Red Wing
Red Wing Shoe Company · United States
Red Wing is an American boot maker founded in 1905 by Charles H. Beckman in Red Wing, Minnesota. The privately held Red Wing Shoe Company makes work and safety boots as well as Heritage lifestyle boots such as the Iron Ranger, and also owns Irish Setter and Vasque. Red Wing is one of the best known names in American-made footwear.
| Founded | 1905 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charles H. Beckman |
| Owner | Red Wing Shoe Company (private) |
| Headquarters | Red Wing, Minnesota |
| Sister brands | Irish Setter, Vasque |
| Retail | More than 500 locations |
| Website | redwingshoes.com |
What is Red Wing?
Red Wing Shoes is the flagship brand of the Red Wing Shoe Company, headquartered in Red Wing, Minnesota. The company describes its range in two parts: work and safety footwear, and Heritage lifestyle footwear for men and women, under the motto "Setting Standards, Not Trends".
History
Red Wing was founded in 1905 by Charles H. Beckman to produce durable boots for workers in industry and agriculture. Over the twentieth century it became a major supplier of work boots in the United States. In 2008 it added a Heritage collection, reviving archive designs that have since become popular in menswear and among fashion retailers worldwide. The company remains privately held.
Products and positioning
Red Wing operates in the premium price range of the boot market. Its portfolio includes:
- Work boots with safety toes, waterproofing and insulation
- Heritage lifestyle boots such as the Iron Ranger, Classic Moc and Classic Chelsea
- Women's Heritage styles
- Sister brands Irish Setter, for hunting and outdoor, and Vasque, for hiking
Business model and distribution
The company says that its more than 500 retail locations are at the core of its business. Heritage boots are also sold through fashion and menswear retailers internationally, and the brand runs its own e-commerce. Red Wing has main manufacturing plants in Red Wing, Minnesota, and Potosi, Missouri, and owns the S.B. Foot Tanning Company, giving it control over leather supply.
Why it matters
Red Wing is a rare example of a large footwear company that still manufactures substantially in the United States and owns its own tannery. Its Heritage line also shows how authentic workwear can cross into fashion, as boots designed for labour have become staples of menswear and international heritage retail.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Red Wing boots made?
Red Wing makes boots at its main plants in Red Wing, Minnesota, and Potosi, Missouri. The company also owns the S.B. Foot Tanning Company, which supplies leather.
Who owns Red Wing Shoes?
Red Wing Shoes is owned by the Red Wing Shoe Company, a privately held business headquartered in Red Wing, Minnesota. The company also owns the Irish Setter and Vasque brands.