2023–2024
EPORT CT PANY
RED WING
SHOE COM
IMPACT
REPO IMPAC
REPORT
CONTENTS 2
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
A LETTER FROM ALLISON
CSR STRATEGY
INVESTING IN THE WORK
REDUCING OUR FOOTPRINT
ABOUT RED WING SHOE COMPANY
CARING FOR PEOPLE
DESIGNING FOR DECADES
APPENDIX
03
06
16
25
04
11
22
28
CONTENTS 3
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
A LETTER
FROM ALLISON
Red Wing Shoe Company has always had a clear purpose: to be a great company that makes a difference in people’s lives. For more than a century, we’ve equipped people with the reliable and durable footwear they need to build and sustain our world. We continue to be fueled by our strong values and the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that has been at our core for over 100 years. Built on a legacy of doing things right, we understand that our future is shaped by the actions we take today. Over the last couple of years, we’ve taken important strides forward in our corporate social responsibility (CSR) journey. With this, we have deepened our efforts to make durable products built to last, focusing on cutting waste, leaning into repairs, and intentional design. We also bolstered our workplace culture by launching programs that help our people feel supported, valued, and ready to grow. And
we reinforced our commitment to the skilled trades by celebrating tradespeople and opening new paths for those considering the careers that keep our world running. Our first impact report captures the work we’ve accomplished so far and previews where we’re headed next. I invite you to explore our progress, see the impact we’re making, and learn how we continue to invest in making a lasting difference for generations to come.
ALLISON GETTINGS President & Chief Executive Officer Red Wing Shoe Company
CONTENTS 4
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
ABOUT RED WING
SHOE COMPANY
In 1905, Red Wing Shoe Company set out to provide durable, comfortable footwear that works as hard as the people who wear it. What started as boots for miners, farmers, and loggers now serve a diverse range of needs—from hunting to streetwear and general-purpose workwear. Through it all, our commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and responsible business has stayed the same. We honor our heritage, stand by our products, and work to make a lasting, positive impact on our people, our communities, and the planet.
CONTENTS 5
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
RED WING SHOE COMPANY AT A GLANCE Red Wing Shoe Company operates in 10 key locations worldwide, with headquarters in Red Wing, Minnesota, and regional hubs across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Every part of our operation—from manufacturing and warehousing to retail and office spaces—reflects our commitment to artistry, quality, and community on a global scale.
OUR VALUES
WORLDWIDE FOOTPRINT
Red Wing’s values are an integral part of everything we do:
2,100+ Employees
700+ Retail stores
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
8
3 Footwear factories
Corporate offices 8 Warehouses 2
EXCELLENCE
Leather tanneries
COMMUNITY
OUR BRANDS
CONTENTS 6
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
CSR STRATEGY
CONTENTS 7
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
OUR PHILOSOPHY
THIS APPROACH IS ANCHORED IN OUR STRATEGIC CSR PILLARS:
CSR is deeply rooted in our history and reflects our long-standing commitment to employees and customers. Designed to last, our products are crafted with care and respect for both our communities and the environment.
Social and environmental responsibility reflect Red Wing Shoe Company values that have stood the test of time: respect, integrity, community, and excellence. It’s not just how we do business—it’s how we create a lasting difference.
ALLISON GETTINGS President & Chief Executive Officer
CARING FOR PEOPLE We create opportunities for development and invest in the wellbeing of our employees.
INVESTING IN THE WORK We support the future of skilled trades—the makers, doers, and builders.
DESIGNING FOR DECADES We craft the finest products with care so people and planet can thrive.
REDUCING OUR FOOTPRINT We implement and scale sustainable solutions to reduce our environmental footprint.
CONTENTS 8
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
OUR JOURNEY
2022 Established our CSR department within the office of the CEO to integrate environmental, social, and governance priorities across the business.
2023 Conducted our first Corporate Footprint assessment for waste, water, and carbon and completed a materiality assessment to increase transparency and shape our CSR strategy and roadmap.
2024 Developed a Climate Roadmap and integrated it into our 2030 CSR goals and priorities, guided by our most material environmental, social, and governance topics.
