Red Wing 875.

This boot is simply an icon of design, form and function. The name comes from the town of Red Wing, Minnesota, so called after an Native American Chief–hence the feathered wing logo. 

Red Wing have been making working boots since 1905. It wasn’t until 1950 that they created the Irish Setter Boot (877). The 8 inch 877 was made of russet-coloured leather, tanned by using the sap of sequoia bark. The process yielded a rich colour that was very close to the coat of an Irish Setter hunting dog. These boots provided excellent arch support, and had a light, cushion crepe sole. They became an overnight sensation.

Red Wing released a 6-inch version, the 875, a few years later, and it’s that boot that has gone on to be the icon of footwear, and the favourite of The Obsessive.