and overseas.

Red Wing prides itself to make its boots in Red Wing, Minnesota, and Potosi, Missouri in the USA. The company opened a factory in Puebla, Mexico, to produce some of its entry-level work boots. In order to meet global demand, Red Wing has made alliances with manufacturers in China and Vietnam. on a commitment to quality and durability.

These boots are made by skilled craftsmen and the company’s Heritage line of boots, which features classic styles that have been in production for decades, is entirely made in the USA.

From beginnings to a global brand, Red Wing Shoes has come a long way. So, how exactly are these boots produced? Let’s find out!!

How Are Red Wing Shoes Made?

Their dedication to traditional craftsmanship is one of the reasons for their long-term success. From tanning the leather to the final finishing touches, the process of making Red Wing boots is a labor of love.

1. The process begins with tanning the leather at S.B. Foot Tanning Company, which is located in Red Wing, Minnesota. The tannery uses tree oils, tanning agents, and dyes to prepare hides that are then soaked in wood drums. When leather is tanned, it is rolled, dried, and stretched before being sent to a manufacturer.

2. Highly trained leather cutters then carefully select the highest quality sections of leather and cut them into the appropriate shapes for each shoe. Experienced sewing machine operators precisely put the cut leather parts together to produce the footwear’s upper.  

3. To make the shoe, the leather is pulled over a foot-shaped last. The last shapes are determined by the type of footwear. After the leather is fastened to the last, the shoe is stitched down or welded down.

4. The final phase in the building process is to physically stitch or glue the outsole to the midsole, which calls for exceptionally good hand-eye coordination.

Now let’s discover some of the models of Red Wing shoes that are made in the USA.

Red Wing Boots That are Made in USA

According to Red Wing employees and vloggers, the five best Red Wing boots for men are:

• 877 Classic Moc Toe – It is ideal for someone who desires the distinctive moc toe style in a taller boot and is regarded as the greatest 8-inch boot. It has all the features of the Classic Moc 875, but with a taller shaft that provides more ankle support.
• Blacksmith 3343 – considered the best plain-toe boot that Red Wing makes, it’s versatile, innocuous, and the platonic ideal of a boot. It features rich, full-grain, oil-tanned leather, a Goodyear welt, and a Vibram mini-lug, and is completely made in the United States.
• Iron Ranger 8111 – considered the most rugged Red Wing boot, it has a chunky style and was originally built for iron miners in the 1930s. It features Amber Harness leather, which is water-resistant, scuff-resistant, and low maintenance. It also has a leather toecap and nickel eyelets.
• Moc 1907 – considered the best value Red Wing boot, it’s similar to the Classic Moc 875 but with an Oro Legacy leather and a contrasting outsole. It’s perfect for someone who wants a classic, yet unique and stylish boot.
• Moc Toe 875 – considered the most iconic Red Wing boot, it’s perfect for the average guy and the perfect entry-level boot. It was made for sportsmen in 1952, has a casual style, and features super soft Traction Tred wedge soles that mold to your feet over time. It is also the cheapest boot on the list.

Let’s wrap up what we have discovered about the company and its manufacturing facilities.

Conclusion

Red Wing Boots is a well-reputed footwear brand that produces high-quality, durable work boots that are favored by workers in various industries.  Considering the fact that the bulk of Red Wing boots are still created in the United States, the business has spread its production facilities to other nations. Red Wing can better meet global demand for its products and guarantee that they are created to the highest standards while yet being affordable for customers by producing its boots in several nations.

Related Article: Which Work Boots Are Made in the USA?