Stopped at the Red Wing Shoe store today....

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AcuraTech

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....and I'm a bit disappointed. Needed a new pair of work boots and was also looking for a pair of casual shoes. Price wasn't a consideration, just wanted solid quality and made in USA. Settled on a hiker boot style for work, steel toe/waterproof. They're made in USA, with imported parts. That's about as good as I could find.

Almost all of the casual shoes and all of the motorcycle boots are made in China. Their WORX brand, which isn't much cheaper, is also made in China.

Point being, of all the shoes they have displayed, most of them are now Chinese made. The ones that aren't assembled in China are made with Chinese parts. My girlfriend was surprised, she thought all Red Wing branded shoes were US made.

Even a brand as all American as Red Wing is now being forced to outsource. Yeah, they've been doing it for awhile, but I think the offshore made shoes/boots now outnumber US made. Don't take any brands for granted, watch those labels!
 
BTW, don't get me wrong here. I love Red Wings. That's the only brand of work boot that I'll wear. I highly recommend them, if you've never owned them. It just takes a little more effort these days to make sure the pair you're about to buy is indeed US made.
 
I remember a couple years ago, when "Blundstone", an Aussie Icon boot maker engaged "Angry Anderson" (google him, he does some great charity work) as their spokesman.

two weeks later, they moved to China, citing competitive pressures.

He was on the radio, and a very very peed off bloke, as they'd not told him of their plans (he would have declined if he knew, as he was supporting Oz workers)...also pointed out that the "competitive pressures" didn't translate to a cost reduction to the consumer.

They used to have great boots, with two-three times the life of Dunlop, when they had the contract for work.

Now there's three Oz manufacturers running at the moment, Oliver, Redback, and Mongrel.
 
Originally Posted By: Shannow
I remember a couple years ago, when "Blundstone", an Aussie Icon boot maker engaged "Angry Anderson" (google him, he does some great charity work) as their spokesman.

two weeks later, they moved to China, citing competitive pressures.

He was on the radio, and a very very peed off bloke, as they'd not told him of their plans (he would have declined if he knew, as he was supporting Oz workers)...also pointed out that the "competitive pressures" didn't translate to a cost reduction to the consumer.

They used to have great boots, with two-three times the life of Dunlop, when they had the contract for work.

Now there's three Oz manufacturers running at the moment, Oliver, Redback, and Mongrel.


blundstone cannot make a shoe that fits me. they must be using chinese templates, because the boots have gone very narrow... now i look like a clown if i try one on that is wide enough.
 
As recently as 2001 ALL Red Wing's were made in the USA.

Found this on the Red Wing site, from a newsletter for the retailers, dated fall 2007:

"Made In USA Signage Reminder
Due to some Red Wing branded products now being sourced off-shore, Red Wing
retailers can no longer use Red Wing Shoes brand signage that carries the Made in
the USA reference. As you know, all Red Wing footwear is clearly labeled as to its
country of origin. We ask that you help in this effort to make sure your customers
are not confused about this issue. We would ask that you review all of your interior
and exterior signs and make sure you are in compliance. Signs that carry the
reference must be removed. Only those Red Wing products that are labeled as
Made in the USA can be displayed on slat wall shelving carrying this description.
Please look carefully at all Red Wing branded materials (floor mats, clocks, etc…)
to make sure you are in compliance. Your Red Wing sales representative has been
instructed to help you with this task. New slat wall shelves, clocks, floor mats, etc.
are in stock and eligible for 100% co-op reimbursement. Please contact Red Wing
Customer Service to order your replacement signage."
 
Alden boots and shoes are still handmade in the US. The quality is outstanding. The (orthopedic) workboots are worth every penny of their exorbitant price. I own two pairs. One pair is 8 years old and has been resoled twice.
 
Originally Posted By: crinkles
blundstone cannot make a shoe that fits me. they must be using chinese templates, because the boots have gone very narrow... now i look like a clown if i try one on that is wide enough.


The Olivers have an extra wide toe, which is great for me.

The soles last me around 6 months, whereas the "old" Blundstones lasted me 2 years.
 
Originally Posted By: moribundman
One pair is 8 years old and has been resoled twice.


Yeah, that's part of the problem these days.

Can no-one resole shoes, or no-one want them resoled ?

By the time I get my boots supple enough, or get the shine right, the sole has gone.
 
Originally Posted By: Shannow

By the time I get my boots supple enough, or get the shine right, the sole has gone.


By the time the soles wear out in my boots, the uppers are wrecked as well. Crawling around working on cars tears up the toe area. Too bad that right before they're junk is when they become the most comfortable!
 
I have some Cat boots right now. Soles are almost bald in some spots and its falling apart on the top side. Looking for replacement. Kinda looking at Red wings, but I would have to drive 2 hours just to get to a store.. hmmm.
 
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: moribundman
One pair is 8 years old and has been resoled twice.


Yeah, that's part of the problem these days.

Can no-one resole shoes, or no-one want them resoled ?

By the time I get my boots supple enough, or get the shine right, the sole has gone.


Actually, we got plenty competent cobblers. Especially in the city, the business people still wear real shoes instead of disposable sneakers. Even folks with money tend to not throw out shoes that cost several hundred dollars.

In the case of Alden, they offer a refurbishing service. I think it's a $120 or so flat fee, including a prepaid shipping bag.
 
Originally Posted By: Camu Mahubah
I've got a pair of Wolverines right now. They are made in China. Next pair will be Alden boots.


If you get the Alden 405 boots, be aware of a few particularities:

1. It's the boot worn by Indiana Jones in all four movies (The original boots were Ford's own boots and he used them because they were comfortable to wear for hours -- now the 405 boots are part of the "gear"). Fans who know will think you are "one of them," even if you aren't. Fend them off with a pointy stick.
2. The tongue tends to slip (Hee-hee) sideways. It can't be prevented (unless you stitch it to the boot in a couple spots).
3. The neoprene/cork sole is slippery like owl poop on wet surfaces. You can get a grippy Goodyear Vibram sole put on instead.
4. The almost orange color is on the garish side (in my opinion). The boots look best in a distressed state.
5. The steel shanks set off the metal detectors at the airport.
6. It's not a safety boot. It is however an extremely comfortable boot that lets you walk on and on.
7. Exact fitting (they have even various heel width sizes) is mandatory. You can do this only by trying several sizes. There are only a few Alden shops.

242ab14.jpg
 
Currently wearing a pair of Aussie made "Redbacks". VERY comfortable, easy on-off. These are over a year old, whereas most commercial boots (China) are lucky to go 6mos. Bought them off the Matco tool truck. Wasn't necessary, but it's kinda neet to be able to "pay off" a pair of bootsd @ $10. week. Iv'e worn genuine U.S. Army black leathers for nearly 30 years. They've just about become impossible to find.

Bob
 
I purchased a pair of RedWings when I was working as an IE in a Delphi Steering Gear factory from 4-07 thru 2-08. The outers are waterproof, and soles are listed as oil and slip resistant. The floors in the parts of the factory I worked in, stayed covered in coolant/oil/grease. After a few months in this environment, my RedWings developed a "squeak" when walking, regardless of the walking surface. I think the oil/grease/coolant mixture somehow deteriorated the soles. The shoes have now been confined to yardwork duties. I was very disappointed in the soles, but the rest of the shoes are holding up well.

FWIW, mine were made in the USA. I paid $145 for them at the RedWing store.
 
I never had a decent fitting pair of Redwings.

Now I wear Italian shoes made in China. However, I am in search of something new. I felt cold water from downunder the other day and yes, I've worn a hole in my sole.

Not sure where to turn right now......
 
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