Thorogood Men's GenFlex2 Series - 8 Brown Composite Safety Toe Side-Zip Wellington

In 1892, at the young age of 27, Albert H. Weinbrenner opened a cobblery in Milwaukee, partnering with Joseph Peffer to serve the "Jobbing" trades. Eight years later, in 1900, the Albert H. Weinbrenner Co. was formally established.

The company's first catalog was printed in 1916, a time when the company boasted more leather cutting machines than any other in the United States. The following year, 1917, saw the introduction of the "Job-fitted" concept, and Weinbrenner became a major contributor of boots to the U.S. Army during World War I.

In 1938, the company took its first steps into safety footwear production, and four years later, in 1942, celebrated its 50th anniversary. During World War II, the company converted to producing exclusively military footwear, including combat and dress styles, which also gained popularity with civilians.

The year 1943 marked the organization of the company's workers under the International Boot & Shoe Workers Union, although management and workers maintained an outstanding relationship that continues to this day.

The Official Boy Scout Boot, the Hike n' Camp, was introduced in 1964. Featuring a wedge sole and moccasin-style stitching, it became the company's best-selling boot of all time and is still available in its original design.

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."

The year 2000 saw Weinbrenner's employees take ownership of the company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the company donated 300 pairs of durable work boots to Ground Zero within three days, with an additional 200 pairs following shortly after.

The 1892 Heritage line of handcrafted, lifestyle boots was introduced in 2014, built on the iconic No. 60 last. 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, Weinbrenner celebrated 130 years as a company, marking the opening of a new factory in Merrill, Wisconsin, and the launch of the first western wear product, Thorogood's Square Toe Wellingtons. The company's sales continue to increase as Thorogood gains popularity and expands with many new styles on the horizon.

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