Red Wing Men's Iron Ranger

The early history of mining in Minnesota is closely intertwined with that of the Red Wing Shoe Company. Miners needed durable but comfortable boots that could withstand the harsh conditions of a mine. Red Wing responded with a boot made of thick leather with an oil-resistant outsole, speed hooks, and a comfortable cork midsole. However, the distinctive feature of these boots was their double-layered toe cap to protect the miner's feet from injury when working with heavy tools and machinery.

This boot is still produced today and bears the fitting name: Iron Ranger. It not only represents Red Wing's commitment to making boots for working men and women but also its Minnesota origins.