Maine-Made Shoes

A-LIST- November/December 2011
By Sophie Nelson
Photographs by Kari Herer

 

01 Town View Leather
“The Ole’ Maine Comfort Classic Moccasin is made with full-grain cowhide, with thick bull-hide leather stitched on for the double sole. The tips are genuine hand sewn, and deerskin lining is an added touch of soft luxury next to the foot. Town View Leather is a family business based in the heart of Maine.”
—Galen + Gayanne Wintle, owners
townviewleather.com

02 Wassookeag Moccasins
“All Wassookeag Moccasins, including the Buffalo Hide Triple Sole Canoe Moc, are handcrafted and constructed one at a time from genuine full-grain American Bison leather with a naturally soft nap on the interior. This shoe is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and makes a perfect driving moc or everyday casual shoe.”
—Mark S. Wintle, proprietor
wassookeagmoccasins.com

03 Eastland
“Eastland’s Made in Maine Seneca USA Camp Moc Ankle Boot celebrates family owned Eastland Shoe Corp.’s 56 years as a Maine shoe brand. Each signature style in the collection is handcrafted in the state of Maine by experienced shoe hand sewers using true-moccasin construction and the finest American-made components available.”
—Jim Klein, president
eastlandshoe.com

04 L.L.Bean
“Since 1912, L.L.Bean has handcrafted Bean Boots one pair at a time right here in Maine. Today’s boot is even more abrasion resistant. We’ve added a steel shank for support, and changed the interior lining to ensure feet stay comfortable in all weather. Though L.L.Bean does not follow fashion, Bean Boot sales have increased 101 percent since 2009.”
—Anne Smith, footwear product line manager
llbean.com

05 Quoddy
“The Quoddy Ringboot is 100 percent handmade by the artisans of Quoddy in its Lewiston workshop. We use Horween Chromepak leathers, beeswax-treated thread, welded alloy rings, and copper rivets, but the real magic is in the skill of the artisan who sews it by hand. For many working at Quoddy, shoemaking goes back generations in their family.”
—John Andreliunas, president
quoddy.com

06 New Balance
“New Balance’s Custom US574 is proudly made at our Norridgewock manufacturing facility which today employs 350 associates. New Balance enables you to choose from premium material and color options to design your shoe. Our associates at Norridgewock will then use their high-quality craftsmanship to make it for you.”
—Steve Gardner, strategic business unit manager for NB Lifestyle
shopnewbalance.com

Share The Inspiration