Red Wing Shoes Will Launch Construct Boot Line in Fall 2026
The new collection aims to meet rising demand for sneaker-like comfort in work footwear.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
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Red Wing Shoes will release its new Construct work boot collection in fall 2026, marking the transition away from the existing DynaForce series. The launch follows increasing competition in the industrial footwear market from brands like Adidas, Dickies, and Bobcat.
Why it matters
The shift reflects a broader industry push to integrate athletic design elements into protective gear, driven by both evolving consumer preferences and updated slip-resistance regulatory standards. This product cycle update highlights the competitive pressure on legacy manufacturers to maintain market share against newer entrants.
The new collection includes three styles priced at $270 for the 6-inch soft-toe, $280 for the 6-inch safety-toe, and $290 for the 8-inch safety-toe. These units are set to replace the entire DynaForce line.
The players
Red Wing Shoes
A long-standing manufacturer of premium industrial footwear and heavy-duty work gear.
Adidas
A global athletic apparel and footwear conglomerate that entered the work boot market in 2026.
Dickies
A workwear brand specializing in durable clothing and footwear for industrial and trade professionals.
Bobcat
A construction equipment manufacturer that expanded its brand reach into the work footwear market in 2026.
The details
The Construct line utilizes a dual-density rubber cupsole filled with lighter-density polyurethane to improve comfort without sacrificing protection. Beyond the sole construction, the design incorporates a cushioned tongue and lace-to-toe engineering to better align with the athletic-style comfort demanded by the modern workforce. These updates are engineered to ensure the footwear satisfies current ASTM certifications and increasingly stringent slip-resistance mandates.
Timeline
2026 saw new entrants like Adidas, Dickies, and Bobcat enter the work boot market.
The Construct boot collection is scheduled to launch in fall 2026.
Market Landscape
This product transition aligns with the industry-wide adoption of ASTM-compliant athletic safety footwear as traditional boot makers respond to consumer expectations. Red Wing's strategy marks a direct response to the market entry of athletic and non-traditional brands in 2026.
Operators managing safety-compliant uniform programs should prepare for the phase-out of DynaForce boots by fall 2026. Procurement managers should evaluate whether the new Construct line's technical specifications and pricing meet current workplace slip-resistance requirements.
The takeaway
The move toward athletic-style outsoles signifies a permanent shift in what workers expect from daily safety footwear. Review upcoming uniform cycles to ensure procurement remains consistent with updated ASTM and safety-toe requirements.
Further reading
For more on evolving workplace standards, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
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Would you prioritize sneaker-like comfort over traditional design when purchasing your next pair of work boots?
