First Look: Made In USA Dress Boots

Red Wing Shoes are well known as tough, down in the trenches work tools, so when we got our hands on the Red Wing Heritage 9022 Beckman Boot it was quite a surprise.

Handmade in Red Wing, Minnesota, the Heritage line is American manufacturing at its finest. The stitching is beautiful. The leather is supple and smells wonderful. They are stiff under foot and will take a little time to break in just like old school boots from days of yore. The term Heritage seems just right. —Sean McCoy

The Gear: Red Wing 9022 Beckman Boot ($365, available now exclusively at Barneys)

Where To Use It: An outdoor wedding, in the office or while raking leaves.

Who’s It For: Those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are willing to pay for it.

Specs: A plain toe boot made of full grain, naturally distressed, U.S. sourced Settler leather, all Red Wing Heritage boots are handmade in Minnesota. The 9022 Beckman features a gusseted tongue, reinforced backstay, contrasting eyelets and leather trim at the topline. The Roccia sole is oil resistant.

Boring But Important: These boots are well made and rugged but decidedly low tech. For backpacking or serious hiking there are better choices. They also run about a half size large. I usually wear a 9.5 to 10, but the size 9 sample we photographed fit my foot well.

Made In: Minnesota, with imported sole.

Killer: They look sharp and go well with jeans or dress pants.

Flaw: A high heel and little support will tire the foot if you spend hours on end standing. While the Heritage line is available at many Red Wing stores, Barney’s New York is the only option for the 9022. They do have an online store.

First Impressions: Before even opening the box, the smell of luxurious leather poured into my nostrils. Putting my hands on the boots my first thought was how good they would look with dress pants or jeans.

Our Take: This made in the USA boot stand toe to toe with Italian dress shoes in the looks and craftsmanship department. They also go head-to-head in price.

Who Should Buy It: The fashion conscious who would like a unique alternative to dress shoes for the workplace or casual hiker who loves hand crafted, American made leather.

More Beta/Buy Now: Barneys New York; Red Wing Heritage

—Sean McCoy is a contributing editor. Our “First Look” column highlights new gear arrivals at GearJunkie.com.