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

Weinbrenner's Legacy: A Century and a Half of Enduring Quality

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. This marked the humble beginnings of what would become a renowned footwear company.

Over the next century, Weinbrenner's journey was one of steady growth and innovation. In 1900, the Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was formally established. By 1916, the company had amassed more leather cutting machines than any other in the United States, and its first catalog was printed. The following year, 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's commitment to safety footwear production took its first steps in 1938, and in 1942, Weinbrenner celebrated its 50th anniversary by converting its entire production to military footwear for the duration of World War II. Interestingly, the military-style boots also gained popularity among civilian consumers.

In 1943, the company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, but the management-worker relationship remained outstanding. The iconic Hike n' Camp boot, with its wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, was introduced in 1964 and became the company's best-selling boot of all time.

The 1980s and 1990s saw significant changes, with the company being purchased by a local group in 1988 and the creation of the "ThoroGard" division, featuring high-tech occupational safety footwear. In 2000, Weinbrenner employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP. The company's 100th anniversary in 1992 was celebrated with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality."

In the 21st century, Weinbrenner continued to demonstrate its commitment to the community. Following the September 11th attacks, the company donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, with an additional 200 pairs later. In 2014, the "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced, and in 2017, Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary with a renewed focus on upgrading domestic facilities and manufacturing processes.

Today, Weinbrenner celebrates 130 years as a company, with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, Wisconsin, and the launch of its first western wear product, the Thorogood Square Toe Wellingtons. As Thorogood's popularity continues to grow, the company is poised to expand its offerings with many new styles on the horizon, solidifying its legacy as a trusted manufacturer of high-quality, durable footwear.

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