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When you think about the boots that protect hardworking people every day, or the electricity that keeps factories, homes, and communities running, you probably don’t think about where those two worlds intersect.

But for more than a century, Red Wing Shoes and Xcel Energy have been connected in exactly that way — quietly, consistently, and with integrity.

Xcel Energy provides the power that keeps Red Wing’s operations running, and Red Wing provides the boots trusted by Xcel employees and tradespeople everywhere. It’s a simple exchange, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.

Red Wing has been making boots since 1905, and from the beginning, craftsmanship has been at the heart of everything they do. Turning raw materials into durable, long-lasting footwear requires more than skilled hands — it requires reliable power.

That’s where Xcel Energy comes in.

For generations, Xcel Energy has supplied the electricity that powers Red Wing’s facilities — keeping machines running, lights on, and production moving day after day. It’s the kind of reliability you only notice when it’s always there, doing its job without fail.

Thanks to that dependable energy, Red Wing can focus on what they do best: making boots that stand up to hard work. 

The relationship goes both ways.

While Xcel Energy powers Red Wing’s operations, Red Wing boots protect the people who power our communities — including Xcel employees themselves. From utility workers and electricians to construction crews and skilled trades, Red Wing boots are worn by people who work outdoors, in tough conditions, and in jobs where safety and comfort matter.

It’s a full-circle partnership:

• Xcel Energy helps power the making of the boots
• Red Wing boots help protect the people delivering that power

Longer Lifespan
On average, Red Wing boots outlast competitors due to their durable leather, strong construction, and resolable bottoms. Red Wing resoles thousands of boots each year for customers who want to keep their boots going for as long as possible.

Oil & Slip-Resistant Outsoles
Proprietary outsole technology offers superior traction compared to generic rubber soles found in other brands.

Weather Resistance
Waterproof and insulated options keep feet protected in extreme conditions. American made Red Wing leather is incredibly durable and long lasting.

While the story honors a long history, it also looks forward. Xcel Energy continues to invest in cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, and Red Wing continues to evolve its manufacturing and materials — all while staying true to the craftsmanship and purpose that built the brand.

The video captures that balance beautifully: tradition and progress working hand in hand.

What makes this partnership special isn’t just longevity — it’s alignment.

Both companies are rooted in the Midwest and built on the same core values:

• Reliability — showing up every day and doing the job right
• Integrity — standing behind your work and your word
• Consistency — delivering quality year after year

These aren’t flashy promises. They’re proven through decades of steady work, trusted relationships, and long-term thinking.