ENGINEER BOOT LEXICON PART XVI

"Weinbrenner" 

Albert Weinbrenner and business partner Joseph Pfeifer began repairing and selling boots and shoes out of a storefront at 140 West Water Street in Milwaukee in 1892.  Their specialty was making boots and shoes for the "jobbing" trades - or in today's term, "work boots."

www.vintageengineerboots.com

In recognition of the diverse needs of the different work trades, the Weinbrenner and Pfeifer cobblery introduced the "Job-fitted" design in recognition of the diverse needs of the different work trades in 1917. Work boot styles begin to appear specifically designed for miners, oil riggers, lineman, foundry workers and steelworkers.  During World War I Weinbrenner becomes a major contributor to the Army, supplying military boots "job-fitted" for the infantry.

In 1918, the Thorogood brand of work boots is introduced and enjoys wide popularity for creating specialized boots for many trades.

 The average pair of work boots costs $4/pair (wholesale); probably between $7 - 8/pair at shoe stores.

Weinbrenner introduces the first safety toe work boot - influenced by designs required for the military during World War II. Military styles produced during the war included everything between combat boots and dress shoes.

In 1950, boot style #633 is introduced as a premium job-fitted roofer boot with lace-to-toe secure-fit construction  This boot will set the standard and with a few technological advances through the years will remain in Weinbrenner's product line...up through today 

Here's a fine example outta Japan.  It's a pair of NOS Engineer Boots for kids from around the 1950's.