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About Anna Schmidtke

Anna Schmidtke is the Digital Marketing Specialist on the Thorogood team, leading our social media efforts and interactions with our customers. After growing up just north of Minneapolis, MN, she studied at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. She landed in Merrill not long after graduation and has come to love Thorogood’s home state of Wisconsin as we do. 

Anna brings unique insights to our team by getting to know our customers on a personal level. Taking care to learn about their needs and what they’re looking for in footwear, she helps us deliver the best product experience with every pair of Thorogoods. And she takes this job seriously – she even handles the interviews and development for our “Lacing Up With…” blog and social media series which features real, hardworking people and their stories.  

When not at work, Anna is an avid traveler. Whether she’s visiting family, catching up with college friends in other states, relaxing at her lake cabin, or off to the next vacation adventure – she’s always looking forward to the next experience. She also loves spending time with her two dogs, Nova and Goose, at home and on the go.

Anna’s favorite pair of Thorogoods is the American Heritage 6″, Crazyhorse Moc Toe Wedge Boot, 814-4203

Anna Schmidtke's Articles

Lacing Up with Justine May

August 22, 2023
Women in the snow with cows

Justine didn’t take the “easy” route when she chose her career. She decided to put her willpower to the test in the pursuit of a steady paycheck (just like so many of us) and ended up learning the trade skills of masonry. Read more about Justine May’s challenges and triumphs as she learned what being…

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What is the shank of a boot?

August 16, 2023
What is a boot shank

In boot anatomy, the shank is a long, thin strip of stiff material between the midsole and insole that provides support and stability. If you’re wondering how to tell if a boot has a steel shank, try bending them at the arch – if it doesn’t flex, that’s likely a yes. The shank is a…

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How to Make Work Boots Last Longer

September 5, 2023
How to make work boots last longer

How long should work boots last? For many people working in tough conditions, the answer can be as short as six months. But if you take proper care of your boots, you can keep them in good shape for much longer. Learn how to make your work boots last longer – from purchase to everyday…

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Lacing Up with Brian Nguyen

September 11, 2023
Worker walking on beam

Meet Brian Nguyen, a self-made welder based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a level of dedication you don’t often find anymore. Brian didn’t take “no” for an answer when he decided which career he wanted to pursue. And there were a lot of no’s along the way. Hear from him about how he overcame obstacles, learned…

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Lacing Up with Twon Haugen

October 10, 2023

Twon Haugen is pursuing his passion in Music City, USA, and working as a bartender to pay the bills until he makes it big. Read about his passion, struggles, and advice for others hoping to follow the same path. On the Road to Becoming a Full-Time Musician Twon made the move towards becoming a musician…

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What are the best police tactical boots?

October 18, 2023

If you’re in the police force, you know there will be times when it’s tough. When called to action, you’re going to need specialised boots designed to meet the demands and dangers of the work you’ll be doing. Police tactical boots must provide protection, durability, and versatility. However, they should also be comfortable, especially when…

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Lacing Up with Pet Needs

November 2, 2023

We’ve found and interviewed Thorogood wearers across the country in a variety of professions, but this group may be one of our most unique connections yet. Pet Needs is a U.K.-based punk band taking big risks to follow their dreams. Hear from the group about their inspirations, tough times, and how our Thorogood work boots…

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Lacing Up with Edgar Aceituno

December 4, 2023

Meet Edgar Aceituno: a veteran of the rodent and pest control industry who runs his own business out of Norwalk, in sunny SoCal. Edgar understands the importance hard work plays in reaching his goals. Of course, we were excited to learn more about his successes, and the role his Thorogood boots play in his achievements.…

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Lacing Up with Trevor Valdez

January 8, 2024

While Trevor Valdez may not be the sort of person who’d claim he can move mountains, in reality he isn’t all that far off from having such an ability – at least, while he works. An operator of heavy machinery from the town of Knapp, in our home state of Wisconsin, he’s an experienced hand…

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Lacing Up with Sarah Matthews

January 23, 2024

When it comes to understanding the value of hard work and maintaining an open, positive mindset, Sarah Matthews could probably teach us all a thing or two. Raised out on the western slope of Colorado, this life-long resident of New Castle spent most of her formative years honing a passion for welding and ironwork, becoming…

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Lacing Up with Josh Walker

February 27, 2024

Josh Walker is the co-founder of 1620 Workwear: makers, sellers, and distributors of high-performance technical clothing for working people. Based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Josh and partnering co-founder Ted De Innocentis are on a mission to set high standards for the manufacture of workwear worn by American workers. Like ourselves, 1620 Workwear share a commitment to…

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LACING UP WITH LUKE DRAEGER

April 10, 2024

Luke Draeger is based in Aniwa, WI. He grew up as a farm kid and like most – was pressured to join college soon after graduating high school. After feeling a lack of direction, Luke decided to attend NTC for an associate’s degree. Even after attending higher education for 2 years – he still felt…

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