Published a CSR Update disclosing our materiality assessment findings.
CONTENTS 9
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
Our governance structure keeps our corporate social responsibility focused, strategic, and accountable. To launch our formal impact journey, in 2022 the CSR Director established a CSR Task Force. These leaders set the mission, vision, and framework for integrating impact across our business. Their efforts were complemented by the CSR Leadership Council, led by the CEO, which provides strategic guidance and approves priorities. Together, these groups aligned Red Wing Shoe Company’s CSR initiatives with company goals to begin driving sustained progress. GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY
UNDERSTANDING OUR IMPACT In 2023, the CSR Task Force conducted a materiality assessment to identify and prioritize the environmental, social, and governance topics most critical to our success. The assessment used a double materiality lens to examine Red Wing Shoe Company’s influence on the world and the issues that affect our operations and strategy. This process, guided and informed by research and stakeholder engagement, provided a strategic foundation that aligns our CSR initiatives with our values and enables purposeful action.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES For over a century, integrity and responsibility have been at the heart of our business. We are committed to safe, ethical, and sustainable practices— protecting the people who make our products, those who wear them, and the places where we live and work. Red Wing Shoe Company’s Standards of Business Practices Code sets clear expectations for ethical conduct and legal compliance across our supply chain. Applicable to all business partners—including suppliers, contractors, and sub-suppliers—the code mandates the fair treatment of workers in line with international standards and requires compliance with both local laws and Red Wing Shoe Company’s guidelines. Our commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing also extends to our operations. Our global hubs in the U.K. and Norway are ISO14001 (environmental) and ISO45001 (occupational health and safety) certified through 2027.
CONTENTS 10
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
RISK MANAGEMENT
To ensure compliance with evolving regulations, we maintain an Enterprise Risk Management Program through which we continuously assess potential material risks, develop and implement mitigation plans, and monitor progress. These risks—identified and addressed on an ongoing basis—can be operational, strategic, or financial, and span areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. Our integrated approach to CSR risk management includes regular updates to mitigation plans and continuous reporting to leadership and the Board.
CONTENTS 11
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
CARING FOR
PEOPLE
Red Wing boots are built for hardworking people—and crafted with the same dedication by those who make them. Our employees take pride in their work, maintaining a legacy of skill, integrity, and craftsmanship that has defined Red Wing Shoe Company for generations. We hold ourselves to these high standards at every level of our company, valuing every individual’s contribution and promoting an environment where every employee knows that they matter.
CONTENTS 12
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
OUR CULTURE Our company culture is built on a deep respect for the work we do, the people we do it with, and the traditions of craftsmanship and connection that got us here. We take pride in our heritage, but we don’t stand still. Innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration move us forward, ensuring we grow while staying true to what matters.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Our approach to employee engagement is rooted in a deep understanding of motivation, connection, and performance in the workplace. We believe that behind every key driver of engagement lies a fundamental human need. In other words, team members need to feel appreciated, empowered, and supported in order to bring their best selves to work every day. Our approach to surveying our people focuses on three components of engagement: SURVEY DIMENSIONS Identifies the core themes that influence engagement, such as inclusion, teamwork, safety, growth, and recognition. HUMAN NEEDS Uncovers the deeper motivations behind engagement, like feeling valued, having a voice, experiencing personal growth, and knowing one’s contributions matter. ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS Translates insights into meaningful programs and initiatives, including leadership coaching, recognition programs, professional development opportunities, collaborative team-building, enhanced communication efforts, and wellbeing events and activities.
In our 2023 engagement survey, our dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace was reflected through positive employee feedback. The majority of our employees expressed a strong sense of belonging, comfort in sharing ideas, and pride in Red Wing Shoe Company’s community and environmental efforts. Building on this momentum, our 2024 pulse survey returned higher scores in inclusion, and belonging, especially among our manufacturing and front-line employees. We turn feedback into action by providing managers with tailored resources that strengthen engagement at all levels. These tools help leaders interpret survey results to identify key drivers and take actions to address team needs. Managers have access to an engagement dashboard that tracks trends and insights as well as a planning framework, which assist them in setting clear, measurable goals and monitoring progress. They also attend guided sessions that help them translate data into meaningful team discussions.
