Red Wing is an American heritage brand—are the boots actually worth it? (2024)

For some brands, design comes first. For others, it’s quality. And for others still, what matters most is establishing and honoring a long brand history. In my neverending pursuit of a beautifully crafted and conscious wardrobe, I’ve excitedly jumped from brand to brand, trying to find the garments, shoes, and accessories that are just right for me. For much of my adult life, I’ve had Red Wing Shoes on my radar. Their boots have been a favored brand among people who value quality workwear and fashion insiders alike. While I land firmly in the second group, I try to fill up my wardrobe with durable yet stylish options that are made to last for years.

Red Wing invited me to test out their Classic Moc Men’s 6-inch Boot in Alpine Portage Leather ($320), one of their most popular classic styles, and over the last few months, I’ve quickly come to realize that Red Wing has somehow managed to check every box: Style, quality, and heritage? Check! Check! Check!

What are Red Wing Shoes?

The Red Wing Shoe Company is an American footwear brand that has a long history stretching back to 1905. From its inception, the brand was synonymous with quality footwear worn by military members, oilworkers, hunters, and more. In fact, Red Wing bills itself as the first shoe manufacturer to offer a protective steel toe, which remains the industry standard for work shoes. Red Wing Shoes has established itself as a tried-and-true American heritage brand—a brand that has a long history along with high-quality products to back it up. Even today, Red Wings are made in the US (although components of certain designs are made abroad).

In the more than a century since the brand was first established, Red Wings has expanded its line to include women’s options, leather goods and accessories, and a Heritage collection that focuses more on fashion-forward styles rather than steel-toe reinforced workboots.

What I like about the Red Wing Classic Moc Boot

They’re effortlessly stylish

The Classic Moc was first made by Red Wing in 1952. In the 72 years that have passed since, the style has become one of the brand’s most iconic and popular models. And sure enough, when I think of the brand, the Classic Moc is the first shoe that I think of. They have a rugged and utilitarian design without the clunky feel of traditional workboots. I’m more of a “walk to brunch” guy than a “walk to the graveyard shift at the warehouse” type, but these boots would be just as at home in rougher terrains and circ*mstances as they would be on the sidewalk.

For my needs, they sit well under trendier wider-leg jeans and trousers but still look great with the handful of slim and skinny jeans I can’t bear to part with. The Red Wing Classic Moc adds a touch of workwear and Americana to any look with ease.

They’re made to last—for decades

First and foremost, Red Wing is devoted to making outstanding shoes of the finest quality. The Classic Moc uses a Goodyear welt which has long been considered the gold standard in shoemaking. A highly specialized and labor-intensive way of constructing a shoe, a Goodyear welt uses stitching rather than glue to attach a sole. This not only makes the shoe more water-resistant and comfortable, but it also means that the sole can be replaced whenever it’s worn down—this isn’t just a boot you’ll wear for a year or two. With proper care, this is a shoe that you can wear for the rest of your life.

Although any cobbler worth their weight in gold should be able to care for your Red Wings with ease, the brand makes repairs simple with their own Repairs program. If your boots are in need of some love, you can ship them to the Red Wing repair shop in the appropriately-named Red Wing, Minnesota—where they can be resoled, re-stitched, conditioned, and even dyed.

What I don’t like about the Red Wing Classic Moc Boot

There’s a brief break-in period

Any time I pick up a new pair of shoes, I always sort of dread the task of breaking them in. Boots are particularly egregious—I still have the scars on my ankles after breaking in my first pair of Dr. Martens boots—so I was anxious about stepping into the Classic Moc from Red Wing. Nevertheless, I doubled up on some boot socks and pulled them on.

The Classic Moc is meant to fit snugly on your foot, so don’t be surprised if they feel tight the first time you wear them. With repeated wears, the full-grain leather will stretch and give, offering a unique fit that conforms to your foot. After just a handful of wears, I feel like I can already wear them on longer days without any discomfort. Indeed, they’ve been comfortable since day one, and I suspect they’ll only get more so as time goes on.

Is the Red Wing Classic Moc Boot worth it?

Absolutely

The Red Wing Classic Moc combines everything I want in a shoe. It’s unfussy yet refined, comfortable and casual, easy to style, and best of all: Made to last. Though I was invited to try out the Alpine green colorway, I’m eager to step into a pair of the brand’s brown leather boots that may be even more versatile in my earth-toned wardrobe. Regardless, Red Wing absolutely has this Style Editor’s seal of approval.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.