Thorogood Men's Waterproof 6 Briar Pitstop Moc Toe Maxwear Wedge

Weinbrenner: A Century of Lasting Quality

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

The "Job-fitted" concept was introduced in 1917, and Weinbrenner made major contributions of boots to the U.S. Army during World War I. In 1938, the company took its first steps into safety footwear production. In 1942, Weinbrenner celebrated 50 years in business, converting to all-military footwear for the duration of World War II, producing combat and dress styles. Military footwear also became popular with civilians.

Weinbrenner workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union in 1943, but management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship. In 1964, the company introduced the Official Boy Scout Boot: The Hike n' Camp, with a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, which became its best-selling boot of all time.

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 100 years in business in 1992 with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality."

In 2000, Weinbrenner employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the company donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, with another 200 pairs following. 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, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its 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.

Today, sales continue to increase as Thorogood gains popularity and expands with many new styles on the horizon. Thorogood has relentlessly focused on craftsmanship, innovation, and comfort, recognizing the importance of footwear to workers' livelihoods and job performance. The company's "job-fitted" boots cater to the specialized needs of various professions, offering extended sizes, metatarsal guards, and a range of styles. Thorogood's Made in the USA footwear, either Berry Compliant or made with domestic and globally sourced components, is a testament to its commitment to quality and American craftsmanship.

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