Red Wing Shoes & Boots

Created in 1905, Red Wing continues to produce the best leather boots and shoes that money can buy, always staying true to their commitment to quality, never compromising on construction, and keeping heritage work boots made in the USA. 

Combining premium leather with the best material, Red Wing Heritage continues to build upon the legacy of USA-made excellence to create their footwear. Their most famous styles have become house-hold names: Red Wing Moc Toe, Iron Ranger, Blacksmith, Beckman, Pecos, and many more. 

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Legacy In The Making

In 1905, Charles Beckman, who was at the time a local shoe merchant with great success, got together with 14 investors to create the Red Wing Shoe Company. Fast forward to 1908, the first generation of Red Wing craftsmen cut the premium leather by hand to assemble the shoes. By this time, Plant 1 (the original Red Wing Shoe Plant) opened, and is still in use by the Red Wing team to this day. 

Half a century later, in 1952, Red Wing introduced what would become the most iconic boot in their collection: Style no. 877, the first Red Wing Moc Toe, and a legend  was born. This was, during that time, called Irish Setter due to its leather colour mirroring the colour of the Irish Setter hunting dog. 

1964 introduces Plant 2. Located in Red Wing, Minnesota, this provided improved industrial design. Plant 2 is still active employing 250 skilled craftsmen who hand-make the most popular styles by Red Wing. Being celebrated globally, Red Wing formed a partnership with Midori International in 1982, who by 1984 began to sell specially crafted footwear for the Japanese market. A couple of years later, the Europe office opened in 1990. S.B. Foot Tanning Co. who has been supplying premium leather since 1905, was in 1986 acquired by Red Wing, ensuring that all components would be vertically integrated into the company, a further step toward ensuring the timeless construction of premium quality leather boots. 

Red Wing Heritage as we know it today was launched in 2007, featuring boots such as the Moc Toe, Iron Ranger, Blacksmith and many others which take their inspiration from the 20th century working footwear for men. After almost a decade, the Red Wing Heritage Women's collection was launched in 2016 with the introduction of Clara. In 2023 Allisson Gettings was welcomed to take the leadership and keep the family tradition alive, also as the company’s first female CEO.

Classic Silhouettes

Since 1905, Red Wing Shoe Company has crafted some of the most beloved and classic silhouettes for everyday hard working people and those who seek out craftsmanship and quality.

Red Wing Classic Moc Toe

The 877 8-inch Classic Moc Toe was introduced in 1952 with sportsmen in mind. This led to the name “Irish Setter” from the unique russet leather sharing the same colour as the coat of the hunter's best friend, the Irish Setter. Designed to protect the wearer's ankles from wooded areas of the forest with its tall height and the cushioned outsole which dampened noise and provided unparalleled comfort with every step. 

The sturdy construction of Red Wing Boots, which features a Puritan triple-stitch and Goodyear welt construction, made people wear it beyond the fields or forest. The classic moc toe became recognized as a favorite for work and beyond which led to the 6-inch Classic Moc Toe which never goes out of style. The Moc Toe was reborn in 2007 as a lifestyle boots with the launch of Red Wing Heritage. A true symbol of American made footwear, the same methods are still used since its introduction in 1952, continuing a legacy of quality. 

Red Wing Iron Ranger

Introduced in 1937, the Iron Ranger is one of Red Wing Heritage's most classic boots. Á 6-inch boot with speed hooks for fast lacing for easy on and off. Drawing inspiration from the archives, this leather boot was crafted for the hard working miners in the Mesabi Iron Range of Minnesota. With its added leather across the toe, the Iron Ranger gave excellent protection against falling debris in the workfield and the rugged terrains of the mines. 

The Red Wing Iron Ranger was built for those who need the best quality boots which are  as hardworking and tough as the people wearing them. Worn with pride during long labor intensive days, this boot still shares the same heritage as they did decades ago. Such products are living as they are constructed with natural sustainable materials like leather. Hence, they develop a unique and personal patina,and after being broken in with its thick leather insole, they provide a custom tailor fit which can’t be beaten. As with all Red Wing Heritage Boots, the Iron Ranger is Made in America and constructed with a Goodyear welt and Puritan triple-stitch. This shoe will last you a lifetime. 

Red Wing Blacksmith

Hailing from the traditional workwear styles of farmers and those working in blacksmithing workshops. The Red Wing Blacksmith is a sleek no fuss style boot, in line with service style military boots. It is as robust as an Iron Ranger, but lacks the toe-cap, panelling, and height which allows it to be a more refined, and contemporary option in terms of booting. This can easily make it a boot that, while rugged and tough at work, is easily able to pair with something more formal. A great all-rounder, this style is available in several leather options. Featuring the traditional manufacturing: Goodyear Welted, Vibram Mini Lug outer sole, and cork fillers, it will be sure to carry you from work, the office, to your wedding. 

Red Wing Beckman

A boot that gets its namesake from the founder of Red Wing, Charles H. Beckman. After survinv a shipwreck and landing in America, he founded the company with the intention to provide boots that could go through exactly such an experience. The Beckman series is a testament to that promise of quality. From its semi-aniline Excalibur series of leather used, to the historical details in the Gro-Cord outer sole, each pair of Beckmans is a living and breathing example of what Red Wing set out to do at the turn of the century. Easily the most formal option in the range of boots, it can be polished up to retain its original luster thanks to the qualities of its leather. The leather midsole combined with the outsole, gives it a dressed up look, while offering comfort and grip. The comfort is also top-notch, a softer wear than the rest, thanks to added construction methods.

Red Wing Pecos

Red Wing hails from the upper midwest of America, and their boots reflect that. Although, at the turn of the 1950’s Texas was experiencing an oil boom and the workers there needed some tough boots. To capture the market, Red Wing introduced the Peco, likely getting its name from the Peco region of west texas. The boot is a classic western cowman style, which appealed directly to the southern market. Utilizing Gro-Cord outers, it promises flame resistance and durable grip, perfect for oil rig workers. The pull-on style boot is iconic in this part of the world, and the Red Wing Peco lives up to that image, and has indeed expanded upon it. Embossed pull tabs, poron-texon inner sole, leather, cork fillers, it is as comfortable as a work boot as you can get, while embracing that bit of cowboy that lives inside of all of us.

How Red Wing Shoes Are Made

Just as in the early days of the company, Red Wing Heritage leather boots and shoes are all made in the United States across their four manufacturing facilities, going through more than 80 steps of construction to produce a single pair. 

Sustainability

Producing great footwear also comes with great responsibility. Ditching the model of fast-fashion, Red Wing offers shoes and boots that can last a lifetime. By choosing long lasting materials and using leather that is a by-product of other industries, purchasing Red Wing is a sustainable choice and an environmentally friendly option for footwear. Combined with timeless silhouettes, the wearer is guaranteed to never ‘’go out of fashion’’ and thus, decreases the throw away culture plagued by the mainstream fashion industry. By taking care of your shoes, they will be a companion for many years to come. The possibility to repair every Red Wing Shoe is adding to its sustainability by giving them new life. With natural materials, everything can be repaired, and at best, when taken care of they simply get better with age. Stitch down construction and GoodYear Welting (GYW) ensures that these boots are recraftable and resoleable, an attribute that furthers their lifetime and the miles that you can walk in your boots.

Leather Tanning

Founded in 1872 by Silas B. Foot and George Sterling, the SB Foot Tanning Company, has been working together with Red Wing since the beginning.  The process of turning hides into a stable and durable leather material to craft shoes is called tanning. By converting animal protein to a workable and malleable material, leather can be finished in several ways in order to receive the desired pliability, water resistance, and texture that is needed for the product. If a leather is tanned using proper methods like done by SB Foot, the leather can maintain its properties for well over 50 years. 

