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

At the age of 27, in 1892, Albert H. Weinbrenner opened a cobblery in Milwaukee, partnering with Joseph Peffer to serve the "Jobbing" trades. The Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was then formed in 1900. The company's first catalog was printed in 1916, and it had more leather cutting machines than any other in the U.S. at the time.

In 1917, Weinbrenner introduced the "Job-fitted" concept and 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 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in business in 1942, converting to all-military footwear production for the duration of World War II, including combat and dress styles that also became popular with civilians.

In 1943, the company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, but the management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship that continues to this day. The iconic "Hike n' Camp" boot, the Official Boy Scout Boot, was introduced in 1964 with its wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, becoming the company's best-selling boot.

Weinbrenner was purchased by a local group, including six employees, in 1988, and the "ThoroGard" division was created, featuring high-tech occupational safety footwear. The company celebrated its centennial in 1992 and, in 2000, the employees took ownership through an ESOP. Within three days of the 9/11 attacks, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, followed by another 200 pairs.

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

The company celebrated its 130th anniversary 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. Sales continue to increase as Thorogood gains popularity and expands with many new styles on the horizon.

product information: