Thorogood Men's Genflex Gen-Flex2 Series Safety Toe Wellington Boots

In 1892, at the age of 27, Albert H. Weinbrenner opened a cobblery in Milwaukee, with partner Joseph Peffer, serving the "Jobbing" trades. The Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was then formed in 1900. The company printed its first catalog in 1916 and had more leather cutting machines than any other in the U.S.

The "Job-fitted" concept was introduced in 1917, 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 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in business in 1942. During World War II, the company converted to all-military footwear, 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, but management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship through the years. In 1964, the company introduced the "Hike n' Camp" boot, the Official Boy Scout Boot, 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.

The company was purchased by a local group, including six employees, in 1988, 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.

After the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, followed by another 200 pairs. The "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced in 2014, built on the iconic No. 60 last. Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017 and demonstrated a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs.

In 2022, Weinbrenner celebrated 130 years as a company, 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: