Thorogood 1957 Series 6 Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots for Men

Albert H. Weinbrenner, at the age of 27, opened a cobblery in Milwaukee with partner Joseph Peffer in 1892, serving the "Jobbing" trades. The Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was then formed in 1900. The company's first catalog was printed in 1916, by which time it had more leather cutting machines than any other in the U.S. In 1917, the "Job-fitted" concept was introduced, and Weinbrenner became a major contributor of boots to the U.S. Army during World War I.

In 1938, the company took its first steps into safety footwear production. It celebrated its 50th year in business in 1942, converting to all-military footwear for the duration of World War II, producing combat and dress styles that also became popular with civilians. In 1943, the company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, though management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship.

The iconic "Hike n' Camp" boot, the Official Boy Scout Boot, was introduced in 1964 with a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, becoming the company's best-selling boot. In 1988, the company was purchased by a local group including six employees, and the "ThoroGard" division was created, featuring high-tech occupational safety footwear.

Weinbrenner celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992, and in 2000, employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP. In 2001, the company donated 300 pairs of boots to Ground Zero within three days of the 9/11 attacks, followed by another 200 pairs. The "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced in 2014, built on the iconic No. 60 last.

In 2017, Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs. The company reached its 130th year in 2022, with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, WI and the launch of its first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons.

Today, Thorogood continues to focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and comfort, offering job-fitted boots for various specialized professions. The exclusive MAXWear outsole, developed in collaboration with workers, provides superior comfort and durability. Thorogood's Made in USA footwear is either Berry Compliant or assembled with domestic and globally sourced components at the company's two union factories in Wisconsin.

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