Thorogood American Heritage 8 Steel Toe Work Boots for Men

From a young age of 27, Albert H. Weinbrenner, in 1892, established a cobblery in Milwaukee with his partner, Joseph Peffer, serving the "Jobbing" trades. In 1900, the Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was officially formed. The company's first catalog was printed in 1916, and it had more leather cutting machines than any other in the U.S. at the time.

In 1917, the "Job-fitted" concept was introduced, and Weinbrenner became a major contributor of boots to the U.S. Army during World War I. The company took its first steps into safety footwear production in 1938, and in 1942, it 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.

In 1943, the company workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, but management and workers continued to maintain an outstanding relationship through the present day. In 1964, the company introduced the Official Boy Scout Boot, the Hike n' Camp, with a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, which became the company's best-selling boot of all time and is still available in its original design today.

In 1988, the company was purchased by a local group, including six employees, and the "ThoroGard" division was created, featuring high-tech occupational safety footwear. Weinbrenner celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992 with the theme "A Century of Lasting Quality." In 2000, the Weinbrenner employees took ownership of the company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

Within three days of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero, with an additional 200 pairs following. In 2014, the company introduced the "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots, built on the iconic No. 60 last. Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs.

In 2022, Weinbrenner celebrated its 130th anniversary with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, WI and the launch of the first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons. Sales continue to increase as Thorogood gains popularity and expands with many new styles on the horizon.

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