Have you been alarmed about the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs and how the whole middle class is going to hell in a handbasket? If so, here’s an opportunity to vote with your feet — the next time you need a pair of shoes: A company named Johansen, aka Capp Shoe Company, still manufactures shoes here in the USA. Read this bit from their website, and rejoice:
Sure, we could make more money by closing our factory here in the USA, and making our shoes overseas like most of our competitors, but we are proud of our modern state of the art factory here in Virginia, and of the jobs that we provide for our community. We employ over 175 dedicated, experienced people between our main office and warehouse in Lynchburg, VA and our factory in Gretna, VA. … Our shoemakers are highly skilled men and women with an average experience of over 12 years…
This is a blog about retro… so fundamentally, I am showcasing this company because they seem to have a lot of … granny shoes. But, hey, granny = retro! For this story I pulled screen shots of several women’s styles that I find very retro-appealing — I also see these styles on stylish 20-somethings today, I *think*. In addition, since this is an old skool American company, they offer more than 100 sizes for women — from 4 to 13, and widths from 5A to WW. For men, they offer sizes 7 to 16, and widths in C,D,E, 2E and 3E.
Also, I think the prices are darned competitive — from $30 – $60 a pair for most women’s shoes. I think that most Made in China shoes at Marshalls or Target cost that much. Buy American! $109-$129 for most of the men’s shoes… which always seem to cost more but are well worth it due to those practical heavy duty soles.
See all the Made in America Johansen shoes on their website here: Johansen Shoes Made in the USA since 1876
Are you interested in finding other Made in America products? I’m currently poking around this site to see if I like it as a resource.
I am a very big supporter of this movement.
And not to take away from these shoes, but SOME New Balance running sneakers are still made in the USA, just look on the tongue to see. I figured I could post that since they 2 brands don’t compete against each other.
Thanks, Joe — and feel free to post more! I’m all for building up a solid list of Made in America products!
Joe’s right. New Balance is still made in the USA – look at the tongue of the shoe. I saw them on a tv show about being made in the USA still & made a point to search them out. The prices were the same as other name brands.
It is a great movement & something I try to adhere to, as well as my family tries. Last year I got a ladder from a company who still makes them in the USA. & My plastic mop bucket is also made in the USA.
Keep up the good work.
The red ones are cute and I would wear them. Of course, I’m not exactly a fashionable 20-something…more like a comfort-driven late 30-something. I definitely support “Made in the USA” and I also try to support local business whenever I can.
I am with you on the “comfort” issue, Jenny. When I had my excessive-blogging-induced back problems earlier this year, my doctor told me to stop wearing sloppy flip flops and even clogs. I think he was sayin’: this causes your foot to move in un-natural concert with your back or something…To avoid back problems, you need shoes that don’t let your heel slip. Hence, the straps on lots of these pumps. And why grannies wear “sensible” shoes. Also, high heels equal back-problems no question. Girls, ditch those stilettos already, for goodness sake.
Spike heels are for sitting fetchingly on a mid-century chaise if you take my meaning, wink wink nudge nudge.
Just back from the site and though I’m not a shoe junkie some of them are uber sweet….classic penny loafers, very nice, some of the stadium-eque ones are sweet, and many of the others would suit a very hip granny including my fashionista mother who’s a great granny but is finally giving up the three inch heels. A number of the styles are timeless and, be still my heart, great price point for something not made by children or the shockingly under paid outside of North America. You hear me Frye boots? I’m talkin’ to you!
Being in Canada the shipping will be a little complicated as their shipping policy is to to ship them to someone you know in the States and then have them ship them on to you but we shall overcome and will get a lot of laughs in the telling of the story.
Hmm. I just bought a gorgeous pair of Frye boots (my first pair, I’ve wanted them since I was 14 years old) and part of the reason I bought them is that they WERE made in the U.S. They were not cheap, but they are beautiful, well made, and, by all accounts, will probably last a lifetime. And they were around the same price as other lesser-made boots made in China.
I wish all Frye boots were made in the U.S., but if people only bought the boots from them that are U.S. made, maybe they’d start to make ALL of them here. The website is very clear about which ones are U.S. made.
