FOOT SOLUTIONS vs Red Wing Shoes
FOOT SOLUTIONS vs Red Wing Shoes: FOOT SOLUTIONS costs $165K–$272K to open; Red Wing Shoes costs $50K–$345K. FOOT SOLUTIONS has 75 units, Red Wing Shoes has 14. SBA loan history: FOOT SOLUTIONS = 94 loans (26.6% default); Red Wing Shoes = 17 loans (5.9% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 30/100 | 41/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 94 | 17 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 26.6% | 5.9% |
Peer Tier | established | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $165K – $272K | $50K – $345K |
Franchise Fee | $45K | $50K |
Royalty Rate | 5% | N/A |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $50K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $250K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 75 | 14 |
Franchised Units | 75 | 14 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 2000 | 1905 |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | N/A | KENOSHA, WI |
Category | Shoe Stores | Shoe Stores |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better — FOOT SOLUTIONS or Red Wing Shoes?
Lower upfront capital required
Red Wing Shoes
FOOT SOLUTIONS: $165K starting · Red Wing Shoes: $50K starting
More SBA lender confidence
FOOT SOLUTIONS
FOOT SOLUTIONS: 94 SBA loans · Red Wing Shoes: 17 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Red Wing Shoes
FOOT SOLUTIONS: 26.6% · Red Wing Shoes: 5.9%
Larger system & brand presence
FOOT SOLUTIONS
FOOT SOLUTIONS: 75 units · Red Wing Shoes: 14 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Red Wing Shoes
FOOT SOLUTIONS: 5% · Red Wing Shoes: 0%
More lender financing options
FOOT SOLUTIONS
FOOT SOLUTIONS: 40 unique lenders · Red Wing Shoes: 13 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
FOOT SOLUTIONS vs Red Wing Shoes: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing FOOT SOLUTIONS and Red Wing Shoes is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $50K to $345K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — FOOT SOLUTIONS with 94 SBA loans and Red Wing Shoes with 17. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.