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.
Hello Jodi says
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.
Queen of Fifty Cents says
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!
Melanie says
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.
Olivia says
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.
Rita@thissortaoldlife says
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). 🙂
Just another Pam says
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.)
rita@thissortaoldlife says
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–
Neva says
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. 🙁
Jill says
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.
Elaine says
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.
Elizabeth Mary says
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.
Laura E. says
I like those, and I’m glad to see they come in my size, 12, AKA “let’s raft on down the mighty Mississip.”
Jenny says
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.
pam kueber says
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.
Just another Pam says
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.
Lauryn says
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.
Jill says
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.
pam kueber says
Thank you, Jill, for the tip!
Joe says
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.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Joe — and feel free to post more! I’m all for building up a solid list of Made in America products!
nina462 says
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.