Red Wing has been making boots in the United States for 120 years, and the anniversary is being marked with something unusual: a time capsule. Buried at the brand’s Minnesota headquarters, it contains every boot from the 120 Year Capsule, the materials used to make them, and a letter meant for whoever discovers it in 2145. It is a way to preserve a century of American boot-making for the next generation.
The capsule features three of Red Wing’s most iconic boots.
The Pecos
First introduced in 1958 for cowboys, the Pecos quickly became a favourite beyond ranch work. The anniversary version is crafted in Hawthorne Muleskinner leather and keeps the classic 11-inch pull-on shape.
The Logger
Launched in 1940, the Logger was designed for long, hard days outdoors. The anniversary edition uses full-grain Oil Slick leather and a Vibram TC4 plus outsole. It is available in Briar Oil Slick and Black Oil Slick, reflecting the boot’s reputation for durability and practicality.
The Engineer
Dating back to 1936, the Engineer boot became synonymous with railroad work. The anniversary edition features Black Klondike leather, a Neoprene Cord outsole, and Goodyear welt construction. It is not currently available in UK stores, which adds to its allure for collectors and enthusiasts.
These boots are a reminder that Red Wing has always focused on functional, long-lasting design. They were made for people who needed them to work hard and endure, and they still feel relevant today. The capsule is less about celebrating with marketing fanfare and more about documenting craft, materials, and the ethos of the brand for the future.
For anyone interested in the history of American boots or the evolution of durable design, the 120 Year Capsule is a rare glimpse into a company that has kept its focus on quality above all else. It shows that good design can last generations and that the story behind a product can be just as important as the product itself.
