Washington Shoe Company is a 4th generation family owned business, and Seattle’s first shoe company. In 1891 we began making boots and shoes for outdoor workers under the Western Chief name. In 1898 added demand for our boots came with the Alaska Gold Rush, and the need for boots to hold up against tough weather conditions. Today, the legacy lives on.

In 2016, wanting to make an impact in the community, the Moehring family launched the non-profit Wear A Big Smile® Foundation. Western Chief proudly supports the Foundation which donates boots to people in need throughout our local community.