White's Boots

White's Boots is a Spokane, Washington based boot making company that specializes in making handcrafted leather work boots.

Not to be confused with the children's novel White Boots.
White's Boots, Inc.
TypePrivate
IndustryApparel
FoundedPre Civil War (Pre Civil War)
FounderOtto White family
HeadquartersSpokane, Washington

History

White's originally began before the Civil war as a family business that crafted boots for loggers in Virginia. In 1902 the company relocated to St. Maries, Idaho and then settled in Spokane 13 years later. After moving to the inland northwest region of the United States, White's began selling their boots primarily to members of the forest industry.[1] Following years of service, the company established itself in the area, and became a popular item among loggers, construction workers, and Wildland firefighters. The boots have become especially popular among Wildland Firefighters, and their most popular style is a boot called the "Smoke Jumper" which was created specifically to fulfill the needs of Wildland Firefighters.[2]

More recently the company has drawn interest from members of the fashion community, as there has been a renewed interest in obtaining Americana wear.[3]

Buyout

In July 2014, White's Boots was sold to LaCrosse Footwear of Portland, Oregon, which also owns Danner Boots. LaCrosse Footwear's chief financial officer, Kirk Layton, cited the made-in-America heritage of White's Boots as a motivating factor for the buyout. LaCrosse Footwear is itself owned by Tokyo-based retailer ABC-Mart.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Made In The Northwest: White's Boots". 24 April 2012.
  2. Kramer, Becky (18 June 2000). "Boots of armor White's Boots Inc. keeps its customers satisfied by producing; sturdy, comfortable boots that can handle nearly any situation,; from forest fires to aluminum smelters to construction sites". Spokesman Review.
  3. Keeps, David A. (18 March 2007). "Men's style with a swagger". Los Angeles Times.
  4. Sowa, Tom (22 July 2014). "White's Boots of Spokane sold to Portland's LaCrosse Footwear". The Spokesman-Review.
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