The people of Red Wing Shoe Company have always challenged the status quo, advancing our efforts and ensuring we leave this company set up for the next generation.
CATHY LAMERS Chief Human Resources Officer
CONTENTS 13
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
WELLBEING Beyond the workplace, we are committed to supporting our people when it matters most—anytime, anywhere. In the U.S., full-time Red Wing Shoe Company employees receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, and retirement savings options. Globally, we provide statutory benefits aligned with local laws and standards. Our Employee Assistance Program provides U.S. team members and their families with confidential, 24/7 professional support at no cost to help navigate life’s challenges—whether it's stress, grief, relationship concerns, financial, or legal issues. Available resources also include telehealth counseling, referrals for child and elder care, home services, and practical work-life solutions. Managers can also connect employees with these services when personal hardships affect their work to ensure support is always within reach.
CONTENTS 14
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
DEVELOPMENT Great leaders aren’t made by chance—they’re nurtured with intention. We invest in leadership development programs and continuous learning opportunities that empower our people to reach their full potential and drive our shared success. Among these, our “Lead the Way”development workshop is a required 2.5-day immersive experience that equips people leaders with the skills to manage their teams with empathy and inspire collaboration. Developed in 2023 and launched in 2024, the workshop’s sessions give participants actionable strategies that align their leadership approach with Red Wing Shoe Company’s core values, building up emotional intelligence, authenticity, and vision-setting. Initial feedback has been positive, with 96% of participants feeling confident in their ability to apply these skills in their roles.
We also promote engagement through Culture Moments—intentional touchpoints that bring our values to life throughout the year. Led by a cross-functional team with support from the Steering Committee, our Culture Moments calendar features monthly themes and learning sessions designed to spark meaningful connection and reflection, strengthening workplace culture. One of these programs is our Leader Live series, which offers interactive monthly sessions focused on personal growth, self-awareness, career development, and wellbeing.
CONTENTS 15
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
BUILDING BELONGING
LOOKING AHEAD
OUR ERGS Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a vital role in fostering an inclusive community. Open to all employees, ERGs focus on learning, growth, and engagement, providing spaces for connection and advocacy: WOMEN WITH SOLE Empowers and connects women and their allies across our workforce. STRIDE WITH PRIDE Supports and celebrates LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
EMBEDDING INCLUSIVITY In 2021, we began implementing a culture and inclusion guide as a practical tool for integrating cultural considerations and inclusive language into our marketing materials. Building on this foundation, in 2024 we developed a similar guide focused on inclusive product design that sets clear standards for fit, material selection, and end-use to better serve our wide range of consumers across global markets. Following training sessions in early 2025, our inclusive product design guide will be fully integrated into our Spring 2027 product development cycle so that inclusivity remains central to our process from concept to launch. However, we’ve already taken meaningful steps to advance inclusive design by offering footwear made specifically for women as well as extended sizing that provides a better fit for more people. Harnessing insights from our global teams and customer research, we will continue to make sure our products work for all kinds of body shapes, sizes, and needs.
Belonging is woven into the fabric of our values—respect, integrity, community, and excellence. Championing these values allows us to build a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued for who they are. We recognize that diversity is a strength—every employee’s unique perspective enriches our community and fuels innovation. Cultivating a culture rooted in belonging means that every team member has the chance to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Bolstering employee wellbeing and building capable leaders will continue to be central to our long-term vision. Our short-term goals are: STRENGTHEN WELLBEING Extend our Employee Assistance Program to non-U.S. employees and launch a new employee wellbeing site by 2025. EXPAND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Create a Leadership Development Framework that closely aligns with Red Wing Shoe Company's goals by 2025. ENHANCE EMPLOYEE HEALTH & SAFETY Achieve ISO 14001 and 450001 certifications for all of our manufacturing and distribution facilities by 2030.
LACING GENERATIONS TOGETHER Bridges generational gaps to strengthen workplace connections.
