Are Thorogood boots worth the money?

Who makes Thorogood and where

Thorogood is a brand of the Weinbrenner Shoe Company, based in Merrill, Wisconsin. A large part of the line, including many American Heritage moc toes, is made in the USA at the company's Wisconsin facilities, and many of those boots are union made. Other lines and models are made overseas to Thorogood's designs.

Country of origin is listed for each boot, so check the product page or the label inside the boot if made in USA matters to you. Our which work boots are made in USA article covers other US-made brands too.

What you get for the price

The moc toe wedge sole is the classic Thorogood look. It spreads weight across a flat, cushioned sole that many people like on concrete and in shops. Compare the styles in our best moc toe work boots and best wedge sole work boots guides.

• Full-grain leather uppers on the heritage lines, often oil-tanned, that break in and mold to the foot.
• Goodyear welt construction on many models, so the boots can be resoled rather than thrown away.
• Safety toe options in steel and composite with ASTM F2413 ratings, plus many EH rated models.
• Wedge and heel soles to suit flat floors or ladders and uneven ground.
• Wide width range on many models, which helps people with wide feet.

The main Thorogood lines

The American Heritage line is the classic: 6 inch and 8 inch moc toes, plus wellingtons, in soft toe, steel toe and composite toe versions, many on wedge soles and many in waterproof and insulated builds. The 1957 Series offers similar moc toe styling with its own leathers and sole options. The Logger Series uses taller shafts, a defined logger heel and lug soles for rough ground and climbing. Other lines, such as GEN-Flex and Hammerhead, focus on lighter or more modern builds.

Because origin, construction and ratings differ by model, compare the exact listing rather than the line name. Our best Thorogood boots guide lists each pick's toe type, sole and waterproofing, and best logger boots covers the heel and lug style.

How long Thorogood boots last

Life depends on hours, surfaces and care, so there is no honest single number. Welted Thorogoods have an advantage: when the sole wears out, a cobbler or factory recrafting service can replace it while keeping the broken-in upper. That is the main reason many people consider them worth the price over a cemented boot that is done when the sole goes.

Wedge soles can wear faster on rough gravel and hot surfaces than a hard lug sole. If you work mostly outdoors on rough ground, a heel and lug sole model may last longer. See how long do work boots last and can work boots be resoled.

Where Thorogood falls short

Heritage leathers need a break-in, and a stiff new boot can be uncomfortable for the first weeks. Moc toe seams can let in water unless you choose a waterproof model or treat the leather; see how to waterproof leather work boots. Sizing also differs from sneakers, so read are Thorogood boots true to size before ordering.

Thorogood vs the alternatives

Against Red Wing, Thorogood is usually priced lower for a comparable welted, US-made moc toe, while Red Wing has a large Heritage line and its own store network. See Thorogood vs Red Wing. Against Danner, Thorogood leans to wedge moc toes while Danner is known for rugged outdoor and logger styles; see Thorogood vs Danner. Thorogood vs Carolina and Thorogood vs Irish Setter cover two more popular matchups.

If the price is the sticking point, read how much do work boots cost. A resoleable boot that lasts through two or three soles can cost less per year than a cheaper boot replaced often.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thorogood made in the USA? Many Thorogood boots, including much of the American Heritage line, are made in Wisconsin. Some lines are imported, so check each model's country of origin.

Are Thorogood boots good for concrete? The wedge sole moc toes are a popular choice for concrete and flat floors. See our best work boots for concrete guide.

Can Thorogood boots be resoled? Welted models can be resoled by a cobbler or through recrafting. Check that your model is welted.

Are Thorogood boots worth it over cheaper boots? If you wear boots daily and will resole them, often yes. For occasional use, a cheaper boot may be enough.