Weinbrenner Shoe Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear manufacturing |
| Founded | 1892 |
| Founder | Albert H. Weinbrenner |
| Headquarters | Merrill, Wisconsin , United States |
Key people | Jeff Burns (president) |
| Products | Safety, military, work, and uniform footwear; Thorogood work boots |
Weinbrenner Shoe Company is a U.S.-based producer specializing in safety, military, work, and uniform footwear, founded in 1892 with its main office located in Merrill, Wisconsin. The company is widely recognized for its Thorogood line of work boots.
History
The business was established by Albert H. Weinbrenner, whose father was a German immigrant shoemaker. It started in 1892 under the name "Weinbrenner and Pfeifer," a modest Milwaukee-based cobbler shop focused on manufacturing work boots. By the turn of the century, the company expanded through the acquisition of Knoll Shoe Company for $1,500, subsequently rebranding as the Albert H. Weinbrenner Company.
Production escalated significantly from 60 pairs daily in 1902 to 2,500 pairs by 1905. In 1909, operations relocated to a larger facility covering 158,000 square feet, notable for its advanced architectural design. During the 1910s, the company broadened its boot offerings and emerged as a key provider of military footwear throughout World War I.
The Thorogood brand debuted in 1918 and soon became Weinbrenner’s primary product line. To meet rising demand, additional manufacturing plants were established in Marshfield (1935), Merrill, and Antigo, Wisconsin. During World War II, production prioritized military needs, resulting in innovations such as steel safety toes and metatarsal guards.
In 1943, Weinbrenner employees organized under the International Boot and Shoe Workers Union; today their representation is through the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.
The "Hike 'n Camp" boot introduced in 1964 for Boy Scouts—currently known as model "814-4201"—continues to be the company's top-selling product and a favorite within the construction sector.
Ownership transitioned to employees in 2000 via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Presently, Weinbrenner stands as the largest domestic manufacturer of "Made in USA" footwear, offering more than 125 styles produced locally and over 250 including imported options. The headquarters remain at the Merrill manufacturing site.
In 2019, Jeff Burns assumed the role of president, and that same year the firm earned Merrill’s Business of the Year distinction.