Red Wing Shoe

In an era where the term handmade has become more of a rarity, Red Wing Shoe Company is holding onto tradition by continuing to make its Red Wing-brand work shoes by hand, as it has since 1905. Its US and foreign factories make casual and outdoor shoes, as well as work and steel-toed boots. Its portfolio of brands includes such names as Red Wing, Vasque, Irish Setter, WORX footwear. Red Wing Shoe's products can be purchased through some 4,000 retail outlets in the US. Although it distributes worldwide, the US accounts for the bulk of its sales. Red Wing also owns a tanning operation and the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota. The Sweasy family controls the company.