Thorogood American Heritage 11 Soft Toe Wellington Boots for Men

In 1892, at the young age of 27, Albert H. Weinbrenner opened a cobblery in Milwaukee, partnering with Joseph Peffer to serve the "Jobbing" trades. The Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was officially formed in 1900. The company printed its first catalog in 1916, boasting 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.

The company took its first steps into safety footwear production in 1938. In 1942, as Weinbrenner celebrated its 50th year in business, it converted its entire focus to military footwear for the duration of World War II, producing both combat and dress styles. Interestingly, this military footwear also became popular with civilians. The following year, in 1943, the company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, though management and workers have maintained an outstanding relationship to this day.

In 1964, Weinbrenner introduced the "The Official Boy Scout Boot: The Hike n' Camp," featuring a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching. This boot became the company's best-selling model of all time and is still available today in its original design. In 1988, the company was purchased by a local group that included six employees, leading to the creation of the "ThoroGard" division focused on high-tech occupational safety footwear.

Weinbrenner celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992 with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality." By 2000, the company's employees had taken ownership through an ESOP. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, followed by an additional 200 pairs. The "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced in 2014, built on the iconic No. 60 last.

Weinbrenner's 125th anniversary in 2017 marked a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs. In 2022, the company celebrated its 130th year, opening a new factory in Merrill, WI and launching its first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons. As of 2023, Thorogood's popularity continues to grow, with sales increasing and many new styles on the horizon.

product information: