Do you ever pause to think about your shoes? Not the quantity in your closet or whether you’ve got a sharp pair of black dress shoes, but who made them and where they came from. Were your shoes churned out by a machine in a factory on the other side of the world, or crafted by an artisan who knows the shoes they are building will be used for years? Shoes are the unsung heroes of our lives, going everywhere with us and enabling us to walk our unique paths.
Since 1898, Russell Moccasin has been making boots and moccasins that embody craftsmanship and durability in Berlin, Wisconsin. Over the past 127 years, their boots have graced the feet of Charles Lindbergh, multiple U.S. presidents, the first person to complete the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail, and even Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford. Earl Shaffer’s boots, worn during his legendary 124-day trek on the Trail, now reside in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History—a testament to their quality and endurance.
So, what’s the secret to Russell Moccasin’s longevity? Their unwavering commitment to quality, service, and legacy. Each pair of boots is handcrafted in their Wisconsin factory by skilled craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for decades. While the company is famous for its moccasins, the name "Mocassin" comes from how their boots cradle the foot with precision-cut leather, and even their wilderness boots start out in the same way as a house slipper. Every pair is custom-made to the wearer’s specifications, with records meticulously stored in the Berlin factory for future orders. Their annual production of 10,000–12,000 pairs ensures each boot gets the attention it deserves, all proudly made in Wisconsin.
The company is preparing for the next decade by focusing on a philosophy of "Conversation through Craftmanship." Joe Julian, who recently became the CEO of Russell said, “Conservation through Craftsmanship” philosophy that has been integral to the success of both Kingfisher and Julian and Sons, is also the key to preparing Russell Moccasin for the next 124 years, “We believe that conservation begins when you start designing a product, not when it is worn out and ready for the trash truck. Prioritizing re-craftable designs, investing in enduring materials and employing the best craftsmen make the difference between a heritage product and a consumable one. Russell Moccasin has never wavered in their commitment to crafting a lifetime product. We will be doubling down on that commitment as it is the bedrock of the Russell Moccasin brand.”
Russell Moccasin represents the pinnacle of American-made footwear. If you ever decide to invest in a pair of their boots or moccasins, rest assured: they’ll be with you through life’s toughest trails and coziest evenings by the fire. These are more than shoes—they’re companions on your journey.
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