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  • Washington Shoe

    In the News

  • Headlines From Our Press Coverage

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Girl Scouts of the USA & Western Chief Announce Their First-Ever Boot Collection

    westernchief.com/pages/girl-scouts, June 29, 2022

    Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Western Chief, Seattle’s oldest footwear company and the nation’s largest growth rainboot brand, announce GSUSA’s first-ever boot collection, Girl Scouts x Western Chief. This new five-item waterproof kid and adult boot collection features deliciously fun and whimsical Girl Scout themed footwear. Available in kids size 5 – 6 Youth ($40 through $70) and women’s size 6 – 11 ($55 through $70), the collection is now available for preorders at Girl Scouts x Western Chief and will also be available for purchase at Murdoch’s and the Girl Scout Shop this summer.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Seattle's First Shoe Company Celebrates 130 Years

    425Magazine.com, December 2021

    In 1891 — roughly 20 years after settlers established Seattle as a township — Washington Shoe Co. planted its flag in what’s now known as the Pioneer Square neighborhood and established itself as the city’s first shoe company. Washington Shoe began its legacy with the Western Chief brand, manufacturing work boots and shoes for the thousands that had been pouring into the city to work in lumber; coal; shipbuilding; and later, the Alaska Gold Rush.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Washington Shoe Co. Donates Thousands of New Rain Boots and Rain Coats to Kids in Need

    Puget Sound Business Journal, May 2021

    Donations were made to organizations like Seattle Children’s, Seattle Union Gospel Mission, Tacoma Rescue Mission, food banks and several school districts.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Washington Shoe CEO: Why 2020 Was 'A Record Year' for Sales

    Puget Sound Business Journal, January 2021

    To connect with customers during the pandemic, Karl Moehring and his team set up a “virtual showroom” where models could show off the company’s latest products for retail partners and potential wholesale buyers. "They called it a game-changer," he says. Despite the pandemic, Washington Shoe Co. expected to post a minimum of $46 million in sales for 2020. That represents a 15% growth in sales.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Washington She Company Celebrates 130 Years by Giving Back to the Community

    King5 News Seattle, January 2021

    To celebrate their 130th birthday, the Washington Shoe Company is giving back to the communities that have supported them for generations.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Ask: Karl Moehring

    South Sound Business, January 2021

    With roots in crafting outdoor boots for prospectors during the Alaska Gold Rush, Kent-based Washington Shoe Co. celebrates 130 years of business this month. Today, the legacy business continues to outfit Pacific Northwest (and beyond) families with its four unique brands.

    Rick Snowden Washington Shoe Company

    Designer Chat: Rick Snowden

    FootwearPlusMagazine.com, August 2020

    Rick Snowden, a fellow evergreen state native, who grew up in the shoe business and made his design bones at Topline Corporation, a designer, producer and marketer of a private label and branded footwear that was designed by his father, William. Snowden's experience fit's Washington Show Company's needs to a T, and when the two met, it didn't take long for him to join the company last December...

    Up Close Karl Moehring Washington Shoe Company

    Up Close: In Conversation with Washington Shoe Company’s Karl Moehring

    SourcingJournal.com, June 2020

    Up Close is Sourcing Journal’s regular check-in with industry executives to get their take on topics ranging from personal style to their company’s latest moves. In this Q&A, Karl Moehring, CEO of footwear manufacturer Washington Shoe Company, discusses how the firm’s family-owned perspective is shaping its human resources and the business investment that has proved valuable…

    Rob Mohering Chairman Washington Shoe Family

    True Grit - Footwear Plus Awards

    Footwear Plus Magazine, March 2020

    Rob Moehring, chairman of Washington Shoe Company, makers of Chooka, Western Chief, Staheekum and CH2O, has overcome numerous hurdles over the course of 40-plus years, revealing a relentless can-do spirit and a refusal to quit...

