Thorogood Men's Genflex Gen-Flex2 Series - 8 Brown Composite Safety Toe Side-Zip Wellington

Weinbrenner, a leading brand in the footwear industry, has a rich history spanning over 130 years. 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 company, now known as Albert H. Weinbrenner Co., was officially formed in 1900.

Weinbrenner's pioneering spirit and innovative approach have been hallmarks of the brand throughout its history. In 1916, the company printed its first catalog, boasting more leather cutting machines than any other in the United States. The following year, Weinbrenner introduced the "Job-fitted" concept, becoming a major contributor of boots to the U.S. Army during World War I.

In the 1930s, the company took its first steps into safety footwear production, and in 1942, Weinbrenner celebrated its 50th anniversary by converting its entire operation to military footwear for the duration of World War II, producing combat and dress styles. Interestingly, this military footwear also became popular with civilians.

Weinbrenner's strong relationship with its workers is another notable aspect of the brand's history. In 1943, the company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, yet the management and workers have maintained an outstanding relationship to this day.

One of Weinbrenner's most iconic products, the Hike n' Camp boot, was introduced in 1964 as the Official Boy Scout Boot. This boot, featuring a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, became the company's best-selling boot of all time and is still available in its original design.

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 centennial in 1992 with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality."

The year 2000 marked a significant milestone, as Weinbrenner employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). The brand's commitment to its community was demonstrated in 2001 when, within three days of the September 11 attacks, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, with an additional 200 pairs following.

In 2014, Weinbrenner introduced the 1892 Heritage line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots, built on the iconic No. 60 last. The company celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its domestic facilities, machinery, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems.

Most recently, in 2022, Weinbrenner celebrated 130 years as a company, with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, Wisconsin, and the launch of its first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons. As sales continue to increase and the Thorogood brand gains popularity, the company is poised to unveil many new styles on the horizon.

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