Red Wing Harvester

Harvester

Model

About

The Harvester is an 8-inch lace-up boot model manufactured by Red Wing Shoes as part of their Heritage collection. Based on style no. 258, one of Red Wing's popular products in the 1930s, the Harvester was used predominantly in harvest fields and mining operations during America's industrial expansion.

The boot features Goodyear welt construction, oil-tanned harness leather, and a Vibram 430 Mini-Lug sole for grip and durability. Reintroduced in Fall 2014, the modern Harvester is available in two main models: 2943 in Amber Harness leather and 2944 in Black Harness leather. Both versions retain the original 8-inch height with speed hooks and brass hardware, making them suitable for both industrial applications and heritage footwear enthusiasts.

History and development

The Harvester model traces its origins to style no. 258, which became one of Red Wing Shoes' popular products during the 1930s. The boot was designed specifically for workers in harvest fields and mining operations, industries that were important to America's economic development during and after the Great Depression.

The original Harvester served as a vital piece of equipment for workers building America's foundational industries. Its 8-inch height and sturdy construction made it particularly suitable for agricultural harvesting and mining work, where workers needed protection from debris, hot materials, and rough terrain. The boot became a longtime favorite among the country's harvesting and mining populations due to its durability and protective features.

Red Wing Shoes discontinued the Harvester model for several decades before reviving it as part of their Heritage collection in Fall 2014. The reintroduction began with model 2944 in Black Harness leather, followed by model 2943 in Amber Harness leather. The modern versions preserve the essential characteristics of the 1930s design while incorporating contemporary materials and construction techniques.

Construction and features

The Harvester employs traditional Goodyear welt construction, a method that stitches a thin leather welt together with the upper and insole, providing durability and the ability to resole the boots. This construction technique dates back to 1869 and allows for multiple resoling throughout the boot's lifespan.

The boot features oil-tanned harness leather, produced using Red Wing Shoes' proprietary tanning process. This leather contains 22% oil content compared to the typical 8-10% in standard leather, making it highly flexible, hard-wearing, and water-repellent. The oil-tanning technique was developed in the 1940s and patented specifically for Red Wing.

Speed hooks are integrated into the 8-inch lacing system to stabilize the wearer's stance and provide secure fit adjustment. The boots include brass speedhooks and eyelets with antique brass hardware throughout. The round toe design is built on Red Wing's No. 8 last, which features a low profile and roomy toebox for comfort during extended wear.

The sole system consists of a Vibram 430 Mini-Lug outsole, manufactured from nitrile/rubber compound that is both highly durable and oil-resistant. At 7.4mm thickness, this Made in USA sole provides reliable grip in snow, ice, and rain conditions while maintaining a refined profile suitable for both work and casual wear applications.

Models and specifications

The modern Harvester line comprises two primary models, both maintaining the original 8-inch height and original 1930s construction methods.

Model 2943 - Amber Harness

Model 2943 features oil-tanned Amber Harness leather with antique brass hardware. The boot includes round brown taslan laces and maintains the classic Red Wing Shoes round toe styling. This model represents the classic appearance most closely associated with the original 1930s Harvester design.

Model 2944 - Black Harness

Model 2944 utilizes oil-tanned Black Harness leather, also with antique brass hardware. This version includes round black taslan laces to complement the darker leather finish. The 2944 was the first model reintroduced in Fall 2014 during the Heritage collection revival.

Both models share identical construction specifications: Goodyear welt construction, leather insole, brass speedhooks and eyelets, and Vibram 430 Mini-Lug outsole. The boots are manufactured in Red Wing, Minnesota, using the same methods employed by Red Wing Shoes for over a century.

Sizing follows Red Wing's standard recommendations, with most customers selecting half to one full size smaller than their typical athletic shoe size. The No. 8 last accommodates most foot widths in standard D width, though wider E and EE widths are available for customers requiring additional room.