Pam, if you really love flip-flops, spend the shekels and get yourself a pair of these:
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Orthaheel-Womens-Tide-Thong-Sandals-84085.aspx
I wear a posted orthotic to correct pronation and falling arches, and these things are a Godsend. Yes, it feels weird to spend sixty bucks on flip-flops, but once you try them, you’ll never go back to the dime store kind.
Thank you, Jill, for the tip!
I like those, and I’m glad to see they come in my size, 12, AKA “let’s raft on down the mighty Mississip.”
Pam,
Thanks for this. I have seen other posts you have done focusing on made in the USA and I love having this information. And, these shoes look nice, and also comfortable. The next time I need shoes I will definitely give them a try.
Well, I see a pair or two that I have been looking for. Of course, I AM a granny. I think I am going shopping. Thanks for posting this, it is so great to find things made in country.
oh, yeah, I’m looking at them!
If I recall correctly, Munro is American made too. I bought a couple pair of Munro shoes before their prices got closer to $200 than $100 for women’s.
I also have a few pair of Munro’s in my closet. And yes they are also made in the USA. And they are also rather old school. But the thing that’s great about them is that the insoles are removable so that I can wear my own orthotics. Because I probably ruined my feet by wearing those Candies and various other platforms, and pointy toed heels in my youth.
I like so many things about this post (perhaps especially the red shoes!). For those interested in info about non-sweatshop produced clothing, I found this a while back from Meg and Minimalist Woman: http://minimalistwoman.com/the-mindful-shopping-list/
And hey, who says granny can’t be cool? My granny (94 and counting) walks two miles every day, had an iPad before anyone else I know, and still lives on her own in her awesome ’40s bungalow (which is in pretty pristine condition because she and Grandpa maintained it well and didn’t change it much).
Outstanding, Rita! I’ve bookmarked both The mindful and your blogs…..they are exactly the sort of thing I’m always on the look out for. (I predict big hair will return when we least expect it though ;o) )Thank you, thank you very much! (I know, worst Elvis impression EVER.)
Oh, I *rocked* some big hair in the 80s! Shoulder pads, too (which were on their second go-round from the 40s, right?) If avocado green can come back, I think anything can
Thanks back at you–
I’m all for buying USA made! But I’m not sure I’m ready to wear the exact same shoes my grandmother wore 30 years ago. Still, their prices are VERY reasonable and there are one or two styles I’d consider.
When I’m a granny, I’m totally going to buy the shoes my grandmother wears.http://www.sasshoes.com/ Still made in the U.S.
I’ve had several pairs of their shoes and they’re great! Those of us with wide feet usually can’t just walk into any shoe store and have much of a choice. I don’t think they’re ‘granny’ – I think they’re classic!
These shoes are also made in the USA and probably as old-fashioned (and I say that lovingly):
http://www.muffys.com/
And they tailor them to your foot. Awesome.
*Totally* cute. These fill the void that is left in me when I go to estate sales and all of the cute granny shoes are size 7′s and won’t fit my size 11 feet!
OMG. I have trouble finding shoes because my feet are pretty narrow (9AA) so I’ve got very few options (let alone Made in America options). As Neva mentioned, Munro is one of the few available lines that fit those criteria. I’ll be happy to give Johansen some business now that I know.
Women shop for shoes differently.
When a man buys a shoe made in the USA, he is buying an investment.
I have a pair of Allen Edmonds (Wisconsin?)…and I have worn them for at least 25 years. Unlke most imports, they can be re-soled and repaired. This company offers a $60 reconditioning service. You send them your well worn pair, and they rebuild them from the ground up. The same can be said for my Johnson and Murphys. The Holy Grail of Mens Shoes are Horsebit Gucci’s. Always appropriate and indestructible. I have 6 beautiful pairs of dress shoes…and I haven’t bought a pair since the early 90′s.
The initial cost is 100-350….but they really are shoes for a lifetime.
Do I get to ask a question?
Do people really want a winter coat or other “major wardrobe” piece that will last 20 years? Our society has changed so much in the past 40 years….
I walked though Macy’s the other day and saw a women’s coat selling for $495.
It was made from wool FELT…an expiration date of 2 years tops.
