Red Wing’s 1960s ‘Stitch-for-Stitch’ Revival Might Be the Brand’s Ultimate Boot

It’s faithfully based on the 1960s iteration of a purpose-built logging boot introduced in the 1940s.

Close-up of brown leather boots with detailed stitching and black rubber soles against a blue background.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Brad Lanphear

Published October 1, 2025

·

Updated October 1, 2025

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Red Wing turns 120 years old in 2025, and to celebrate, the quintessential American boot brand is rolling out a special collection of three archival designs built to exact historical specifications.

The centerpiece of this birthday bash is a 1961 version of the Logger boot. It may be the most Red Wing shoe ever, even overshadowing the venerable Classic Moc and Iron Ranger.

Pair of dark brown leather lace-up boots with black lug soles and tan welt stitching. — The Logger has more impressive specs than the Classic Moc and Iron Ranger.

Red Wing designed the Logger in the 1930s specifically for America’s booming logging industry. For the anniversary collection, the brand’s design team chose a model introduced in 1961 for one monumental reason, which we’ll get to later.

The Logger shares many characteristics with two fan-favorite models: the fashionable Beckman and the burly Roughneck. But it spans both genres while offering a tougher build than any other Red Wing Heritage boot currently available.

Person wearing rolled-up dark blue jeans and brown leather lace-up boots sitting on a metal stool. — Despite being incredibly durable, the Logger looks stylish with jeans and casual attire.

“Every aspect of this Anniversary Logger matches the 1960s version,” explains Mike Larson, Red Wing’s Design and Development Manager. “From the pattern, the stitching and the materials.”

It has an eight-inch ankle height (two inches taller than the Iron Ranger), ten rows of nickel eyelets and speed hooks, and an almond-shaped plain toe.

Designed to be worn all day, every day, for weeks at a time, the Logger is equipped with a dual-layer leather and rubber insole over a cork footbed, with a steel shank for arch support.

Shelter from the storm

Red Wing’s distinctive two-tone Puritan triple-stitch secures the vamp to the upper, but unlike most other models, it also attaches the full outside-stitched garrison.

Pair of black leather boots with brown stacked heels and black lug soles shown from the back. — The Logger has a full outside-stitched garrison, which blends a heel counter and backstay for strong ankle support.

Familiar from the Iron Ranger, it combines a heel counter and a backstay for strong ankle support. This was added in the 1930s to help loggers climb trees and lift heavy objects.

The Logger’s other outstanding feature is a leather bead storm welt, “which is achieved by taking our flat welt and folding the edge over on itself, ” explains Larson. “This creates a barrier that helps minimize water from entering the side of the boot.”

Two vintage Red Wing Logger Boots advertisements, each showing a black leather boot with detailed descriptions and company addresses. — Vintage print ads for the Logger boot from the 1960s.

Combined with the fully gusseted tongue and oiled and waxed leather, the Logger is as waterproof as a leather boot gets without adding a DWR coating or synthetic lining.

Close-up of a brown leather boot with black laces, detailed stitching, and a black rugged sole. — The Logger features a Puritan triple-stitch vamp and a leather bead storm welt.

Because Red Wing has the luxury of being one of the only shoe companies in America with its own tannery — the equally storied SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, MN — the Logger is built from an era-specific Briar Oil Slick leather. It has a rich burgundy color with the pebble grain of the hide fully visible.

A monumental first

Larson explained that the 1961 Logger was chosen as the centerpiece of Red Wing’s 120th Anniversary Collection because it was the brand’s first boot to use a Vibram lug outsole.

Vibram has become synonymous with Red Wing and the gold standard for the footwear industry. However, in the 1960s, the Minnesota shoemaker was among the first American companies to utilize the Swiss outsole manufacturer.

Black leather lace-up boots with thick lug soles worn with camouflage pants, viewed from below. — The 1961 Logger was Red Wing’s first boot to use a Vibram lug outsole.

That fact alone makes the Logger (arguably) the most important boot in Red Wing’s 120-year history. The impressive build and captivating look are just icing on the birthday cake.

Whether you choose the burgundy Briar or the classic Black, the Logger is a must-have for any Red Wing die-hard. Plus, at $370, it is a bargain compared to other American-made boots with similar specs.

Availability and price

The Red Wing Heritage 1961 Logger Boot is available now from Red Wing for $370.

As part of The 120th Anniversary Collection, it is not technically a limited edition. However, the brand pointed out that each boot is made in small batches to ensure it matches vintage standards. So, supplies are limited by the nature of the production process.

Pair of brown leather lace-up boots with black lug soles on a white background.

Red Wing Heritage 1961 Logger Boot

$370 at Red Wing

About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.