Carhartt Footwear is gaining one partner while losing another. Red Wing Shoes, a long time partner in building the famous footwear line is winding down operations as of September of this year. Carhartt announced the selection of Black Diamond Group as its new licensee for the branded footwear line back in June. The results of these two companies collaboration will be an initial product of at least thirty different styles. These will be available through select retailers and at their personal website. The line itself is part of the Spring 2012 line.
This particular line will carry a lot of the same things from the old line produced by Red Wing Shoes such as Carhartt direct welt construction, Ortholite tongues and insoles, heel guards and waterproofing effects. Black Diamond is the perfect addition to the Carhartt line as it too is a leader in protective, performance footwear. Their construction of footwear includes best in class materials and components and includes proprietary constructions. The addition of this company to Carhartt is a well-planned move and will expand Carhartt’s market. At the same time, Red Wing Shoes is no longer selling the Carhartt brand on their site.
They will continue to honor orders that have been already made but are accepting no new orders. A letter sent to retailers dated September 22, informed retailers about the decision to wind down business with Carhartt. They also gave information about purchasing, orders, warranties and other need to know items for all retailers currently having Carhartt/Red Wing stock or planning on more stock. Contact for shoes from this line would go directly to Carhartt and not Red Wing. This signals an ending of the very long and fruitful association between the two giants. It is sad to see Red Wing go as a creator and builder of Carhartt footwear.
At the same time, the future is open with the addition of Black Diamond Group as the new manufacturer of Carhartt Footwear. Black Diamond already has a reputation for being the best when it comes to protective footwear. Add this to the formidable Carhartt line and you have a winning combination that will go to work for protective footwear buyers all over the world. It looks to deliver on the Carhartt promise of the best protective shoes anywhere. You can expect great things from this powerful combination soon.
Red Wing will continue to build protective shoes for their own line. The split is looked on as amicable with both parties wishing the other well in their new endeavors. Both go on as strong leaders in the protective footwear market and both provide a lot to the customer looking for high-quality protection in footwear. Look for new and exciting things to be happening with both companies as the New Year dawns in 2012. While Red Wing and Carhartt will now be competing for one another, the Carhartt/Black Diamond Group duo looks to be strong right out of the gate. Quality is still job one with both companies and the consumer is the winner.
