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Made just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for over 80 years. Great to see this still happening. I have two pairs of their shoes -- outstanding craftsmanship and quality. Pretty cool to see how it's done!
The only other US dress shoe manufacturer is Alden, for those interested.
One of the last US shoe companies
- Thread starter dparm
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From the 1960's into the mid 1980's my dad worked for 4 shoe companies. Kinney, Ettlebrick, Stride Rite, and Hanover Shoes. Those are jobs that have been lost in the past 20+ years.
btw dparm, Ettlebrick was in Greenup, IL.
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Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
I remember the Knapp shoe salesman coming to the shop once a year or so back in the 80's. The pair of shoes I bought from him were great shoes, and outlasted anything I'd worn previous. Started in 1921 by two brothers, it looks like they are no longer in business.
http://www.kbfootwear.com/about.asp
I love to see stories like this. It still makes me think it is POSSIBLE for manufacturing to once again become a major part of the US economy in the future.
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While technically not a dress shoe, SAS (San Antonio Shoes), are a fine looking comfort shoe that could be worn in a casual-dress situation. I have two pair of SAS shoes that I rotate (every other day) and wear to work. They are, without a doubt, the lightest, most comfortable and most durable shoes I have ever owned. As a plus, they are US made (of course). 
Eventually, when these wear out, I will buy replacement SAS shoes.
If you're in the market for shoes, also consider these.
(And no, I'm not a stock holder, just an enthusiastic customer.)
They do come at a premium price, but trust me, they're worth every penny.
Here's a link to their factory tour video:
http://www.sasshoes.com/main/our_factory.php
Eventually, when these wear out, I will buy replacement SAS shoes.
If you're in the market for shoes, also consider these.
(And no, I'm not a stock holder, just an enthusiastic customer.)
They do come at a premium price, but trust me, they're worth every penny.
Here's a link to their factory tour video:
http://www.sasshoes.com/main/our_factory.php
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JHZR2
Staff member
My new balance shoes have been us made, but I think the op is accurate wrt dress shoes.
My brother bought a pair of Alden shoes sometime back, and could never get them to fit comfortably. Returned them after a year.
My biggest issue is finding a competent cobbler after wearing the soles down. Given the cost, need a few iterations of use for value to come through.
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
is this the race to the bottom of the barrel that rush talked about?
I like my Allen Edmonds as well, I'll be buying another pair once I catch a sale.
Some New Balance are still made here. You have to check the tag, and it is usually the higher priced stuff. Most of them in my experience aren't made here though.
Johnston and Murphy still makes their high-end Aristocrat shoes here as well.
Nike is an American company that started off by distributing Japanese shoes. I'd be surprised if Nike has made anything in the US in decades.
Regarding the cobbler comment above, with the AE shoes I have, I can send them back to AE for a nominal cost and they will be refurbished.
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Steve Madden shoes?
Ed Hardy?
Just checked the New Balance website. They say they are the only athletic shoe manufacturer still making shoes in the US. 25% of their shoes sold here are made or assembled here.
Although the NB sneakers I'm wearing say made in Indonesia. I'll be sure to check that next time.
This site seems to include the ones I know, plus some others.
http://americansworking.com/shoes.html
Also here is an explanation of New Balance's "Made in America" and "Assembled in America".
http://www.shopnewbalance.com/information/madeinusa.asp
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
My new balance shoes have been us made, but I think the op is accurate wrt dress shoes.
My brother bought a pair of Alden shoes sometime back, and could never get them to fit comfortably. Returned them after a year.
My biggest issue is finding a competent cobbler after wearing the soles down. Given the cost, need a few iterations of use for value to come through.
Originally Posted By: 45ACP
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
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Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Aren't Nike and New Balance US shoe companies? Aren't Cole Haan's US?
My New Balance are made in the US (they are kind of old though).
New Balance doesn't try to cover up the fact that only a portion of their shoes are made in the US. It's one of the search criteria on their website:
http://www.shopnewbalance.com/men/shoes?filterSize=&filterWidth=&filterCollection=usa
How many of us are wearing sub $100 shoes and are surprised they are not Made in USA? If they are boots or dress shoes and are sub $200 you should be suspicious. Allen Edmunds are $200+, at that price point they can keep an american company open. If they were $65 a pair they'd be closed.
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