The story of Irish Setter Boots began in 1950, when Red Wing Shoe Company introduced a hunting boot crafted from distinctive reddish-orange Oro-Russet leather. The color resembled the coat of an Irish Setter hunting dog, inspiring a name that would become synonymous with rugged, dependable footwear.
Originally built for hunters, Irish Setter boots quickly found their way beyond the field. By the 1960s, workers were wearing them on farms, construction sites, and other demanding jobs where durability and comfort mattered just as much.
Over the decades, Irish Setter continued to evolve—introducing new materials, construction methods, and technologies designed to perform in tough conditions. From waterproof leathers and Vibram® soles to specialized hunting and work footwear, each generation of boots built upon the same hardworking foundation.
Today, more than 75 years after the first Irish Setter boot, the brand continues a tradition that started with one unmistakable red leather hunting boot: creating dependable footwear for people who work hard, hunt hard, and expect their boots to keep up.
Born in the field. Proven on the job. Built to keep going.