Red Wing Shoes earned their reputation through hard work and perspiration. The entire brand was borne from the need for durable, high-quality boots that could stand up to America’s toughest jobs. The Red Wing Heritage Collection speaks to that industrious legacy. Every boot built today mirrors a style from Red Wing’s early years.
Material and construction are key in Heritage boots. Red Wing sources heritage leathers from their own S.B. Foot Tannery in Featherstone Township, Red Wing, MN.
The Heritage line encompasses myriad boot styles, and every boot is different. Let’s take a look at the types of shoe available.
Chukka
Well-suited for work or play, Red Wing’s Heritage chukka boot is the ideal everyday shoe.
Rugged and handsome, Red Wing chukkas fit any style. Try them with dark denim or washed chinos.
Chukkas are built to match Red Wing quality. Soft leather upper is composed of tough, thick leather from the cow’s rear hide in the toe, which means this shoe can take a beating. Softer leather from the belly makes up the rear and tongue, so the boot is flexible and comfortable.
This boot was originally designed for finish carpenters. The white crepe outsole granted traction without marking finished floors indoors. For the modern man, the outsole keeps the shoe light and flexible. It’s easy to replace, so your shoe will last you a long time.
Red Wing chukka boots fit true to size, but can have a longer break in period. See a specialist at Red Wing Richmond for a proper fitting.
Oxford
Red Wing offers a standard Heritage oxford in both moc and round toe options. These classic shoes were borne from the popularity of Red Wing’s famous 875 and 877.
Red Wing Heritage Oxford shoes are more than cut-down 875’s, though. Sleek and sturdy, these low boots are perfect for moving between office and worksite. Oxfords were designed for factory floor managers who were used to Red Wing’s durable construction, but needed a lighter shoe for desk work.
Oxfords feature Red Wing’s legendary leather upper and Goodyear welt construction. Shoes are available in either cushioned white crepe or cushioned neoprene outsoles.
Round Toe
Red Wing’s Heritage classic 6-inch round toe boot offers a clean silhouette with hardy construction.
Simplicity means durability with this boot. The round toe is built from a single piece of leather, eliminating the need for weaker seams.
This boot, made from tough leather hide, may require some breaking in. We recommend upgrading your boot with insoles from Red Wing Richmond before initial wear.
Moc Toe
Red Wing’s Heritage line features a variety of moc toe boots. Two stand out in this lineup: the 875 6-inch and the 877 8-inch boots. These are the styles that made famous the Red Wing name. Both boots are constructed with Red Wing’s most characteristic features: Oro Legacy leather and Goodyear welt, tripled stitched to Red Wing’s white Traction Tred outsole.
While these boots take a few hard wears to break in, they are well worth it long term. Artificial wear methods and upgraded insoles can soften the break-in period. Once they’re molded to your feet, Red Wing’s moc toe boots are among the most comfortable and durable on the market.
Moccasin toe boots in Red Wing’s Heritage line are the brand’s oldest and most iconic style. Give us a call at Red Wing Richmond or come in for a fitting from one of our experts.
Lug
Built for roughnecks, Red Wing’s lug boots are made to last. The high-traction lug soles were designed to prevent slipping in mud and oil on the job. Modern wearers can expect stability on a variety of surfaces.
Red Wing’s Heritage Lugs run a little large, and they’ll last you a long time. We suggest popping by one of our Red Wing stores around Richmond for a professional fitting.
Iron Ranger
Named for the Minnesotan miners that originally wore them, Red Wing Heritage Iron Rangers are as tough as harvested ore.
Iron Rangers are a classic favorite for their smooth profile and balanced appeal. These boots look better with every wear. The more creasing, the greater the layering of dirt, scuffs, oil, and polish, the better. Iron Rangers are stylish without losing toughness.
Corked rubber soles and Goodyear welt construction keep Red Wing IRs relatively light. They’re simple to replace as well. Replacing your soles can add years of life to your boots. Red Wing Richmond is equipped to perform sole replacements in store, so stop by.
As with other boots in the Heritage line, the boots’ leather quality and durability translates to a stiff initial wear. While the break-in period isn’t a cakewalk, proper sizing and Red Wing insoles work wonders.
Cap-toe Iron Rangers are the most popular style. Brogue Iron Rangers are available, though, for anyone looking for a boot they can dress up.
Postman
The Red Wing Heritage Postman was built for – you guessed it – postmen. The original Red Wing #101 was the shoe of choice for the Postal Service, as well as police officers across the US. Simple and understated, yet sturdy as can be – the Postman is made for a long day of patrolling.
The black chapparal leather can be polished to a fine sheen, but these aren’t dainty shoes by any means. They’ll stand up to rain, sleet, and all else (though you may want a heavier boot for winter storms).
Engineer
Red Wing’s Engineer boot was built for train engineers who needed a stable, non-slip shoe that looked nice enough to show their status. Tall and sturdy, these boots are sure to hold you in place.
Beckman
The Beckman line is named after Red Wing’s founder, Charles Beckman. Beckman was a successful, hardworking merchant who spent much of his time travelling the muddy roads of Red Wing, MN.
The Beckman Collection mirrors our founder’s needs: a tough, ground-gripping shoe that’s dressy enough to befit high-status office work.
The leather used in every Beckman shoe is unique to this Red Wing collection. The Featherstone leather, sourced from Red Wing’s S.B. Foot Tannery, is sturdy, yet light.
The Beckman Collection is available in a variety of boot styles, including the classic oxford, chukka boot, and 6-inch cap-toe or moc-toe boots.
Genuine Handsewn
Red Wing’s Handsewn collection is genuinely crafted by hand by Rancourt & Co. in Lewiston, Maine. The Rancourt family has been making hand sewn shoes for three generations. Their traditional sewing techniques lend a uniquely American style to this extraordinary Red Wing line.
Each style of shoe in the Genuine Handsewn Collection is different. A few qualities, characteristic of Red Wing, link the line together: tough leather that’s stiff and thick, yet molds comfortably to your foot; sturdy thread hand-punched through each piece; and quiet, cushioned, high-traction sole available in Plantation Crepe natural rubber or Vibram Euro-Traction Tred.
The Red Wing Heritage Collection is available at Red Wing of Richmond
The Red Wing Heritage Collection matches superb style with Red Wing’s legendary durability and performance. It’s time to step up your game and into a pair of these amazing shoes.
Come get fitted for your next pair of boots from the Red Wing Heritage Collection at any of our three Red Wing locations around Richmond!
