Will Your Wings: The Legacy of Red Wing

Will Your Wings: The Legacy of Red Wing

Some boots are built to be worn. A few are built to be remembered. Since 1905, the
Red Wing Shoe Company has been crafting footwear that belongs reliably to the
latter. Their boots are not just stitched with a thread but with history, craft and
continuity. This autumn, we’re proud to celebrate this legacy with a special focus on
Red Wing’s ‘Will Your Wings’ campaign with our in-store event that brings it all to life.

The Logger Boot being put to the test 

A Century of Craft

Founded in the town of Red Wing, Minnesota, Charles Beckman had a vision that
was simple; he wanted to create work boots that were tough enough for the
harshness of the American supply industries but comfortable enough for the long
working days. The result of this vision was a company that quickly became
synonymous with honest craftsmanship.

Throughout the years, Red Wing introduced designs that would later become iconic.
From the steel toe boots of the 1930’s to the SuperSole innovations of the 1970’s. At
every stage Red Wing ensured they had an unwavering commitment to American
production with the majority of their leather production still being tanned in their own
S.B. Foot Tannery today. By keeping production close to home and building boots
that are designed to be repaired rather than replaced, Red Wing champions a
quieter form of sustainability; one rooted in longevity and responsibility.
Every boot produced by Red Wing is a result of their time-honoured techniques:
triple-stitched seams, cuts of precision, welting or direct attachment to their hard-
wearing soles. Their boots are crafted to be repaired, re soled and lived in. They are
made to last a lifetime and beyond.

The Beckman Boot, inspired by the founder of Red Wing 

More Than Boots

At Red Wing durability is only half of the story. Their uniqueness is in the way their
boots become personal artefacts. With leather patinas, soften seams and soles that
wear to the shape of the wearers, a pair of Red Wing’s doesn’t just survive the years
they tell the story.

This philosophy is at the heart of the brand’s ‘Will Your Wings’ campaign. This new
initiative invites wearers to consider the boots not only as their own but as something
to be passed down through generations. As a keepsake of work, adventure or
memory, each pair carry a name stitched into a special patch marking the hope that
one day they will be worn and cherished by someone else.

The Patch That Tells a Story - Our Evening with Red Wing

On Friday 3rd October 2025, we welcomed Red Wing to our store in Chelmsford
for an evening that truly celebrated craftsmanship and storytelling. The event
featured Dean Westmoreland, the master cobbler from BBC’s The Repair Shop, who
joined us in store to help guests stitch their Will Your Wings patches by hand.
The night was a huge success! Customers brought in well-worn pairs and brand-new
boots alike, each adding a patch that will age and weather over time, becoming a
unique part of their boot’s character. It was a privilege to see Red Wing’s philosophy
brought to life so tangibly: craftsmanship, care and connection all woven together in
one evening.

We are already looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future,
providing opportunities to celebrate the makers, the materials and the stories that
give every pair of Red Wings its soul.

Dean Westmoreland from The Repair Shop in action 

A Legacy Worth Wearing

Red Wing boots are built with endurance in mind. What sets them apart is how they
carry us forward across years and into memories. When you lace up your boots,
you’re not only stepping into American heritage, but you’re also becoming part of a
story that’s meant to last.

The only question is: Will your wings?

Words by: Tilly Pickett

Photos: Red Wing Heritage and Kelvin Jones