You're looking at a pair of genuine Red Wing 968 Engineer Boots manufactured in July 2004 at Red Wing's USA facility in Red Wing, Minnesota — confirmed by the interior label date code (7/04, P02, lot 18270). These are UFCW union-made, full leather upper, soft toe engineer boots built to the original 968 specification before the model was discontinued in its authentic USA form.

The Red Wing 968 was one of the last great American-made motorcycle engineer boots produced at full USA quality standards. The 2004 production window is particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts because it represents the original construction: genuine leather upper, embossed shaft branding, chrome Red Wing Shoes shield badge sewn into the shaft, and the iconic dual-buckle harness configuration with the branded "Red Wings" ankle buckle. All of these details are present and intact on this pair.

These boots have been worn and show honest character:

✔ Leather upper intact on both boots — no cracking, no separation, no structural damage

✔ Chrome Red Wing Shoes shield badge present and intact on both boots

✔ Branded "Red Wings" ankle buckle — legible and functional on both sides

✔ Dual buckle harness straps — both functional, hardware secure

✔ Embossed shaft logo crisp and clear on both boots

✔ Original factory sole — NOT resoled. Genuine heel with wear consistent with use

✔ Interior lining clean — no rot, no collapse

⚠ Some surface dryness/bloom on toe boxes — cosmetic only, wipe with any leather conditioner

⚠ Minor vamp creasing — normal and expected for worn engineer boots

⚠ No box included

All wear is accurately depicted in photos. What you see is what you get.

SPECS

Model: 968

Size: US 10 / UK 9 / EUR 43

Width: D (Standard/Medium)

Color: Black

Toe: Soft Toe

Upper: Leather

Construction: Goodyear Welt

Made in: USA — Red Wing, Minnesota

Date Manufactured: July 2004

Factory Lot: 18270 / P02

Union Made: UFCW

SIZING

Red Wing 968s run true to size. If between sizes, size up. These do not stretch significantly. A size 10D fits a true size 10 foot.

SHIPPING

Ships USPS Priority Mail within 2 business days of cleared payment. Packed with care — boots are double-wrapped and shaft-stuffed to arrive in the same condition they left.

QUESTIONS

Message me before buying. Happy to answer anything.