    Washington Shoe Family

    Appealing to the Whole Family Boosts Western Chief, Rain or Shine

    SourcingJournal.com, October 2019

    As a footwear manufacturer for well over a century, Western Chief has created a legacy based heavily upon its signature rubber boots that are designed to withstand the unforgiving elements of the Pacific Northwest. While the brand first got its start in 1891 by focusing on leather boots to be worn during the Alaska Gold Rush, it later expanded into those recognizable rubber Wellies that have become its hallmark...

    Moehring Family

    Washington Shoe Company: If the Shoes Fit

    South Sound Business, July 2019

    Family-owned for four generations, Washington Shoe Company credits success to respect and its responsiveness...
    Karl Moehring Washington Shoe Company

    Seattleite Spotlight: Karl Moehring, Washington Shoe Company CEO

    Seattleite.com, October 2017

    Karl is a Seattle native who took the helm of the company in October 2015. Since then, Karl has made it a top priority to enhance the culture of the company and form a better environment for the employees. Washington Shoe Company houses three brands: Chooka, Western Chief, and Staheekum...

    Karl Moehring Washington Shoe Company

    Off the Clock Profile #10: Karl Moehring

    Seattle Business Magazine, December 2016

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a monthly series of miniprofiles featuring local executives “off the clock.”
    Washington Shoe Company is a family-owned, family-focused footwear company, offering mostly rubber-based shoes and boots.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Wear a Big Smile Foundation: Giving Smiles to Those in Need

    ilovekent.net, Jun 26, 2017

    Wear a Big Smile Foundation is a new charity started by an old Washington company. Washington Shoe Company started in Seattle in 1891 by a German shoemaker to provide boots for the Alaskan Gold Rush. It is still run by the same family, the Moehrings, the fourth generation. Five years ago, they moved to Kent because they needed a larger warehouse. They love working here because it is close to the airport, and many of them travel. There is also a nature preserve right behind their warehouse, and it is centrally located for their employees. Since Amazon opened in Kent, there are lots of restaurants available nearby now for lunch.

    Washington Shoe Footwear

    Washington Shoe Company Still Making a Splash

    King 5 News, February 2017

    One of the oldest Seattle companies creates the newest styles for your feet.

    Washington Shoe Company was founded in 1891 by a German shoemaker to provide boots for the Gold Rush. 125 years later moms and their kids wear their boots. Four generations of Moehrings have run the company as a manufacturer then wholesaler then importer to what is now a design and marketing business run out of their Kent warehouse.

    Seattle Family Footwear

    Kent-based Shoe Company Gives Boots to Elementary Students

    Kent Reporter, October 2016

    Wear a Big Smile – a charitable foundation of Kent-based Washington Shoe Company – recently distributed boots to kindergarten students at two Kent elementary schools.

    Moehring Family Footwear

    Boot-maker Off on the Right Foot

    Puget Sound Business Journal, April 2016

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    Moehring Family Washington Shoe Company

    Changing of The Guard

    Footwear Plus Magazine, February 2016

    Marking Washington Shoe Company’s 125th anniversary, Karl and Rob Moehring, CEO and chairman respectively, reflect on four generations of family ownership and the exciting road ahead.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Washington Shoe Co. Chairman Rob Moehring’s Predictions for Fall ’16

    SourcingJournal.com, December 2016

    The busy holiday shopping season is in full swing and that means consumers are eyeing and buying some of the year’s biggest trends from the last 12 months, but what about after the hype dies down? Curious to know what buyers and consumers alike should look forward to after the calendar changes to 2016, Vamp recently sat down several footwear industry insiders to give us their take on what footwear trends to look out for next year.

    Seattle Brand Washington Shoe

    Washington Shoe Company in Kent to expand | Business

    kentreporter.com, June 8, 2011

    While most of us are just beginning to soak up the summer sun, the Kent-based Washington Shoe Company is already looking forward to the fall rain. Celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, the company is gearing up for another successful rain boot season with well-loved licensed characters and other new products, while expanding its staff and physical footprint, both at home and overseas, according to a June 7 company media release.

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