Thorogood vs Red Wing work boots

The two brands in brief

Thorogood is a work boot brand made by the Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Wisconsin. Its best known boots are the American Heritage moc toes, along with wellingtons, roofers, 1957 Series and Logger Series boots. The Thorogood listings in our guides describe them as American made with USA and globally sourced components.

Red Wing Shoes is based in Red Wing, Minnesota. It sells a Heritage line, which includes the Classic Moc, Iron Ranger and Logger, and a separate work line. It also owns Irish Setter. The Heritage listings in our guides state they are made in the USA. Our Red Wing guide and Thorogood guide go through each lineup.

Moc toe: American Heritage vs Classic Moc

The Thorogood American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe soft toe listing describes oil-tanned full-grain leather, the MAXWear Wedge traction outsole, a removable dual-density polyurethane footbed and Goodyear storm welt construction. It states EH resistance under ASTM F2892-18, the soft toe protective footwear standard. Safety toe versions in steel and composite are also sold.

The Red Wing Classic Moc 875 listing describes full grain oiled leather, Puritan triple-stitching, a Goodyear leather welt and the Traction Tred wedge outsole. It is built on Red Wing's No. 23 last, which the listing says gives extra room in the forefoot and instep. The listing does not mention a safety toe or EH rating.

In short, both are welted wedge-sole moc toes. Thorogood's listing adds work ratings. Red Wing's listing leans on heritage construction and a roomy last.

See our moc toe picks →

Logger: Logger Series vs Heritage Logger

The Thorogood Logger Series 9-inch Waterproof Steel Toe listing describes a steel toe, steel shank, waterproof build with Aztec lining, a Vibram midsole and Goodyear storm welt construction, and the title lists it as EH rated. It is aimed at loggers, linemen and outdoor trades.

The Red Wing Heritage Logger 4585 listing describes full grain waxed leather, a Vibram TC4+ lug outsole with a 90-degree heel, Goodyear welt, steel shank and a resoleable design, built on the No. 8 last with a bump toe. The listing does not mention a safety toe, waterproofing or EH.

If you need a rated safety toe logger for work, the Thorogood listing confirms it. The Red Wing listing does not. See our logger boot guide for other options.

Specs side by side

This table uses only the product listings. Not stated means the listing does not mention it, not that the boot lacks it.

Fit, break-in and resoling

Both brands use stiff full-grain leather that usually needs a break-in period. Our guides on how to break in Red Wing boots and how to break in work boots cover the process.

Sizing differs by last, so do not assume your size carries over. Red Wing lists the last for each Heritage boot. Read are Red Wing boots true to size and are Thorogood boots true to size before ordering.

Both use welted construction, which is the build most often resoled. See can work boots be resoled and our care guide for Red Wing and Thorogood.

Price and which to buy

At the time of writing, the Red Wing Classic Moc 875 listing was $329.99 against $264.95 for the soft toe Thorogood American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe. For loggers it went the other way: the Red Wing Heritage Logger 4585 at $369.99 against $389.95 for the waterproof, steel toe Thorogood Logger Series. Prices change, so check the current listing.

Buy Thorogood if you need ASTM ratings, EH, or a safety toe on a moc toe or logger. Buy Red Wing Heritage if you want a classic welted boot on a known last for light work and everyday wear and do not need a rated safety toe.

• Need a safety toe or EH: Thorogood
• Want a roomy forefoot on a heritage last: Red Wing Classic Moc
• Outdoor logger work with waterproofing: Thorogood Logger Series
• Heritage logger style for general wear: Red Wing Logger 4585

Frequently asked questions

Is Thorogood or Red Wing better for work? For rated jobsite use, the Thorogood listings confirm EH and safety toe options, while the Red Wing Heritage listings in our guides do not. Red Wing's separate work line was not in our listings, so we cannot confirm its specs.

Are both made in the USA? The Red Wing Heritage listings state made in USA. The Thorogood listings say American made with USA and globally sourced components.

Can both be resoled? Both use Goodyear welts. The Red Wing listings call the boots resoleable and the Thorogood Logger listing calls it fully serviceable.

Thorogood vs Red Wing moc toe: which is roomier? Red Wing's listing says the No. 23 last gives extra forefoot and instep room. Thorogood's listing does not state a last, so try both if you can.