Okanogan

White's Boots has built its reputation on hand-sewn construction methods that involve over 25 unique production stages, with the Okanogan likely sharing the same commitment to craftsmanship and durability that characterizes the company's entire product line.

White's Boots was founded in 1853 by Edward White in Connecticut, originally serving loggers and soldiers during the pre-Civil War era. The company relocated to St. Maries, Idaho in 1902 before settling permanently in Spokane, Washington in 1915, where it remains today. The White family operated the business through three generations, with Otto White developing the company's trademarked Arch-Ease technology in 1926, which became integral to the company's boot design philosophy.

In July 2014, White's Boots was acquired by LaCrosse Footwear of Portland, Oregon, ensuring the continuation of the company's American manufacturing tradition. The acquisition preserved 118 jobs at the Spokane Valley facility and maintained the company's commitment to domestic production using American-sourced materials.

White's Boots operates from a 42,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Spokane, Washington, which includes an 8,000-square-foot retail space. The company produces approximately 40,000 pairs of boots annually, utilizing 400,000 square feet of leather sourced primarily from American suppliers. With annual revenue approaching $12 million, White's maintains its position as a significant player in the heritage footwear market.

The company employs multiple construction methods, with hand-sewn stitchdown construction representing their premium offering. This method involves hand-lasting, hand-welting, and hand-bottoming processes performed by master bootmakers. The hand-welting technique, used since the company's founding, employs an awl and thread to stitch the vamp directly into the insole at three stitches per inch, creating a fully rebuildable boot construction.

Alternative construction methods include regular stitchdown construction, Goodyear welt construction, and traditional nail bottom construction for specific applications. All methods emphasize all-leather construction with leather insoles, midsoles, and shanks that provide the foundation for White's signature high-arch support system.

White's Boots has historically focused on serving working professionals, particularly wildland firefighters, loggers, and linemen. The company's most recognized model, the Smokejumper, was specifically designed for wildland firefighters and remains their primary business focus. This specialization in professional-grade work boots has established White's reputation for durability and performance in demanding environments.

In recent years, the company has expanded into lifestyle boot categories while maintaining its work boot heritage. This expansion includes military-inspired ankle boots, motorcycling boots, hunting boots, and chukka boots, with pricing ranging from $369 for lifestyle models to $639 for professional work boots.

The company's boots have gained international recognition, particularly in Japan, where some models command prices up to $850. This global appeal demonstrates the enduring value of American-made craftsmanship in the heritage footwear market.