The hides that are used to craft a Red Wing Shoe are called “Wet Blue” which refers to the blue tone that is added to the leather from its high-exhaustion tanning process. Resulting in a very stable and durable high-grade leather. The last step of the tanning process includes re-wetting the Wet Blue hides as well as shaving them before placing them into massive wood drums for soaking in natural tree oils, tanning agents, and desired dyes. To prevent future scuffs on your boots, Red Wing lets its hides soak for an extended period to further absorb the leather in natural oils. 

Cutting, Lasting, Fitting and Bottoming what will become your Red Wing Shoes

Grading each leather hide is an essential step in the over 80 step process. It begins when the craftsman carefully, layer by layer, cuts the leather by hand, or assisted by a machine. Once cut to perfection, they are put aside for the next step. Next, the various components that have been cut and prepared into pieces are then fitted. Here they are sub-assembled and stitched together to finally complete what will turn into the upper of the shoe. This stage also includes assembling the labels, eyelets, and stitching. After the upper has been put together, the shoe is moved to the lasting stage, where it starts taking the final shape of a boot. By tightly shaping the upper around the last and combined with several other steps, the boot is prepared for sole attachment. In this step, the bottom, also called the outsole, is attached to the upper. Depending what style it is, whether it is a Classic Moc Toe, Iron Ranger or even a Chukka, the upper is attached to the midsole and outsole. Finally, the leather is treated and conditioned, and the shoe is cleaned of excess material, and the finishing touch, laces are added. A final inspection to assure shoes are being sent out in excellent condition is made, this quality control ensures the customer receives nothing less than a perfectly crafted American made boot. 

Product Details And Definitions

Meeting the needs of a variety of customers, from all walks of life,requires purpose built boots that stand the test of time. Below is a description of the various kinds of materials and construction methods which are used by Red Wing Heritage to meet exactly these demands. 

The Anatomy Of Red Wing Heritage Footwear

Cut a pair of Red Wings in half, and you’ll understand why these boots haven’t changed construction methods in over 120 years. It all starts with natural materials and old-world boot making techniques. Each pair is lasted to an outer, which means they are reconstructable. On the inside, there is cork, a leather sole, and that’s it. This makes the boots hard in the beginning, but once broken in, allows for a completely personalized fit as the boot shapes to the wearer's feet. No foam, no marketing gimmicks, just real honest shoes for hard working people.

Shoe Construction

A key part in what makes Red Wing so durable, is in the construction methods used on their shoes. Proper techniques and traditional manufacturing, ensures the quality and longevity of the leather boot which can last for decades. By utilizing a Goodyear Welt construction which is the pinnacle of shoemaking, the shoe is able to be resoled and resoled time and time again. The welt (a thin piece of leather located between the outsole and the upper) is attached to the bottom edge of the upper leather and then further cemented to a canvas rib. 

Goodyear Welting

A Goodyear Welt is probably the best construction which can be used on shoes and boots. Red Wing utilizes a Good Year Welt because it allows for reconstruction and is a traditional way of making boots and shoes. Invented in the 1860’s to replace hand welting, it allows for a faster build time for a boot, without compromising on quality. A buzzword today when it comes to quality, a Goodyear welt is marked by the stitchings on the welt which holds together the upper and midsole. On Red Wing boots this is either an all around construction like on the Classic Moc Toes, or a 270 degree Goodyear Welt like on the Blacksmith and Iron Ranger Boots. Here, a rand and nail seat construction is utilized to accommodate the iconic heel which sets these two, and other boots, apart from the Iconic Mocs profile, with its traction tred outsole.

Storm Welts & Stitch Down Construction

To build upon the durability and waterproofing of a normal Goodyear welt, You can end up with something like the storm welt. This technique adds even greater protection against rain and water. Making it virtually waterproof, and distinct in the leather rand which runs along the outside of the shoe. Sometimes referred to as a Norwegian Welt, while technically different, it’s greatest claim is that it increases waterproofing and water resistance. 