With support from executive sponsors and guidance from supervisory teams, our ERGs help connect employees, build a healthy workplace culture, and ensure Red Wing Shoe Company’s vision and values are reflected in everyday work.
CONTENTS 16
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
INVESTING IN
THE WORK
Trades workers are both the backbone and unsung heroes of our communities. Red Wing Shoe Company is committed to elevating the value and dignity of the skilled trades by challenging cultural perceptions and celebrating the people who build and sustain our world. We are exploring ways to leverage our nationwide retail network to develop initiatives that support tradespeople where they live and work. Beyond honoring the contributions of skilled workers, we look to inspire future generations by showcasing the real, rewarding opportunities the trades can offer—careers that build, maintain, and shape the world around us.
CONTENTS 17
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
PATHWAYS TO THE TRADES The future of the trades depends on skilled workers. And yet, barriers like cost, access to training, and outdated perceptions deter new talent from joining these essential industries. As a company built on craftsmanship, Red Wing Shoe Company strives to make careers in the trades more accessible and respected. To this end, we are committed to improving access and pathways for aspiring tradespeople by deepening our collaboration with industry and community partners, expanding workforce development opportunities, and reducing financial barriers. By strengthening training programs and creating meaningful career paths, our goal is to build a steady pipeline of skilled workers to support trade-dependent industries.
SHELLY ABBOT'S STORY BREAKING NEW GROUND IN THE TRADES For Shelly Abbott, drilling isn’t just a job—it’s a proud family legacy and the source of her independence. A third-generation foundation driller and the first tradeswoman in her family, she carries forward a history of skilled labor that stretches back six generations, from blacksmithing to railroad work and dam building. Shelly learned everything she knows about drilling from her dad, a Vietnam vet. His lessons in self-reliance, perseverance, and hard- earned skill laid the groundwork of her success. Since starting her business, Generation Drilling, in 2007, Shelly has tackled some of the toughest jobs in Southern California, specializing in hard-to-access locations and deep foundation drilling. Operating and maintaining heavy machinery is part of Shelly’s everyday—and so is the risk of accidents. That’s why she knows the value of gear she can trust, like her Red Wing boots.
The moment I tried them on, the quality was obvious. When a heavy steel cage recently rolled over my foot, the safety toe took all the force and I felt nothing. I just feel safer working in my Red Wings. This work is also notoriously hard on your back, but I can wear my boots for long hours without pain.
SHELLY ABBOT Foundation Driller, Wall of Honor recipient
CONTENTS 18
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL IMPACT
We put our values into action by giving back and making a tangible difference in our communities. Our employees come together for our annual Day of Service to support local nonprofits like the YMCA , United Way , and River Bluff Humane Society . In 2023 and 2024, our global teams showed up through impactful team building activities, volunteering, and fundraising initiatives, deepening our alignment with Red Wing Shoe Company’s CSR goals. Although the work was harder than expected, the reward was equally as great. It was a very humbling experience to see so many volunteers from different walks of life come together for the sole purpose of building this home for a family in need.
Some highlights include:
DAY OF SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
Manufacturing employees participated in several donation drives to provide food to the local food shelf as well as winter gear and school supply kits for children. Our team in Dubai collected pantry items and toiletries for a local labor camp—worker accommodations for migrant laborers—in Sharjah, personally delivering the donations to support approximately 240 individuals. The Customer Experience team used recurring team meetings to share resources, promote mental health trainings, and encourage participation in Day of Service activities. The Business Technology department raised $16,000 for the American Cancer Society through a golf fundraiser in collaboration with partners and vendors. The Finance team introduced battery recycling across all facilities, diverting more than 375 pounds of batteries from landfills in 2024. Our Retail Creation team partnered with the City of Red Wing and our Flagship Store to sponsor an electric vehicle charging station outside our store.