Pam, when I met you last year-I was wearing a loden toggle coat that I had purchased in 1990…Gloverall and I paid a whopping $325. I just lives on and on….
I do Gavin. Coats, boots, certain purses, jeans that fit exactly right and the odd white shirt are things I form unholy bonds with and want to last forever.
When out and about thrifting I’ve found a few classic coats, unusual scores for someone tall, like a camel cashmere wrap/swing coat, that I adore as it looks good dressed up but sees more time with jeans and Keds.
Your toggle button ‘car coat’ (remember when…?) is a classic, timeless as can be, virtually never shows up second hand because everyone wears them to death. A perfect choice but from reading your posts for the past year I know that’s how you roll.
Glad you’re on the mend!!
Gavin: You probably already know about them, but Filson has a lot of great U.S. made wool coats for sale for men and ladies. Also, if you have a minute, please check out my blog, simply-american.net, if you have an interest in American made products and issues relating to American manufacturing. All the best, John Briggs.
Ummmmm…… I need a pair or two! Those are simply fabulous!
Gavin, I just purchased a coat (at the thrift store) that is from the 50s at least: 100% cashmere and mink collar. I didn’t pay a ton of money for it ($4, maybe?) but I will wear that sucker for the rest of my life.
But shoes? Men can get away with it as the style doesn’t change much.
The simple strapped black and red pairs look like what are still called “character” shoes for dance and stage. Similar ones are still available from Capezio and others, though I don’t know where they are made. I have always loved them and don’t have a pair now. May need to find some of these made-in-the-US versions soon!
Let’s hear if for a shoe company that recognizes not every woman’s foot is a B width!! My mother always asked me why I wore clunky shoes and my response was always, “Because I have clunky feet!” I do wish they had some funkier shoes and boots, but there are a few cute ones in their collection.
And thanks to everyone’s suggestions for other American made shoes. Think how we could change things here if we all bought American made!
This buy American theme fits right in with retro renovations because most of the stuff we want in our homes was made in the USA. And if we value retro homes we are likely to value retro clothing and the “retro economy” where there was a solid middle class and we bought American because it was the best, and because it kept our neighbors (and thereby ourselves) working.
I’ve seen the site you linked to, and others like it. I’ve been trying much harder to buy American for the past year or two. I recently bought American made socks – 1 pair equals the cost of 6 pair made in China. But the Chinese made socks only last about a two months. I’ve had the American ones for 3 months w/o any noticeable wear. Also I’m keeping someone in America in a job.
This is a great idea you have to find things made in the US.
I remember when my mother used to darn my father’s socks if they had holes in them. She had this wooden tool – shaped sort of like an elongated pear – that she would put in the socked while she mended them.
And my dad used to polish all of our shoes every Saturday. He told us to put them on the basement steps and he’d polish them all. I thought of that this morning as I put on my scuffed black ankle boots and thought about how I NEVER polish my shoes.
Jeanne, I believe that is called a Darning Egg.
Jeanne – I just came back from our annual convention and our ‘hook’ to get people over was we had a shoe shine man! Boy, people were lined up to get their shoes shined.
When he asked if I wanted my shoes shined, I said ‘no thank you, I do my own’ … and I do! He said I must be former military (yes, – but I also sold shoes for 8 years and like to keep up spiffed up!).
So – yes, some of us do still shine our shoes – easy, easy task. Just get one of those bottles with the sponge tips for a quick shine
Thanks, Chris. I’m planning on more Made in America products/research to come. You are right, fits in with the themes often discussed in this blog. Hey: What kind of socks did you find made in USA?
http://www.foxsox.com/catalog/category.aspx?code=ROCK
Thank you!
Pam: Other U.S. made brands are the grandaddy of U.S. sock manufacturers, Wigwam Mills of Sheboygan Wisconsin, Soyad and Zkano. Hope that helps. Stop by my blog, simply-american.net, for other great American made products. All the best, John Briggs
Thanks, Pam, for another trip down the rabbit hole!
Went searching for USA made bowling shoes (have not found them yet), but did find this company, for any other bowling geeks out there: http://www.2t2t.com/store/merchant.ihtml
Now back to the decidedly less fun chore of painting windows. You know, finish what you started and all.
