These boots are made for...

My husband found a pair of boots that he fell in love with at a thrift store. Worn, but with much life left in them, he brought them home. Upon further inspection we discovered they were Made in America! They are Chippewa, and although we are just learning about them they have been around for over a century.
Chippewa Boots was founded in October 1901 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The name comes from the Indian tribe of the region. The company's mission from day one was to manufacture the finest boots and shoes in the United States. It employed 175 employees, mainly women, and produced 1,200 pairs daily.
Chippewa was one of the first outdoor boot manufacturers to offer ladies outdoor boots. It was also the first footwear manufacturer to use Vibram® outsoles, which were imported from Italy at the time. The continued use of Vibram® outsoles is consistent with Chippewa's commitment to the utilization of quality components.
I just can't believe we didn't know about them sooner! Whether you are a hiker, a biker, a worker, or you just like how they look. Chippewa has a boot made for you.

Customize An American Classic

 

Not all New Balance sneakers are made in the US, but they are the only major sneaker brand that still makes a good percentage here. With five factories in New England - three in Maine and two in Massachusetts, New Balance maintains a commitment to US manufacturing. According to their website: "With a high-quality labor force, unique modular teams that are continually challenged to offer creative alternatives to foreign competition, and the confidence to be different, New Balance is able to survive and thrive, and take a leadership position in an industry that has sent most of its production overseas." We say kudos.
Now, you can support this commitment in a really fun way. They have made their classic US574 style fully customizable: with up to eight different colors of leather, an option of a leather back tab, up to eight different colors for the tongue tag, eight stitched characters per shoe, and nine color choices of embroidery thread. The base “N” is available in White, Navy or Black, while the top “N” and the shoe’s laces are available in nine colors. You might think you have to wait 4 to 6 weeks to get your shoes, nope! Your pair is shipped out within four to eight business days of ordering. There are endless combinations, so you can have a unique personalized take on a true American shoe!

CYDWOQ Art

CYDWOQ shoes are more art than footwear. The unusual shapes, the texture of the leather, the rich colors, the patinaed hardware; you have truly never seen a shoe quite like it. Lovingly handcrafted in Burbank, CA since 1996, CYDWOQ shoes are a thing of beauty. Founder Rafi Balouzian comes from a long line of master shoe-makers, growing up in and around his father's shoe factory, accompanying him on trips to Europe where he was exposed to those nations’ great handcrafted leather working traditions. Add to that a degree in Architecture and you have a completely unique take on a modern artisan shoe.

AFFORDABLE FRIDAYS: Okabashi Shoes

 

OK, so well-designed + made in America (often) = pricey. So we have decided to dedicate Fridays to wallet-friendly products. Today, the special company is Okabashi Shoes. Not only have they been made in Buford, GA for 25 years, but they are 100% recyclable, vegan-friendly, guaranteed for two years, and start at $14.99!!! Oh, and they are adorable too. Get some before summer is over.

Feel-good footwear

 

Over 20 years ago, Soft Star Shoes started hand-making babies' and toddlers' shoes in Corvalis, Oregon. Soft soled and comfy, unlike the heavy, tight miniatures of adult shoes that were on the market. It didn't take long for them to realize that not only do kids love these foot-friendly creations, but adults would to. Now, still hand-made in the USA, Soft Star makes a wide variety of shoes for all ages with soft, flexible soles that mimic barefooted-ness for strong athletic feet. All that and they look great to.