Outsoles

Red Wing is an old and celebrated company with a rich history in producing footwear for workers across a wide range of occupations. From the oil rigs of the south, to the iron range miners of the north, different workers and environments called for different needs from their boot types, as well as their outsoles. At the end of the day, Red Wings reliability in delivering quality boots, but maybe most importantly - the right outsoles for the job, set them up to become a household name across America and the world, and a silhouette which is instantly recognizable.

Our Favourite Outsoles

Traction Tred

Probably the most iconic outsole of all time, this all white blown rubber sole from Vibram is used nearly exclusively on the CLassic Moe Toe series. It’s shape lends itself to the wedge construction of this type of boot and allows for superior comfort, due to the blown rubber, a process that pumps air into the rubber of the outsole, making it lightweight yet super comfortable. The sole was originally adapted for hunting as it allowed the wearer to remain quiet in the bogs and marshes, and leaving dirt and debris from collecting on the bottom of the show, which is a problem with outsoles that utilize lugs in the lugs in this kind of environment. Today, a wearer feels at home in any environment in this Traction-Tred Sole.

Vibram 430 Mini-Lug

This outsole from Vibram makes its appearance on 270 degree Goodyear Welted boots, like the Iron Ranger and Blacksmith. The sole hides its lugs as it were, so that from the side, the boot has a more dressed and elegant look. While in all actuality, underneath are an array of mini lugs that work hard to keep the wearer in place, offering superb grip, and ideal for work environments or light terrain, without compromising on aesthetics.

Gro-Cord

Introduced in the 1920’s, this traditional sole were originally made from a mixture of tire cording, a technique that allowed for greater durability yet extreme comfort. Today we see this sole utilized on the Beckman and Peco boot lines.

Vibram Lug

For those who need extreme grip and traction, it is to look no further. This beastly sole from Vibram exhibits super heavy duty lugs, a hard durable platform, capable of taking on any terrain or weather conditions you may encounter.

Materials

The thread choice for Red Wing is a mix of Polyester or cotton depending on the place and application on the shoe. Polyester as a thread is highly durable and abrasion resistant, so it is used mainly on the parts of the boot that receive the most abuse. To connect the vamps and the upper, cotton threads are dipped through wax and then stitched into place using a triple puritan stitch for additional strength and water resistance. The metal hardware used for eyelets and speedhooks is able to handle the dirt, water, and wear and tear that these boots must endure. Either brass or steel is utilized, ensuring long-lasting metal hardware for your boots.

Lasts

To get the shape of a boot, the upper, during construction, is shaped around the last. The last is a plastic ‘’foot’’ shaped object that is based on a human's foot. There are many variations in lasts and styles, as there are variations amongst us all. Each last is unique and offers different properties. Red Wing offers several last options, and in Europe two different widths depending on the model. Most of the lasts used today from Red Wing had their origins in the 1950’s but have been slightly altered to meet the demands of modern consumers.

No. 8 Last

Featured on the Iron Ranger, this last has a natural anatomical shape and bump toe, allowing for more width and movement in the toe box.

No. 23 Last

Utilized on the moc toes, this is a roomy and comfortable fit for most feet especially in the toe box and in step.

How Should Red Wing Boots Fit?

