Red Wing Finally Brings an Elusive Feature to Its Classic Moc Boot

Little has changed on the Classic Moc since its debut in 1952. But it’s never too late to learn new tricks.

Published November 11, 2024

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Updated November 11, 2024

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The Red Wing Classic Moc is one of the most iconic boots in existence. And little has changed over the last 70-odd years.

First released in 1952, it features a rubber crepe sole, leather upper (of course) and comes in various heights, from six to eight inches. Now it’s getting something that has long eluded the famous style: speed hooks.

brown red wing boots — Speed hooks don’t typically come on the Classic Moc, however, some Red Wing stores will add them for customer who ask.

Steve McQueen Classic Moc

To bring awareness to its new Will Your Wings campaign celebrating longevity and sustainability, Red Wing partnered with the Steve McQueen estate to release a special-edition Classic Moc “inspired by Steve’s own original pair of Red Wings,” the brand said in a press release.

steve mcqueen riding a motorcycle — Steve McQueen seemed the favor the eight-inch 877 boot, as pictured above.

Using the Red Wing 875 as a jumping off point, the new boot features Oro Legacy leather in a six-inch upper. However, it introduces brass speed hooks, leather laces and a black wedge outsole to the design. (The latter has started showing up in other Classic Mocs but never alongside Oro Legacy leather.)

Curiously, Steve McQueen famously wore the 877 boot with an eight-inch upper, so Red Wing is clearly taking some creative license here with the new boot. Nonetheless, the tweaks bring a unique addition to the Classic Moc family and the boots even include McQueen’s signature and racing number, 278, embossed on the heels.

“The Will Your Wings campaign isn’t just about passing down a pair of boots,” McQueen’s granddaughter, Molly McQueen, said, “it’s about passing down a legacy. Just like the boots, it’s about handing over something meaningful and built to last. It’s about receiving a piece of history to cherish, uphold, and make your own.”

The Steve McQueen Classic Moc boot will be available in the US starting November 21 for a price of $420, the brand confirmed. The Red Wing 875 currently retails for $310.