Addison Shoe Company

Addison Shoe Company opened its factory in Wynne, Arkansas in 1958, establishing itself as one of the first major employers in Cross County. The plant was owned by Munro & Co. and quickly became a fixture in the local community, providing substantial employment opportunities in the region.

The company operated as a division of NMF Inc. from its facility at 1421 North Falls Blvd in Wynne. As a 40-year manufacturer of military, industrial, safety, and commercial footwear, Addison developed capabilities in both traditional and modern construction methods. The company's manufacturing processes included both Goodyear welt construction, known for durability and repairability, and cement construction for more economical production.

Addison Shoe Company established itself as a reliable contractor for U.S. military footwear, producing combat boots and work boots on government contract. The company's military boots were built to strict military specifications and featured in various government procurement programs throughout its operational history.

After nearly five decades of operation, Addison Shoe Company announced plans to close its Wynne factory in 2007. The closure affected approximately 175 employees and was attributed to increasing difficulty in securing government contracts. The plant closed its doors permanently on March 5, 2007, ending 48 years of footwear manufacturing in Wynne, Arkansas.

Addison Shoe Company's military combat boots represented the company's core product line and showcased its manufacturing capabilities. These boots were built to military specifications and featured several distinctive characteristics:

Beyond military contracts, Addison manufactured industrial and safety footwear for civilian applications. These boots incorporated similar construction techniques and safety features as the military line, including steel toes and slip-resistant soles. The company's industrial line served workers in construction, manufacturing, and other occupational settings requiring protective footwear.

Addison also produced commercial footwear, though documentation of these product lines remains limited. The company maintained capabilities for producing all styles of military boots and shoes, suggesting a diverse product range beyond its core military and industrial offerings.

Addison Shoe Company employed traditional Goodyear welt construction in many of its boot lines. This method involves stitching the upper leather, insole, and welt together, then attaching the outsole to the welt with a second row of stitching. The resulting construction creates a durable, water-resistant bond that allows for resoling, extending the life of the footwear significantly.

In addition to welted construction, Addison utilized cement construction methods for certain product lines. This technique involves bonding the upper directly to the sole using adhesives, offering a lighter weight and more flexible alternative to welted construction while maintaining durability for many applications.

The company's adherence to military specifications ensured consistent quality standards across its production. Military contracts required compliance with detailed specifications covering materials, construction methods, and performance criteria. This commitment to specification-driven manufacturing extended to Addison's industrial and commercial lines, establishing the company's reputation for reliable, durable footwear.