When you mention Red Wing Heritage to anyone remotely familiar with the brand, the Classic Moc Boot, made in the U.S.A. from a rich, reddish brown hue that true footwear nerds know as Oro-Russet, is likely the first image that pops into their brain.
That’s because the now iconic silhouette and color are rooted in over a century of American craftsmanship. The version first hit the scene in the 1950s and was designed for hunters and laborers who needed a boot that could withstand long days in harsh conditions.
Soon, the distinctive red boots earned the nickname “Irish Setters” after the similarly hued hunting dog of the same name. Eventually, the nickname became so engrained that it sparked its spinoff brand, Irish Setter Boots, which is still part of the Red Wing portfolio today.
That’s why Red Wing’s latest spring additions to the Classic Moc Boot line may discourage purists (we certainly needed a moment to recover), no matter how seasonally appropriate they might be.
But once the shock fades, we’re guessing many fans might come around to these distinct new color entries, especially one version in particular.
Meet the ‘Dusty Blue’ Classic Moc
The new color, dubbed Dusty Blue, is technically a pastel, baby blue shade, though you’d be forgiven for thinking the boots look grey under certain lighting scenarios.