Finding your size in Red Wing can be a bit tricky, but with some tips and help here you should have no issues in determining your size. A new pair should fit snug, but not too tightly on the foot. One should not feel pressure on the outer edge of the pinky toe side of the foot, and one needs room to easily move all toes inside the boot. At the same time, they should not lift very much either, so it is to find a good balance. A general rule of thumb is to size down at least a ½ size from your normal shoe size. We find this ensures a good fit in most of the cases. It is important to remember that the boot is constructed only upon natural cork and a thick leather inner sole. This means that the boots will take some time to mold to your feet, offering an even greater personalized fit. After the break in process, it can be nice to have an added insole to the boot for those who desire a little more squish and comfort. There is no shame in this, but be advised from the beginning that you have room for adding an innersole later on. It is also nice to have the option to wear the boots with some thicker socks for warmth, so make sure you have room for this as well. A good fitting boot will be your companion and carry you for miles, so it is important to get a good fit from the beginning. Because when you do, you will realize just how good this style of boot is for comfort and long lasting durability.

Red Wing Leather: Made In USA

As it has been for a hundred years, every pair of Red Wings are made with the natural and sustainable leathers from the SB Foot Leather Tannery. 

Roughout Leather

One of the most durable options there are in leather applications, rough out leather has some unique properties and a distinct style which makes it an excellent choice for those who desire something different from their boots appearances. Roughout is simply a normal piece of leather that has been flipped, so what is normally the ‘’inside’’ is in fact on the outside. Looking a hairy and rough, on the outside, hence its namesake. It is important to note that roughout is not the same as a suede or nubuck leather. Suede for example is a split hide that has been sanded down for a thinner, light, more supple feel. This compromises the grain structure and makes suede easily influenced by rain or water, and making it less durable. Whereas roughout retains its full-grain structure, ensuring a long lasting durable option for boots. Water and scratch resistant, roughout is the least maintenance heavy option of leather there is, perfect for guys who need a pair of boots to work in and not be too sensitive about the aesthetics.

Some examples of Red Wing Roughout Leathers: Abilene, Mohave, Muleskinner, Acampo

Smooth-Finished & Oil-Tanned Leather

These types of leather are more what you may imagine when you think of leather. The brown, black, smooth and oiled material that ages beautifully over time to develop a unique patina.

Oro Legacy Leather: Utilizing the hides from heavyweight American cattle, this full grain and oil rich leather is iconic in its use on the Original Classic Moc Toe 875. A soft orange brown hue ages beautifully into a rich dark brown over time. Water and stain resistant make it a durable option.

Harness: Oil and wax are combined to create a full grain heavyweight leather that is 100% natural with zero pigments involved. This allows for a natural pull up effect on the leather, highlighting a rich patina and increased durability. Amber harness leather is found on the Iron Ranger 8111.

Copper Rough & Tough: 100% natural pigment free leather that comes out of the box looking worn, aged, and vintage. This is due to the unique tanning process that has a built in pull up effect already at work. Rich amber red color ways will develop, lighter and darker hues contrast over time to develop a beautifully worn leather as seen on the Iron ranger 8085 and Moc Toe 1907.

Excalibur: Semi-aniline and polished leather makes for a great choice in more formal dress boots. With a natural sheen and luster, the leather retains a smooth and supple character that will overtime develop moody undertones, which can always be polished back to their original state. Excalibur leather is the natural choice for the Beckman Series of Boots.

Red Wing Shoe & Boot Care

Caring for your Red Wings is an important act which will extend their lifetime and give you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that is behind the leather and construction. It takes more than 80 steps to complete a pair, with the right products and methods, you can extend the lifetime of your boots for decades. All it takes is three simple steps: clean, condition, protect.

How To Clean Red Wings Boots: Care, Condition, Protect

The key to having long lasting leather boots is to clean and care for them. Red wing offers a variety of shoe care products to help in the maintenance of their boots, and here you will find a step by step guide in how to use these leather cleaning and conditioning products, and how to care for your boots to ensure maximum longevity. Please note that Red Wing boots come oiled and conditioned out of the box, so when they are brand new you do not need to follow these steps, simply enjoy and begin to break them in. However, after a season it may be time to condition and clean. We recommend following these steps about two times a year, or after and before the major boot season.

Remove the laces from your boots and set them into a plastic container with warm water and dish soap. Agitate and let soak in the soapy water. Hang the laces to dry, and once dry you can treat them with a lighter, burning away any excess fibers which have loosened from the taslan laces.

