Thorogood American Heritage 11 Soft Toe Wellington Boots for Men

From the brand's history, in 1892, 27-year-old Albert H. Weinbrenner opened a cobblery in Milwaukee, serving the "Jobbing" trades with his partner, Joseph Peffer. In 1900, the Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was formed. The first catalog was printed in 1916, and the company 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.

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

In 1964, the company introduced the Official Boy Scout Boot, the Hike n' Camp, with a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching. It became the company's best-selling boot of all time and is still available in its original design today. 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 with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality." In 2000, Weinbrenner employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP. In 2001, the company donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero within three days of the September 11 terror attacks, followed by another 200 pairs. In 2014, the "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced, built on the iconic No. 60 last.

In 2017, Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs. In 2022, the company celebrated 130 years with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, WI and the launch of the first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons. Sales continue to increase as Thorogood gains popularity and expands with many new styles on the horizon.

product information: