Wolverine Boots History

Curious about Wolverine Boot History?

Wolverine Boots have been around seemingly forever. The company was actually formed in 1883 by G.A. Krause and his uncle Fred Hirth. They named this original business, The Hirth-Krause Company. Krause was a part of a family heritage that included two centuries of expertise in leather tanning.

It emerged into a family business with Krause’s sons all entering into the employment of their father. His son Victor began a new venture in Rockford, Michigan operating a shoe manufacturing plant. This is when the Wolverine brand began to take shape. Victor began using horsehide instead of cowhide, which was much cheaper.

In 1912 Wolverine Shoe and Tanning Corporation was born, with innovations such as their first warehouse, an employee profit sharing plan, and a new headquarters. The company averaged 300 pairs of tough work boots every day.

During the depression, the company remained open and continued to give many people employment. After World War Two, the company became a household name, sales went through the roof and the Wolverine name became synonymous with high quality boots and shoes.

In 1991, work boots became more comfortable with the introduction of DuraShocks. This system created boots which were lighter and would last much longer.

In 1998, the Harley Davidson brand came to Wolverine and production began immediately.

Finally, in 2004, Wolverine introduced their new Multishox technology, which was intended to make their products even more comfortable.

Wolverine continues to this day to be an innovator and leader in the production of rugged boots and shoes.