2023
2024
230 employee participants
664 employee participants
in the Red Wing community 12 ACTIVITIES of collective service 460 HOURS
across the globe 29 ACTIVITIES 1,328 HOURS
of collective service
ABBIE FLYNN Accounts Receivable Associate Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
CONTENTS 19
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL IMPACT
STEPPING UP FOR THOSE IN NEED A huge focus of our community impact is donating durable footwear to individuals facing hardship, extending the life-changing benefits of our high-quality products to the people who need it most. Since 2007, we have partnered with Our Hearts to Your Soles , a nonprofit organization that provides footwear and foot care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through this long-standing initiative, we donate Red Wing boots to support shelters in communities across the country. In 2024, we donated 2,616 pairs of Red Wing boots across 19 states, equal to $227,928 in value. Taking into account additional footwear and accessories donations, our total contributions for the year reached 23,338 pairs, valued at $544,021—helping tens of thousands of individuals step forward with confidence. Every year, we also join Our Hearts to Your Soles for an annual foot care event at Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2024, we worked alongside medical professionals and volunteers to provide nearly 400 people with on-the-spot foot exams, new socks, and durable footwear—delivering immediate relief and long-term support to those experiencing hardship.
We expand our impact through additional donation programs. In 2023, we donated 16,487 pairs to Good360 , which connects communities in crisis with essential goods and helps businesses responsibly redistribute excess inventory so that people on the front lines of disaster relief can count on reliable footwear. Additionally, we partner with the National Odd Shoe Exchange , a nonprofit that helps individuals who need single shoes due to injury, disease, or genetic conditions. The half- pair samples we donate help people gain greater mobility and comfort while reducing waste and keeping excess inventory out of landfills.
2023–2024 FOOTWEAR DONATION IMPACT
45,899 items donated to individuals
facing hardship through non-profit partnerships, equaling $2,777,142 in invoiced value.
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE CSR ENGAGEMENT
In 2024, we launched the CSR Champions Program to engage employees across Red Wing Shoe Company in driving meaningful initiatives that amplify our impact. CSR Champions turned our values into tangible community impacts by leading food and coat drives, organizing volunteer events—including service initiatives like Operation Gratitude —hosting mental health trainings, and driving department- led sustainability and employee engagement initiatives.
2,600+ people served with foot exams, new socks, and durable boots through Our Hearts to Your Soles donation events. 20+ locations hosted donation events as part of our longstanding partnership with Our Hearts to Your Soles.
CONTENTS 20
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL IMPACT
THE RED WING SHOE COMPANY FOUNDATION Founded in 1955, the Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation supports nonprofits that share our mission through direct grants and Partners in Sharing, an employee matching program. The Foundation focuses on supporting non-profit programs that improve the wellbeing of the communities where our employees live and work. EMPLOYEE GIVING & GRANTMAKING Employees can track their volunteer hours and unlock matching donations from the Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation through our Impact Hub. To maximize the impact of their contributions, we proudly match charitable donations and volunteer efforts through our Partners in Sharing program— offering up to $2,000 per employee annually. In addition to individual giving, the Foundation provides $1 million in annual funding to nonprofit organizations to foster long-term, meaningful change in our communities.
BY THE NUMBERS
2023 DONATIONS
2024 DONATIONS
22 States
2,759 Partners in Sharing hours
17 States
3,341 Partners in Sharing hours
TOTAL FOUNDATION GIVING
Partners in Sharing Matching
Direct Grants
$1,063,469 $1,067,204
$111,365
$952,104
FEATURED PARTNERS
$111,654
$955,550
$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
CONTENTS 21
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
LOOKING AHEAD We remain committed to building community partnerships where our employees live and work. Our plans for the future include: SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF THE TRADES Red Wing Shoe Company aims to provide greater access to careers in the skilled trades. We will continue to explore new ways of supporting hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and workforce development initiatives in these essential fields.
SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE OUR RETAIL RETURNS DONATION PROGRAM
Every pair of Red Wing boots has a story to tell—our 2024 Retail Returns Donation Program made sure that story wasn’t cut short. Piloted at 12 dealer and company-owned stores, the program engaged employees to collect non-resalable returns and donate them to local nonprofit partners. Before donation, store employees carefully cleaned and restored the footwear with new footbeds and laces to help ensure they were in the best possible condition. Our nonprofit partners— ranging from recovery centers to workforce development programs and veterans’ support groups—then distributed the boots to individuals in need. Shoes that were unsuitable for donation were responsibly recycled and broken down for parts. Given the success of this pilot, we plan to expand this program company-wide in 2025.
