A man repairing boots with a hammer and nails

Red Wing, Minnesota

Plant 2 in Red Wing, Minnesota, hums with quiet purpose Monday through Friday. Hundreds of skilled hands carry each Red Wing boot through the steps of construction. And tucked in the back corner of the factory, there's a team doing something a little different—bringing old boots back to life.

The Red Wing Repair Shop isn't just a service. It's a reflection of a long-standing belief going back to Red Wing's founding in 1905: If you build something right, it should last. And when it wears down, it should be worth fixing.

Not everything is made like that anymore. But we still build every pair of boots to last; repairable—some resoleable—and every one ready for the long haul. Because the longer a boot’s been worn, the more it means to the person who wears it.

Years of wear shape the leather, form to the foot, and tell a story you can’t buy new. A worn-down sole doesn't mean the boot’s done—it means it’s earned a second life. And that's where the cobblers come in.

If I’m repairing a pair of boots, I look at them like they’re mine. I want the owner of the boots to be just as proud of the repair as I am.”

DAVE DUNLAP - SHOP COBBLER, 2022

Cobbling might sound like a lost art. But here, it's part of the everyday work. Under the same roof where new boots are built, old ones are restored—keeping good boots going strong, and a time-honored craft alive.

Of course, how long a boot lasts depends on how it's treated. Regular upkeep goes a long way.

“If you properly oil and maintain your boots, it's more likely that we can resole and make any needed repairs,” explains Dunlap.

Leather, like skin, responds to care. Sun, salt, snow—it all adds up. But with the right maintenance, a good pair of boots can go farther than most people expect. Different leathers need different care, so take time to learn what yours needs.

Clean. Condition. Protect. The basics still make the biggest difference.

Start a Repair

BOOT CARE