The journey of Charles Beckman
Shaped By The Journey
Reintroducing The Beckman, one of Red Wing Heritage’s most requested and cherished releases, named after our founder, Charles Beckman.
In 1873, Charles Beckman traveled from Germany to America, embarking from Liverpool, England aboard the S.S. Atlantic. Bad weather culminated in disaster off the coast of Nova Scotia, which he was lucky to survive. On arrival in Red Wing, MN, Beckman worked in the local tannery, eventually opening his own shoe store. In 1905, Charles Beckman founded Red Wing Shoe Company, an enduring legacy made more significant by his harrowing voyage. His firsthand account of the experience is housed in the Red Wing Shoe Co. Corporate Archives. Read the full story
A STORY BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH EVERY STITCH
Each pair of Beckmans embodies the legacy of quality and craft set by our founder, Charles Beckman. Built from premium materials, with an attention to detail, it is the perfect boot to honor our history.
The Beckman features Gro-Cord outsoles, first developed for Red Wing Shoes in the 1920s. Originally made from a mixture of tire cord, they were the first non-leather outsole, quickly becoming popular for their durability, comfort and traction. Today’s Gro-Cord is made in partnership with Vibram.
Each pair is made using Excalibur leather, made at the S.B. Foot Tannery in Red Wing, MN. A polishable semi-aniline leather, finished to a medium-to-bright luster, it is smooth to the touch, with a slight waxy feeling. After the break-in period, a beautiful casting of undertones shines through and can be polished to restore color and luster.
The handcrafted nature of every Red Wing Heritage boot celebrates a rich history that reaches back to our founding and our founder. Nearly 120 years later, we still rely on local craftspeople, using local leather, and the expertise accumulated over generations.