CONTENTS 22
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
DESIGNING FOR
DECADES
Sustainability starts with design. Every product we create is an investment—built with purpose, durability, and integrity for the people who rely on them. This commitment to quality goes beyond materials; it’s about craftsmanship, safety, and long-term value. We prioritize longevity over margins, ensuring all Red Wing Shoe Company products are made for performance and purpose.
CONTENTS 23
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
DESIGNING FOR DECADES
CIRCULARITY & REPAIR We use sustainable materials and implement circular solutions that extend the life of our footwear and reduce waste while safeguarding their quality. Since 1985, we have repaired over 1.26 million pairs of shoes through our in-house repair program, enhancing their durability and helping to keep them out of landfills. As part of our commitment to circularity, we also support cobblers globally by providing components for repairs. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR FOOTWEAR We are actively incorporating recycled and natural materials into our products, setting new standards for eco- friendly work footwear and advancing green innovation in our product offerings. Integrating materials from top- selling sustainable styles—such as Setter 50, Apex, and EcoLite—into more of our footwear families expands the reach of our environmentally responsible designs.
RESPONSIBLE TEXTILES & GARMENTS Our fabrics meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 , and the textiles and manufactured goods from our workwear partners are OEKO-TEX® Made in Green certified. They also follow the Better Cotton Standard System—guaranteeing that all cotton-based fabrics used in Red Wing Shoe Company’s workwear are responsibly sourced—and hold Sustainable Textile Production certification, adhering to ethical and environmentally friendly textile manufacturing practices.
Durability and sustainability go hand in hand. With innovations in recycled and natural materials, we’re introducing eco-friendly products that uphold the durability our customers rely on while reducing our environmental footprint.
BRELITE AR HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW-IMPACT
Brelite AR, a key material in our workwear, is mostly derived from LENZING™ FR fibers, an innovative, inherently flame-resistant plant-based fiber sourced from FSC® and PEFC-certified forests. These fibers are produced with high resource efficiency, which helps reduce carbon emissions and water consumption significantly compared to cotton or synthetic alternatives. Lenzing manages the entire fiber production process in-house—from sourcing the raw materials to creating the final product. This reduces environmental impact by using renewable energy, minimizing waste, and securing responsible sourcing through initiatives like the CanopyStyle Initiative , which protects ancient and endangered forests.
KRISTIN HAMILTON Senior Director of Global Product Creation
CONTENTS 24
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
LOOKING AHEAD
PFAS COMPLIANCE ADVANCING SAFER PRODUCTS & A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Known as “forever chemicals”, per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been used for their water- and stain-resistant properties, but are also known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. In 2022, we began a thorough assessment to better understand the use of PFAS in our products, working to identify and phase out any materials containing these substances through rigorous testing and material evaluations. By 2023, we ensured compliance with evolving regulations by discontinuing PFAS-containing materials where they were detected and introducing alternative solutions. This process spurred innovation in our product development, allowing us to explore more sustainable materials without compromising on the quality and durability that define our workwear and footwear. In 2024, we expanded our efforts to test and transition all Red Wing Work and PPE product lines. We aim to complete the transition to PFAS-compliant materials across all styles and brands by 2025.
We will continue to advance sustainability in our products and processes to reduce our environmental impact and extend product life cycles.
Moving forward, we will:
EXPAND INCLUSIVE DESIGN Develop an Inclusive Products Standard by 2027 and offer inclusively designed products across all brands by 2030. GROW SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT LINES Develop a materials strategy by 2030, integrating recycled and circular materials across our product portfolio to reduce emissions and environmental impact compared to our 2022 baseline. Expand partnerships with suppliers, explore material alternatives, and implement innovations like EcoLite to advance sustainability in product design by 2026. STRENGTHEN CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS Enhance existing initiatives like shoe repair and reusing materials while introducing programs that extend product lifecycles and align with customer needs—all as part of our broader 2030 sustainability roadmap.
