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 And yet, barriers like cost, access to training, and outdated perceptions deter new talent from joining these essential industries.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
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