Flowers, chocolates, cards, and jewelry are go-to Valentine’s Day gifts. But we’ve all been there, done that, right? So why not go against the grain (literally) this year with the gift of sole? At least, that’s the sentiment behind Red Wing Heritage’s Valentine’s Day drop of its iconic Classic Moc work boot in a soft Dusty Rose Abilene. The rugged boot (SRP: $319.99) comes in a unique roughout, full-grain leather that’s naturally water-resistant. Even better, it comes in his and her sizes.
Jase Swalve, senior product line manager for Red Wing Heritage, says the hue already has a strong track record of dual gender appeal. “We released a women’s Classic Moc in Rose Boundary leather in 2020, and it quickly became one of our most popular colorways for women,” he reports. “And shortly after, we heard that there was appetite for the color to be available on our men’s last and sizes.” That discovery, he adds, has led Red Wing Heritage to think about its product line with a more universal approach. Since 2008, the division has rolled out Classic Mocs in a rainbow of colors—51 to be exact—from Indigo blue to Alpine green. “We’re looking at how we bring the same or similar silhouettes and leather colorways across both men’s and women’s lasts,” he says.
As for Dusty Rose Abilene, specifically, Swalve believes the appeal goes well beyond a Valentine’s Day tie-in. “The lighter hue of pink is seasonally relevant for spring and summer,” he says. “It’s intended to be a bit of a new neutral, as it’s a beautiful pink/taupe shade that’s a bit different than more traditional brown or black, but still very approachable in terms of styling and daily wear.”