CONTENTS 25
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
REDUCING OUR
FOOTPRINT
Just as we craft our products to stand the test of time, we take the long view when it comes to our responsibility to the planet. Sustainability isn’t a side project—it’s built into how we do business. By making smart choices in our operations, supply chain, and product design, we can cut waste, lower carbon emissions, and use more renewable energy in our 21 facilities and 136 company-owned retail stores. Owning our process means we can make real changes to reduce impact without sacrificing quality. At the heart of it all is respect—respect for our customers, their work, and the natural world that makes it all possible.
CONTENTS 26
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
OUR CLIMATE ROADMAP
ESTABLISHING A SUSTAINABILITY BASELINE Our formal sustainability journey began in 2022 when we partnered with Quantis to measure our environmental impact and establish baseline data for our carbon, waste, and water footprints. Using global standards like the GHG Protocol and ISO 14-046, this assessment gave us a clearer picture of our footprint across the value chain. These insights shape our climate strategy, guiding us toward science-based targets that help us reduce emissions, optimize resource use, and enhance sustainability practices.
OUR CLIMATE ROADMAP Building on what we learned from our baseline assessment, we developed our Climate Roadmap to define clear, science-based actions to reduce our environmental impact by 2030. Our goal is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions— generated by fuel and electricity use in our facilities—from our 2022 baseline. We are also addressing Scope 3 emissions—those resulting from our value chain— by targeting non-FLAG emissions as well as FLAG (forest, land, and agriculture) emissions, which are primarily driven by the land impact of leather production. To reach these goals, we are embracing innovative solutions that advance circular economy principles. This includes expanding our use of reconstituted leather and integrating recycled materials like cotton and hemp into our product lines. Beyond reducing emissions, these efforts reinforce our commitment to designing durable, sustainable products. We are also working toward sourcing electricity for our owned facilities from renewable sources by 2030. In addition, improving operational efficiency remains a priority through targeted actions such as reducing natural gas usage, optimizing tanning and cutting processes to minimize waste, and installing LED lighting to lower energy consumption—also by 2030.
with our product, marketing, supply chain, facilities, and CSR teams, we have developed and prioritized 16 critical actions across Red Wing Shoe Company’s operations and supply chain that will continue to guide the work to achieve our ambitious goals. These efforts entail implementing targeted actions to address critical environmental challenges across multiple focus areas. TRACKING & REDUCING EMISSIONS In step with our Climate Roadmap, we are taking action to mitigate our carbon footprint by auditing owned spaces for energy efficiencies and prioritizing machinery upgrades, LED lighting, and HVAC improvements. Coupled with renewable energy investments, such as our solar garden subscription, these initiatives have already offset over 66,000 metric tons of CO 2 emissions. OPERATIONAL WASTE REDUCTION We are advancing circularity goals through innovative waste reduction programs. In 2024, surplus leather from S.B. Foot Tanning Co. , our leather production facility in Red Wing, Minnesota, was repurposed into 500 limited-edition bags. This project turned high-quality hides that would have otherwise gone to waste into functional items and directed all profits from these bags to the Savory Institute , a nonprofit dedicated to regenerating the world’s grasslands. Additionally, S.B. Foot led a scrap leather fundraiser, with employees purchasing scraps for personal projects, helping support local creativity and community-focused sustainability while raising $10,000 for the Environmental Learning Center Program .
What we do today creates ripples that shape tomorrow. Red Wing Shoe Company’s sustainability strategy is guided by science-based actions that reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and ensure a sustainable future for both our planet and our products.