Begin by brushing away any surface dirt with the Red Wing Horse Hair Brush, not to ignore the tongue and grooves where dirt and lint are easily gathered. Use a specialized brush, like the Red Wing Welt Brush for hard to reach areas like the welt and stitching, brushing away any dirt and debris which collects there. Give a once over on the entire surface of the boot with the brush, to completely remove any surface level dirt. After this, prepare a cleaning solution. 

Natural Soaps like Saddle Soap, or Red Wing Foam Leather Cleaner are what we recommended to clean your Red Wings with. Generously lather on a foamy layer using a sponge or Horse Hair Brush, and begin working in the solution in circular motions, across all the leather panels, the tongue, and the stitchings of the boot. Work in the solution and wipe away excess dirt and grim as you clean the boots. Take a microfiber cloth towel, or what you have on hand to wipe away the excess cleaner once you have thoroughly scrubbed down your boots. Allow the boots to dry for about one hour, once dry, you may begin conditioning. 

Select the product for your shoes. Red Wing Mink Oil, All Natural Leather Conditioner, Boot Oil, and Leather Cream are all suitable products. If you wish to retain the boots original coloring and patina, select Leather Cream. Also if you are working with Excalibur Leather or a finer leather, this product is most suitable. Mink Oil, Boot Oil, and Leather Conditioner, will all alter the color of the leather, darkening it by a few shades, but will offer the best protection and conditioning in the long run. 

These products offer a deep penetrating solution which helps to saturate the leather of its natural oils. Use the Red Wing Dauber Brush to apply a light coating of the selected leather conditioning product, and work it across the entire surface of the boot. It is important to use this brush, as the horse hair fibers allow for the right heat and friction across the leather, which warms the product and allows for best penetration and results. Once properly conditioned, you may wipe away any excess conditioner from the surface of the boot. Once the conditioner is dry, you may apply Boot Polish in the right color for a shinier boot, as well as Red Wing Leather Protector, which will seal in the conditioning and protect the leather from rain, water, and salts.

Allow to dry completely before using the boots and replacing the boots. After following these steps, your boots will be good to go and will be reconditioned for another season of wear and tear. Establishing this as a routine will ensure your boots live out the full potential of their lifetime. An extra tip to ensure this, is to use a shoe block when the shoes are not in use, as this will help the leather maintain its shape, and to use a shoe horn when taking off your boots, to avoid tearing out the backstay and or, trampling down the welt which is common for those who remove their shoes by using the force from another boot while standing up. 

Be sure to follow HepCat Store on instagram and Facebook, as we host biannual Red Wing Shoe Care Days in the store, where seasoned professionals from Red Wing and local cobblers come to the store to teach and advise on how to best care for your boots.

Red Wing Shoe Repair & Resoling

Since all Red Wing Shoes and Boots are Goodyear Welted, they can easily be resoled and or repaired by a skilled and experienced cobbler. The important thing is to make sure to resole the boots before it is too late. A skilled repair job can even allow for full customizations, so you may add a completely different type of outsole to your boots than that which you began with. This is when things can get really fun, like an Iron Ranger with a Traction Tred outsole, or a Classic Moc Toe Boot kitted with a thick Heavy Lug Sole from VIbram. The possibilities are endless.

At HepCat store, we offer an online Red Wing Boot and Shoe Repair Service. We have a collaboration with Scandinavia’s official Red Wing certified and authorized repair service, found locally in Lund at Skomakaren Henry. With years of experience in restoring the longevity of Red Wing Boots,  trust no one else with extensive repair jobs, resoling, or customizations. The fine tuned attention to detail and personal touch, allows for the finest of service, bar none. To maximize the lifetime of your Red Wings, we highly recommend you to follow the above care guide, and when it is time, to organize a resole job on your boots.