Red Wing Leather from S.B. Foot Tanning Co.

When you lace up a pair of Red Wing boots, you’re stepping into more than just durable footwear, you’re wearing over a century of American craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage. At the heart of it is S.B. Foot Tanning Company, Red Wing’s own leather tannery, proudly operating in Red Wing, Minnesota since 1872.

This rare, vertical integration of boot making and leather production is one of the many reasons Red Wing boots stand apart, and why S.B. Foot leather is trusted around the world for quality, durability, and character.

S.B. Foot Tanning Company is an official leather supplier for Red Wing, producing premium full-grain hides used in many pairs of Red Wing boots and shoes. Located just a few miles from Red Wing’s headquarters, the tannery gives the company total control over one of the most important materials in its product: leather.

This means Red Wing doesn’t just make boots, they make the leather they’re made from, ensuring unmatched quality from hide to heel.

The tannery was founded by Silas B. Foot, a pioneer in the leather trade. By the early 1900s, S.B. Foot had become one of the largest tanneries in the Midwest. In 1987, The Red Wing Shoe Company acquired the tannery, creating a unique and lasting partnership between boot making and leather tanning, all under one roof.

Few footwear brands in the world can say they own and operate their own tannery. Even fewer have been doing it for over a century.

• Oil-Tanned Leather – Durable, water-resistant, and develops a rich patina
• Roughout Leather – Textured and rugged, great for high-wear zones
• Featherstone Leather – Smooth and elegant, used in Red Wing’s Heritage dress boots
• Waterproof Leathers – Engineered for moisture resistance without sacrificing breathability
• Industrial-Grade Leathers – Designed for heavy-duty use in mining, oil, and construction

Each leather is tested for strength, color consistency, breathability, and resistance to environmental factors.

S.B. Foot doesn’t just supply leather to Red Wing, it’s trusted by military, law enforcement, and work wear manufacturers worldwide. But it’s the Red Wing partnership that truly brings the leather to life in boots that are worn on job sites, in workshops, and on city streets around the globe. From rugged work boots built for demanding environments to fashion and lifestyle footwear that reflects generations of craftsmanship, S.B. Foot leather continues to represent the durability, quality, and timeless character that define Red Wing Shoes.

It is rare to find a brand that still:

• Sources its own hides
• Tans its own leather
• Crafts its own boots

That’s exactly what Red Wing does. For our made in the USA boots that ship from Red Wing, Minnesota - this entire process, from rawhide to finished boot, happens right here at home. This vertical integration ensures:

• Unmatched consistency
• Responsiveness to customer needs
• Commitment to quality over shortcuts