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The Story Behind<br/>Irish Setter

Since its conception in 1950, Irish Setter remains the premier choice of boots for hunters and workers alike. Find out why.

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Field Experienced. Job Ready.

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A Historyof rugged use.

Right up to today's toughest jobs.

Click the arrows to the right to explore the 60-year legacy of Irish Setter.

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1950

Style 854 became the first of many boots known as Irish Setter. Designed for hunting, the boot featured distinctive Red Oro-Russet leather, the color of an Irish Setter hunting dog. This color came from using bark extract from giant California redwoods.
1952

The iconic Style 877 was first introduced featuring the “Cush-N-Crepe” wedge sole. This new sole quickly propelled the boot to be a favorite of upland game hunters.
1953

The Irish Setter logo was developed using a dog owned by a Red Wing employee. His registered Irish Setter went by the name of “Red Mike of Doxmoe.”
1956

Irish Setter Style 898 became the first boot to be built with insulation. This feature was appreciated by hunters who spent hours in the field and needed extra protection from the cold.
Style 877

Irish Setter Style 877 originated in the 1950s. It became known as the iconic Red Wing product. The distinctive Oro-Russet leather and white Traction Tred sole made it instantly recognizable worldwide as a Red Wing.
1956

Irish Setter signs featured the tagline, “Finest in the Field.” The gusset labels inside the product used the Irish Setter logo with the smaller Red Wing Shoe mark.
1960

The Irish Setter brand mark is updated to support the introduction of Irish Setter work products. This new line of purpose-built work boots combines the hunting DNA of Irish Setter with the purpose-built DNA of Red Wing.
1964

Irish Setter style 888 was introduced with green kangaroo leather and came packaged with a vinyl covered case, Irish Setter socks and one can of leather conditioner.
1968

Continuing the legacy of bringing innovation to hunting boots, the Irish Setter brand introduced another new technology; waterproof leather. This leather was first featured in Irish Setter Style 2488.
1970

To expand the appeal of Irish Setter beyond the hunting market, Red Wing introduced advertising that targeted the skilled craftsman. One ad showed John Rukavina, a Chicago iron worker, atop the Sears Tower in his Irish Setters. Photo by Chicago Sun Times photographer Bob Kotalis
Style 807

Style 807 was introduced in a 1984 catalog with the headline, “Not Just for Hunting Anymore,” stating “Today’s working men are wearing them every day on the job as well as out in the field.”
1997

Irish Setter stepped out from the shadow of Red Wing and became its own brand. The hunting boot line was expanded to 14 styles along with its own line of socks, outerwear, and footwear care products.
2000

The Irish Setter brand celebrated its 50th anniversary. Red Mike was proudly displayed on a logo created to commemorate this historic milestone.
2004

The Irish Setter hunt brand continued to grow. Retailers requested the brand’s association with Red Wing Shoes be reintroduced. A new logo was developed adding the Red Wing Shoes endorsement. The dog was refreshed and became leaner and more athletic.
Style 882

Style 882 is the Irish Setter hunt flagship big game boot. Built with full-grain leathers, GORE-TEX® waterproofing, brass hardware and leather welts, this is a serious boot for tough backcountry terrain.
2010

Irish Setter continued to build on its reputation as a technology driven brand by introducing a new patented technology: ExoFlex. The technology revolutionized the rubber hunting boot market.
2011

The Irish Setter brand mark is updated to support the introduction of Irish Setter work products. This new line of purpose-built work boots combines the hunting DNA of Irish Setter with the purpose-built DNA of Red Wing.