Thorogood Men's 6 FLYWAY USA BROWN W/P Boots

Albert H. Weinbrenner, at the age of 27, founded a cobblery in Milwaukee with partner Joseph Peffer in 1892, serving the "Jobbing" trades. The Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was formally established in 1900. The company printed its first catalog in 1916, boasting more leather cutting machines than any other in the United States at that 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 celebrated its 50th anniversary in business in 1942, converting its entire operation to military footwear for the duration of World War II, producing combat and dress styles. This military footwear also gained popularity with civilians.

The company's workers organized under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union in 1943, yet management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship that continues to this day. In 1964, the company introduced the "Hike n' Camp" boot, featuring a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, which became its best-selling boot of all time and is still available in its original design.

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

Following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Weinbrenner donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero within three days, with another 200 pairs following. The "1892 Heritage" line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots, built on the iconic No. 60 last, was introduced in 2014.

Weinbrenner celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017, demonstrating a renewed commitment to upgrading and improving its domestic facilities, machines, equipment, manufacturing methods, and computer systems/programs. In 2022, the company celebrated 130 years in business, with the opening of a new factory in Merrill, Wisconsin, and the launch of its first western wear product, the Thorogood Square Toe Wellingtons.

Today, Weinbrenner's Thorogood brand continues to gain popularity, with sales increasing and many new styles on the horizon. The company's long-standing tradition of quality, innovation, and commitment to its workforce has enabled it to thrive for over a century, cementing its status as a trusted name in the footwear industry.

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