Xena Workwear
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear, Safety clothing |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Anastasia (Ana) Kraft |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee , United States |
| Products | Steel-toe safety shoes, work boots for women |
| Owner | Women-owned |
| Website | xenaworkwear |
Xena Workwear is a women-owned enterprise located in Milwaukee that specializes in fashionable work boots and protective footwear designed exclusively for women. Their primary emphasis lies in creating steel-toe shoes that combine safety with style tailored to female professionals.
History
The concept for Xena Workwear was developed in 2017 by Anastasia (Ana) Kraft during her tenure as a manufacturing project manager. In 2019, the business became part of the gBETA accelerator program, operated by Madison’s gener8tor. That same year in May, Xena introduced its inaugural ASTM-certified product, the Gravity steel-toe safety shoe, and successfully secured $750,000 in seed funding led by Starting Line, a Chicago-based investment group.
Description
Specializing in footwear crafted specifically for women working in traditionally male-dominated sectors, Xena Workwear utilizes leather certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) to guarantee both premium quality and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Partnerships & Endorsements
Xena Workwear collaborates with organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women in Manufacturing (WiM), actively supporting programs that promote female participation in STEM fields and skilled trades. Notable collaborations include:
- Reinvented Magazine – challenging stereotypes about women in STEM
- Beauty and the Bolt – highlighting the harmony between engineering careers and femininity
- Her STEM Story – showcasing experiences of women professionals in STEM
In 2019, the company earned an endorsement from the FY20 President of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Xena Workwear has been featured across several leading industry outlets, including:
- Metalforming Magazine – January 2020 issue
- Quartz – February 2020 edition
- Chemical & Engineering News – April 2020 publication
- Steel Times International – May 2020 release
Acknowledged as one of Wisconsin Inno’s top 20 startups to watch in 2020, Xena Workwear continues to grow its presence within the women’s workwear sector.