I’m sad that Saucony isn’t made locally anymore. They used to be made in Pennsylvania. Just looked at the pair on my feet, they were made in Indonesia. I’ll have to take a closer look at New Balance next time I’m due for new sneakers.
I’m glad that there are still some great retro home products available that are made in the US. I’m a huge collector of Fiestaware, made by Homer Laughlin China Co. in West Virginia. And one day I’d love to replace my electric stove with a Blue Star range, available in 190 colors (!!!) and made right in my hometown.
I really like the red Mary Janes. That’s a great heel height for me.
Thank you so much for posting this. I’m trying my best o buy USA, and I hadn’t heard of this company yet. Now, if I could find reasonably priced underwear that’s made in the US I’ll be set.
Retro renovation from Norway: http://www.aftenposten.no/bolig/60-tallet-tatt-helt-ut–6700074.html
See the photos at the top (a few are not retro but most are).
Love it! Yay for color. And, I’m 1/4 Norwegian!
Pam:Thanks for the post on American made shoes. The website you linked to at the end of your post is, in my humble opinion, the most complete website for finding American made products. Nice work on your part. I am blogging on all things “Made in America” at simply-american.net. Please visit to read about all sorts of great American products being made by members of our extended American family. I am in the middle of a top ten Made in America holiday gift list. Of interest to your retro renovation following will be a post I will be doing next week on Made in America painting supplies; brushes, tools, ladders and paint. Thanks again for your nice post and your great site. All the best, John
Pam – I’m cracking up at your “Granny = Retro” thought, because Retro Roadhusband always accuses me of trying to “Granny it up” a little bit – whether it’s adding a vintage donkey and cart planter to our patio to decorating with vintage vacation plates.
Thanks so much for the links to the made in USA places – keep ‘em coming! I know that many of my friends and readers will be interested in these places. I have to believe that if we all invest our money locally/ made in the USA/ quality products, that we’re sending a message to companies that this is the type of place we want to live in. Thanks for the kick in the pants to do so!
xo
Mod Betty
I’ll throw in a plug for the Aurora Shoe Company in Upstate NY. Handmade here in the US! They are groovy cute and very comfortable!
http://www.aurorashoeco.com/index.html
Bernarndos are made right here in Houston:
http://www.bernardofootwear.com/
I got a few pairs for a steal on piperlime.com earlier this year
Miami sandals of course!
Looking through the women’s clearance section took me to Elizabeth Montgomery’s wardrobe for Bewitched. The slight heel and simple design of these shoes coordinate perfectly for bold colors and patterns of spring and summer. With Kate Middleton bringing back a hosiery trend, these would be perfectly adorable!
Panty hose?! NO!!!!!!!
Oh, I know. I’m 5’9 and don’t like playing tug of war with pantyhose, either. I just liked how polished it look – and since I’m genetically predisposed to look like death warmed over – or a lobster – hosiery did make my legs look better.
(Don’t listen to me. I wore dresses and tights when I was kindergarten BY CHOICE.) Sad sad sad. 
Speaking of Ms. Montgomery, her home is currently for sale. Not exactly mid-century, but it has a time-stood-still vibe to it.
http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-12-12/elizabeth-montgomerys-former-home-for-sale/
I love granny shoes — they have their charm! I broke my foot so I am stuck wearing New Balance or Gentle Souls (by Kennith Cole) because anything else KILLS me. I want to give these a whirl because a) they were built in the good ol’ USA and b) my great uncle was a shoemaker at one time. It is sad that “careers” like these do not exist anymore in the States. Sure you can be a shoe designer and have things made in China– but not many people can actually hand craft a pair of shoes here– and he could.. It’s a shame
Hi Pam,
My husband and I have been USA product intent for many, many years now, searching out things still made here and not buying in many cases if not. Folks are really starting to be choosy on things being made here, I do feel. To think that we will probably never have the manufacturing that we once here in the states is sad. It has started to turn around somewhat and you hear more and more that companies have brought their business back. It has SO much to do with us, the consumer, and putting pressure on businesses to manufacture here by not buying their goods and letting our voices be heard. When I find something that is made here, I drop the company an email thanking them. Every little bit helps!
Jean