The Red Wing Beckman Boot - Re-inventing the legend
Ask a stranger on the street to name the brand which defines heritage design, and the famous two words will tumble from their mouths faster than you can say “made in Minnesota’. We are, of course here to highlight a brand whose rich history, and design perspective has kept them at the forefront of popular culture and utilitarian need, since 1905. Ladies and Gentlemen, the remarkable, Red Wing.
Throughout their 120 year lifespan, the brand have proudly drawn on their roots, by continuously offering a ‘Made in USA’ product which remains very much unchanged since the company’s inception. Whether it be the Blacksmith, the Iron Ranger, the iconic Irish Setter, or the workhorse that is the 6” Moc Toe, each design has been carefully considered both for the needs of the user, and to raise the bar for quality and longevity. But perhaps the most poignant use of tradition came in the early 2000’s, as the brand crept close to their one hundredth anniversary, when they released their now legendary Beckman boot.
Named for the founder of their great company, Mr Charles Beckman, this boot borrows its silhouette from the Blacksmith, with a 6” height, single-piece toe, and a mixture of black eyelets and speed-hooks, which make lacing a dream come true. The updated version of the Beckman has been in good hands, as the team behind the boot’s launch have been gathered back together, to innovate their classic design.
The improvements made are subtle, yet vital to its success; the no. 224 last has been updated, and a comfort heel pad has been added for the first time, while a leather insole and fiberglass shank offer considered comfort, and a quality assurance which flies in the face of today’s fast fashion methods. Of course, the Beckman is goodyear welted, and boasts a full-grain Excalibur leather which offer a smooth, waxy touch, and which breaks in beautifully over time.
To add the cherry on the cake, Red Wing have gone back in time to bring us a Gro-Cord sole and heel, which was originally developed in the 1920’s by the Lima Cord Sole and Heel Company. This innovative design was amongst the first to move away from the traditional leather sole in favour of tire cord from local factories, and 2024 sees Red Wing bring the classic design back to the 21st Century, collaborating once again with long-time partners, Vibram.
There is no doubt that this new release sits amongst the brand’s beloved premium collection, with looks and materials which stand it out from the crowd. So, if quality, tradition, comfort, and tasteful sentiment aren’t your thing, then you might not want to come into our Shoreditch store and try a pair (if we have any left!).
