Washington Shoe Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear manufacturing |
| Founded | January 24, 1891 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | T.J. Thorsen, L.B. Allain, G.M. Barber |
| Headquarters | Kent, Washington , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Karl Moehring (CEO), Rob Moehring (Chairman) |
| Products | Rain boots, rainwear, work boots, snow boots, slippers |
| Website | washingtonshoe |
Washington Shoe Company specializes in the production of rain boots, rainwear, work boots, snow boots, and slippers. Established in Seattle, Washington, in 1891, it continues to operate as a family-owned business spanning four generations.
The firm is well-known for its Western Chief line of boots designed for men, women, and children. Additionally, it manufactures women's waterproof fashion boots under the Chooka label and offers cozy slippers for both genders through the Staheekum brand.
History
On January 24, 1891, Washington Shoe Company was founded by T.J. Thorsen (Vice President and General Manager), L.B. Allain (President), and G.M. Barber (Secretary), becoming Seattle's inaugural shoe manufacturer. Its initial market focus targeted outdoor laborers and participants in the Alaska Gold Rush with its Western Chief boot collection.
Henry Moehring became part of the company in 1911 and eventually gained full ownership following Thorsen's passing. In 1957, Norm and Robert Moehring assumed leadership from their father. Rob Moehring, Robert’s son, joined the business in 1974, purchased it outright in 1990, and shifted emphasis back to rubber boots under the Western Chief brand. Mark Moehring, Rob’s son, entered the company in 1991.
The company moved operations to Renton, Washington, in 1996 and diversified its offerings to include 3D character boots for children and sheepskin slippers marketed under Staheekum. In 2001, Washington Shoe unveiled rubber rain boots featuring novelty prints for women and kids while relocating to Kent, Washington.
The Chooka brand was introduced in 2002 with sheepskin boots that later evolved into stylish rubber footwear aimed at women. Karl Moehring, Rob’s son, joined that same year and took over as CEO in 2015 when he succeeded his father; Rob continues as chairman.
In 2016, Washington Shoe Company marked its 125th year of operation.
Copyright court case
The 2012 decision by the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington Shoe Co. v. A-Z Sporting Goods Inc. affirmed that companies have the right to pursue copyright infringement claims within their home jurisdiction, thereby broadening protections for intellectual property owners.
Washington Shoe Company Building
Located at 159 Jackson Street in Seattle’s Pioneer Square district, the company’s historic building underwent redevelopment around 2000 amid disputes over tenant relocations and renovations. In 2011, Zynga became one of its tenants, illustrating the building’s transition to contemporary commercial use.