It has been fifteen years since Red Wing Amsterdam first opened its doors. What has defined it through that time goes beyond the boots on its shelves; it’s the community that has grown around them. Tucked into The Reestraat, the store has long been shaped by the energy of its surroundings: independent retailers, creative studios, and a steady mix of locals and visitors who value things made with intention. From the beginning, it became a natural meeting place for people drawn to garments that stand up to daily life and gather meaning through use. That shared appreciation for craft and longevity sits at the centre of why this milestone matters.
To mark the occasion, Clutch Magazine has produced a feature exploring the store’s journey. Based in Japan and renowned for its deep knowledge of workwear, vintage menswear, and the cultures of making, Clutch has a longstanding commitment to telling the stories of those who understand quality from the inside out. Their editorial approach, guided by a respect for tradition and a curiosity for the communities that sustain them, makes them an ideal partner in telling this chapter.
Red Wing’s wider story begins in Minnesota in 1905, where the brand has produced purpose-built work boots using methods that have remained largely unchanged for more than a century. Goodyear welting, oil-tanned leathers from the S.B. Foot Tannery, and silhouettes rooted in American labour traditions continue to form the foundations of its identity today. When the team behind Tenue opened Red Wing Amsterdam in 2010, they carried that legacy into a new setting. Their belief in durable garments, considered design, and pieces that gather character over time aligned naturally with Red Wing’s philosophy. The store’s culture — its focus on education, fitting, repair, and long-term relationships — stems from that shared understanding of quality as something lived rather than simply constructed.
Fifteen years later, the result is a community shaped by countless conversations and a steady commitment to things that only improve with age. Our doors remain open to all, and we look forward to welcoming some new faces who want to experience that spirit for themselves. Below, in conversation with Clutch Magazine, the Red Wing Amsterdam team reflects on that journey and the years still ahead.
