Thorogood American Heritage Men's 11” Soft Toe Wellington Boots

Established in 1892, Albert H. Weinbrenner, along with partner Joseph Peffer, opened a cobblery in Milwaukee at the age of 27, initially serving "Jobbing" trades. The company later evolved into Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. in 1900. In 1916, they printed their first catalog and became the company with the highest number of leather cutting machines in the U.S. They introduced the "Job-fitted" concept in 1917 and played a significant role in supplying boots to the U.S. Army during WWI.

In 1938, Weinbrenner took its first steps into safety footwear production and during WWII in 1942, they shifted to all-military footwear production which also gained popularity among civilians. The company workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union in 1943, and since then, the management and workers have maintained an outstanding relationship.

The year 1964 saw the introduction of the iconic Official Boy Scout Boot, the Hike n’ Camp, featuring a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching. It became the company's best-selling boot and remains available in its original design to this day.

In 1988, the company was purchased by a local group, including six employees, and the "ThoroGard" division was created, focusing on high-tech occupational safety footwear. By 1992, Weinbrenner celebrated 100 years in business with the theme of "A Century of Lasting Quality." In 2000, employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP.

In 2001, Weinbrenner made a charitable donation by providing durable work boots to Ground Zero for those working in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. The company continued to innovate and in 2014, they introduced the 1892 Heritage line of handcrafted lifestyle boots.

Celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2017, Weinbrenner demonstrated a renewed commitment to upgrading its domestic facilities, equipment, and manufacturing methods. As they reach their 130th year in 2022, they open a new factory in Merrill, WI, and launch their first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons.

Looking ahead to 2023, Thorogood's sales are increasing as they expand their product line with new styles on the horizon. The company stays true to its commitment to quality and innovation in safety footwear, meeting and exceeding industry standards for safety toe, electric hazard resistance, slip-resistance, and oil-resistance. Made in the USA with premium leather and superior construction, Thorogood's boots offer comfort and durability for a wide range of outdoor and industrial applications.

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