ONGOING INITIATIVES Collaboration and innovation are at the core of our Climate Roadmap. Conducting extensive cross-functional workshops and alignment sessions
KIM LYONS Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
CONTENTS 27
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
OUR CLIMATE ROADMAP
LOOKING AHEAD
We are taking decisive steps to improve waste tracking and reduction across our production and distribution. In 2024, we launched a discovery task force to assess our current processes and connect our tannery, CSR team, product team, and manufacturing teams. This cross-functional effort identified ways to minimize scrap generation during production while exploring solutions for post-manufacturing waste from both our tannery and manufacturing facilities. Guided by these insights, our focus in 2025 will turn to establishing specific waste reduction goals, developing strategies to repurpose leather cuttings, and zeroing in on new circular solutions for scrap materials. LAND & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT In 2023 and 2024, we activated the first phase of a prairie restoration initiative at our manufacturing plant in Red Wing, Minnesota. This effort focused on transforming the lawn into a native prairie to create a rich ecosystem for plants and pollinators and reduce maintenance needs. Community input was incorporated through voting on ecological designs and hardscaping features were added to support the restoration. Over the first year—fall 2023 to fall 2024—the focus was on root development, using cover crops for erosion
control and shade for germinating native plants. By fall 2025, the prairie will support wildflowers and grasses, including Canada Wild Rye. By its eighth season, the prairie is expected to have fully matured, forming a dense root mass up to 20 feet deep, enhancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity. In 2024, we hosted the Growing GRASS project, an initiative supported by the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. This program helps build supply chains that maximize the value of beef and bison byproducts like hides while reducing waste. Supporting regenerative grazing practices enhances the sustainability of leather production, improves soil health, and provides farmers with a more resilient, cost- effective approach to land and livestock management. WATER INNOVATION At S.B. Foot Tanning Co., we are exploring ways to optimize water use in our tannery operations as part of our broader sustainability efforts. We assessed water as part of our 2022 baseline footprint and continue to explore opportunities to improve water efficiency in alignment with our existing climate goals by focusing on conservation and refining our processes where possible.
As we continue our sustainability journey, we are focused on making measurable progress toward our long-term goals by: IMPROVING WASTE MANAGEMENT We are working to reduce emissions and minimize waste from our cutting and tanning processes. These efforts are driven by improved waste-tracking systems, greater process efficiency, and innovative reuse initiatives across our operations. ADVANCING CARBON & WATER EFFICIENCY Building on our established baselines, we will prioritize impactful solutions such as expanding renewable energy projects, improving supply chain waste management, and advancing innovations in water conservation.
TURNING SCRAPS INTO SOLUTIONS RETHINKING LEATHER WASTE
Leather is a cornerstone of our products and a focus of our sustainability efforts. We recognize the environmental impact of leather production and have begun implementing initiatives to minimize waste and advance our circularity goals. These include optimizing patterning and cutting processes to reduce material loss during manufacturing. In line with our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and circular design, we are also exploring innovative ways to repurpose leather scraps and incorporate them into new materials. In addition to reducing waste,
these measures help lower carbon emissions across our value chain.
CONTENTS 28
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
APPENDIX
CONTENTS 29
A Letter from Allison
About Red Wing Shoe Company
CSR Strategy
Caring for People
Investing in the Work
Designing for Decades
Reducing Our Footprint
Appendix
ABOUT THIS REPORT
CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report outlines Red Wing Shoe Company’s CSR approach and progress, covering the period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted. It serves as a reflection on our efforts and milestones achieved over these two years. Moving forward, we intend to continue reporting on our CSR performance and provide transparency into our ongoing journey. This report was developed in partnership with qb. consulting , a women-owned environmental, social, and governance strategy, and communications firm. We collaborated with FRINGE22 Studio , a branding and creative strategy studio passionate about social impact, for the report’s design. We value the perspectives of our stakeholders and invite ongoing dialogue to inform and refine our commitments. If you have questions or feedback regarding this report, please contact us at CSR@redwingshoes.com .
This report includes forward-looking statements that reflect Red Wing Shoe Company’s expectations, plans, and objectives as of the time of publication. These statements may address future goals, strategies, activities, or performance and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions, expectations, and information available to us, which may change over time. Factors such as changes in company performance, regulatory environments, and other external influences could impact the realization of our stated goals or the outcomes of our initiatives. Any forward-looking statements should not be interpreted as guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances.
REPOR MPACT REPORT 2023–202 MPACT REPORT 2023–202 023–2024 IMPACT REPOR 23–2024 IMPACT REPORT –2024
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