Wesco Boots

West Coast Shoe Company was founded in 1918 by John Henry Shoemaker in Portland, Oregon, during a period when Oregon served as the logging capital of the world. Shoemaker established the company to supply boots for workers in the timber industry, earning the company a reputation in the challenging conditions of Oregon's logging camps.

The company initially operated from multiple locations in downtown Portland from 1918 to 1931. During this period, Wesco developed its early product lines focused on the demanding requirements of outdoor industrial work in the Pacific Northwest.

The Great Depression of 1929 significantly impacted Wesco's operations, forcing the closure of the Portland factory and creating severe financial challenges for the business. Despite these setbacks, John Shoemaker made the decision to relocate operations to Scappoose, Oregon in 1931.

In 1933, the company established its current facility on property owned by Shoemaker, building an 8,000 square foot factory on the hill overlooking Scappoose. This facility became the foundation for the company's continued operations and growth over the following decades.

Between 1930 and 1950, during Scappoose's growth period, West Coast Shoe Company served as the largest employer of local residents. This established the company as a central part of the local economy and community development.

Over the subsequent 86 years, the company expanded the original facility to its current size of 16,000 square feet, maintaining continuous operations from the same location while preserving traditional bootmaking methods.

Wesco employs a comprehensive 155-step hand-crafting manufacturing process that requires specialized skill, strength, and discipline from its craftsmen. The company maintains a workforce of approximately 32 to 40 full-time employees who work as a team throughout the production process.

All manufacturing operations remain in the United States, with the company emphasizing the use of full grain leather and traditional construction techniques. The manufacturing process reflects the company's commitment to maintaining historical bootmaking standards rather than adopting modern industrial automation.

The company specializes in stitchdown construction techniques that align with traditional work boot manufacturing. This construction method provides durability suitable for the demanding conditions faced by the company's target user base.

Wesco offers boot rebuilding services as a core part of its operations, reflecting the company's approach to creating footwear designed for long-term use and maintenance rather than replacement.

Custom boot orders currently require approximately 12 to 13 months for completion, reflecting both the detailed hand-crafting process and demand for personalized footwear. The company offers both pre-made stock boots and custom-fitted options to accommodate different customer requirements.

Wesco focuses on work boots designed for specific industrial and outdoor applications. The primary user base includes linemen working on electrical power systems, loggers operating in forest environments, wildland firefighters, and motorcyclists requiring protective footwear.

The company's product development centers on meeting the functional requirements of these demanding occupations while maintaining the durability standards established during its early years serving the logging industry. Key models include the Jobmaster for linemen, the Firestormer for wildland firefighters, the Highliner for electrical workers, the Boss engineer boots, and the Warren Boot for various applications. Lifestyle offerings include the Johannes and western-style Morrison boots.

Wesco markets its boots through approximately 250 dealers across the United States and through international distributors serving global markets. Approximately one-third of the company's production is exported to countries outside the United States.

The company operates both direct factory sales and dealer network distribution, providing multiple channels for customers to access both stock and custom boot options.

The company remains under family control through the fourth generation of the Shoemaker family. Current leadership includes Roberta Shoemaker as President and CEO, and Peggy LeBlanc as Secretary and Treasurer.

This family ownership structure has enabled Wesco to maintain independence from corporate acquisitions while preserving traditional manufacturing approaches and community ties in Scappoose.

Wesco operates from its facility at 52828 Northwest Shoe Factory Lane in Scappoose, Oregon, maintaining the location established in 1933. The company offers factory tours by appointment, providing visitors with direct observation of the manufacturing process.

The facility serves both production and direct sales functions, with the company maintaining Better Business Bureau accreditation and active social media presence to support customer communication.