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.

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

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.

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

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, 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 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 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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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.