Wolverine has had a significant presence in America’s boot industry for over 130 years. The company, under the direction of founder G.A. Krause, started hand-making boots and shoes from their Rockford, Michigan headquarters in 1883.

By 1903, Krause and his employees were producing around 300 pairs of shoes per day, selling them to laborers and blue collar workers in larger cities like Grand Rapids, Flint, and Detroit.

Krause continued to grow his company, and by the 1920s, this once small-time boot-making operation re-branded and became Wolverine Shoe and Tanning Company.

Over the years, Wolverine has been at the forefront of technology development and footwear innovation.

One such innovation was Wolverine’s patented “1000 Miles” technology, a development that came about when workers in Wolverine’s tannery created a pliable shell horsehide that was durable enough to give guys 1,000 miles of wear-and-tear on their boots.

More recently, Wolverine has diversified their product line, and now makes boots for railroad workers, construction guys, and factory personnel alike. The company’s “Heritage” collection – vintage boot styles that have been revamped with modern-day materials and cushioning – are a popular pick among today’s fashion trendsetters.

Through it all, Wolverine has continued to infuse ingenuity and high-quality craftsmanship into all of their products, which is why the brand has become such a mainstay in America when it comes to boots and work shoes.

My top 3 personal favorite Wolverine boots:

Wolverine Contractor LX CM Boots

FIELD-TESTED HERE

When it comes to pushing the envelope, Wolverine takes comfort to the next level. Such is the case with the Contractor LX. This boot has everything you’d expect from the Wolverine brand, including a cushy footbed, a waterproof upper and durable outsole. The difference in this model is the CarbonMax safety toe, which uses nanotechnology to form a strong, spacious, protective toe cap.