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.
Jamie D says
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.
Lauryn says
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.
Chris H says
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.
jeanne says
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.
gavin hastings says
Jeanne, I believe that is called a Darning Egg.
nina462 says
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 🙂
pam kueber says
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?
Chris H says
http://www.foxsox.com/catalog/category.aspx?code=ROCK
pam kueber says
Thank you!
John Briggs says
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
Lauryn says
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!
Jane / MulchMaid says
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!
Hello Jodi says
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.
Lou Meigs says
Ummmmm…… I need a pair or two! Those are simply fabulous!
gavin hastings says
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.
gavin hastings says
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….
Just another Pam says
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!!
John Briggs says
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.
Ana says
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.
Eartha Kitsch says
*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!