Image via Complex Original
Good design solves problems and fills needs. This thought, in a nutshell, defines the history of Red Wing Shoes. Founded in 1905, the company began when Charles Beckman found the shoes most ideal for his daily life were simply unavailable in Red Wing, Minnesota. He decided, as many visionaries do, that the best recourse was simply to make them himself.
A heritage of shoemaking in Red Wing made the establishment of Beckman's company a little easier. For example, the S.B. Foot Leather Tannery (acquired by Red Wing in 1987) was established nearby in 1873. The tannery provided for some of the requisite raw material with which to build both shoes and an iconic American brand.
Beckman supplied farmers, hunters, postmen, and (most importantly) factory workers with the some of the most important tools they employed — long lasting comfortable shoes. The individual needs of his consumers drove innovation and inspired the designs that rooted Red Wing Shoes in the fabric of American life.
Historic Red Wing images courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society.
Continue on to learn the history behind the icons of Red Wing Shoes.
877
8-Inch Boot
What you should know: First introduced in 1953, the 877 was initially marketed as a sport boot (for hunting, etc.). This style became the icon of the Red Wing brand, and the inspiration for the sporting spinoff Irish Setter Brand.
Fun Fact: The world's largest boot is a scale model of the 877 made in size 638 1/2. And, from a design perspective, the most notable thing about the 877 is that the Irish Setter moniker comes from the sequoia bark tanned leathers used for the original boots. The russet color matches the dog.
Flip images to see the Guiness Book recognized biggest boot in the world.
6-Inch Boot
6-Inch Boot
What you should know: As the 877 was adopted for use by the American worker, customers began to request a shorter boot and the 875 was born.
Fun Fact: Probably the most wildly recognized Red Wing shoe.
Check to see how that moc toe is sewn by clicking the thumbs.
3140
Work Chukka
What you should know: The work chukka is designed for lighter duty, highly skilled work. Finish carpenters were the primary target, and they privileged the non-marking crepe sole.
Fun Fact: Plant 2, the primary Red Wing Shoe factory, cuts leather patterns both by newly invented computer driven machine and traditional hand techniques.
Click through the thumbs to see how rolls of leather become the pieces that make the Work Chukka.
101
Postman Oxford
What you should know: Red Wing responded to the needs of American postman by introducing this shoe in 1954. The polished upper meets uniform requirements and the rugged sole handles rain, sleet, and sun.
Fun Fact: In the 40 years the Postman Oxford enjoyed continuous production, 2 million pairs were sold. Designer Patrick Ervell outfitted all his runway models with the shoe during New York Fashion Week.
Peep the extra images to see the Postman Oxford on the runway.
200 Series 6-Inch Moc
200 Series 6-Inch Moc
What you should know: The 213 is a shortened version of the 214 (an 8-inch version), which was introduced in 1959 for factory workers. It is based on the famous mailman's uniform oxford and fitted with the same neoprene outsole.
Fun Fact: The boot features a defined heel for added safety when climbing ladders and scaffolding.
8111
Iron Ranger
What you should know: This boot was designed for men working in the rugged Mesabi Iron Range in northern Minnesota. The double layer of leather over the toe provides extra safety.
Fun Fact: The double layer of leather over the toe provides extra safety. A second layer at the ankle provides stablity.
Flip through the extra images to see of the boots upper joins the sole.
9111
6-Inch Round Boot
What you should know: The 6-inch round work boot was developed for farmers and introduced in 1919.
Fun Fact: The white Traction Tred sole was considered hygienic as the low tred tracked less dirt and manure than deep grooved boots.
Red Wing Shoes are laced and boxed on site at the Factory.
9016
Beckman
What you should know: The Beckman collection is named after Red Wing founder Charles Beckman. He needed a "dress boot" and in 1905 started a company to help fill his own needs. Sturdy boots that could withstand the town's muddy streets and be polished up for slick presentation.
Fun Fact: Beckman collection shoes use the most choice leathers, called "Featherstone", produced at the S.B. Foot Tannery. These leathers are free from blemishes, bites, and irregulars.
Click through the thumbs to see how the Beckman boot is made.
1907
6-Inch Moc
What you should know: The 1907 is modeled after Red Wing's classic work boots. Note the slightly lower profile of the sole. That's the key difference between this model and the heavy duty work boots.
Fun Fact: The 1907 features a Norwegian welt sole.
Click the thumbs to check some of the materials used in crafting Red Wing soles.
9185
Wabasha Boot
What you should know: The genuine handswen collection, which includes the Wabasha Boot, pays tribute to the skilled boatman that transported finished Red Wing boots down the mighty Mississippi to merchants of the upper Midwest.
Fun Fact: These fine shoes are handsewn in Maine rather than in Red Wing, MN.