A GLOBAL LEGACY
Red Wing Shoe Company has a wide-reaching global distribution network with around 4000 US retail locations, 150 company-owned Red Wing shoe store locations in the US and 270 Red Wing shoe stores independently owned and operated.
Red Wing has always been at the forefront of innovation in safety and comfort. CLICK through our timeline to trace OUR groundbreaking developments…
1905
1909
1910
1926
THE BEGINNING
In February, 1905, Charles Beckman and 14 other local Red Wing business investors organize the Red Wing Shoe Company. The town of Red Wing, Minnesota is still home of the Red Wing Shoe Company corporate headquarters, a manufacturing plant and distribution hub.
WELT CONSTRUCTION
Red Wing Shoe Co. begins manufacturing shoes using stitched-sole construction. Known as welting, this results in a much stronger bond between the shoe upper and sole.
INNOVATIVE COMFORT
Tredstrate shoes are introduced, featuring a manufacturing advance that improves fit and comfort. These shoes are built around a mold, also known as a “last,” that more closely represents the shape of a foot.
WOMEN'S FOOTWEAR
The Gloria debuts as the first recreational footwear made specifically for women and quickly becomes a top seller.
1952
1950
1934
1928
First Retail Store
The manager of the Salt Lake City branch, Harold Packwood, develops the idea for a concept store that exclusively sells Red Wing Shoes. The first Red Wing Shoe Store opens in Salt Lake City in 1952.
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION
At a crossroads of western train and truck routes, the company opens an office in Salt Lake City, Utah. To this day, a distribution hub remains in Salt Lake City, Utah.
STEEL TOE FOOTWEAR
Style #234 becomes the first product to feature a protective steel toe, a significant advantage for workers in heavy industry.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Footwear specifically designed for occupational safety is introduced for heavy industry. This helps establish Red Wing as one of the best-known safety footwear manufacturers.
1962
1965
1977
1979
International Business
International Business: Worn in the oil fields of Libya, Red Wing boots are in great demand in this area of the world. As a result, Red Wing Shoes launches its international division.
Expansion to Garments
Red Wing begins selling head-to-toe personal protective equipment along with footwear to international distributors.
Urethane Sole Technology
Later called the SuperSole, this new technology joins blown urethane directly to the shoe. Offering superior durability, improved foot cushioning and flexibility, and added oil resistance, SuperSole soon becomes the industry-leading work boot platform.
Distribution Growth
Global network expands to 76 countries.
2013
2005
1995
1985
Red Wing Aberdeen
Red Wing gains a strong physical presence in key global oil centres, now including Aberdeen, Scotland.
Centennial Milestone
Red Wing Shoe Company celebrates its 100th anniversary with the construction of the world’s largest boot, size 638 ½D.
ComfortForce Design
The ComfortForce system improves comfort in demanding work environments through advances to the sole of the footwear, and through a unique removable footbed.
Sustainable Construction
From the beginning, quality construction of Red Wing Shoes has enabled product to be re-soled and last longer. In response to growing customer demand, a shoe repair shop opens in the factory.
2016
2017
2019
2023
Legacy of Craftsmanship
Allison Sweasy Gettings, great-granddaughter of JR Sweasy, launches Red Wing Heritage for women with footwear inspired by the archives and crafted with timeless design.
Environmental Steward
RWSC commits to using solar energy with signing a 25-year contract to power all Red Wing, Minnesota facilities by solar power.
Sustainable Technology
Red Wing Shoes leads the safety footwear industry by introducing a footbed made from algae biomass which reduces dependencies on non-renewable resources.
First woman CEO
Allison Gettings serves as CEO of RWSC. She is the fourth generation of the Sweasy family to serve in this role, and the company’s first female CEO.
1905
THE BEGINNING
In February, 1905, Charles Beckman and 14 other local Red Wing business investors organize the Red Wing Shoe Company. The town of Red Wing, Minnesota is still home of the Red Wing Shoe Company corporate headquarters, a manufacturing plant and distribution hub.
1909
WELT CONSTRUCTION
Red Wing Shoe Co. begins manufacturing shoes using stitched-sole construction. Known as welting, this results in a much stronger bond between the shoe upper and sole.
1910
INNOVATIVE COMFORT
Tredstrate shoes are introduced, featuring a manufacturing advance that improves fit and comfort. These shoes are built around a mold, also known as a “last,” that more closely represents the shape of a foot.
1926
WOMEN'S FOOTWEAR
The Gloria debuts as the first recreational footwear made specifically for women and quickly becomes a top seller.
1928
First Retail Store
The manager of the Salt Lake City branch, Harold Packwood, develops the idea for a concept store that exclusively sells Red Wing Shoes. The first Red Wing Shoe Store opens in Salt Lake City in 1952.
1934
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION
At a crossroads of western train and truck routes, the company opens an office in Salt Lake City, Utah. To this day, a distribution hub remains in Salt Lake City, Utah.
1950
STEEL TOE FOOTWEAR
Style #234 becomes the first product to feature a protective steel toe, a significant advantage for workers in heavy industry.
1952
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Footwear specifically designed for occupational safety is introduced for heavy industry. This helps establish Red Wing as one of the best-known safety footwear manufacturers.
1962
International Business
International Business: Worn in the oil fields of Libya, Red Wing boots are in great demand in this area of the world. As a result, Red Wing Shoes launches its international division.
1965
Expansion to Garments
Red Wing begins selling head-to-toe personal protective equipment along with footwear to international distributors.
1977
Urethane Sole Technology
Later called the SuperSole, this new technology joins blown urethane directly to the shoe. Offering superior durability, improved foot cushioning and flexibility, and added oil resistance, SuperSole soon becomes the industry-leading work boot platform.
1979
Distribution Growth
Global network expands to 76 countries.
1985
Red Wing Aberdeen
Red Wing gains a strong physical presence in key global oil centres, now including Aberdeen, Scotland.
1995
Centennial Milestone
Red Wing Shoe Company celebrates its 100th anniversary with the construction of the world’s largest boot, size 638 ½D.
2005
ComfortForce Design
The ComfortForce system improves comfort in demanding work environments through advances to the sole of the footwear, and through a unique removable footbed.
2013
Sustainable Construction
From the beginning, quality construction of Red Wing Shoes has enabled product to be re-soled and last longer. In response to growing customer demand, a shoe repair shop opens in the factory.
2016
Legacy of Craftsmanship
Allison Sweasy Gettings, great-granddaughter of JR Sweasy, launches Red Wing Heritage for women with footwear inspired by the archives and crafted with timeless design.
2017
Environmental Steward
RWSC commits to using solar energy with signing a 25-year contract to power all Red Wing, Minnesota facilities by solar power.
2019
Sustainable Technology
Red Wing Shoes leads the safety footwear industry by introducing a footbed made from algae biomass which reduces dependencies on non-renewable resources.
2023
First woman CEO
Allison Gettings serves as CEO of RWSC. She is the fourth generation of the Sweasy family to serve in this role, and the company’s first female CEO.