Eastland
MakerAbout
Eastland is an American footwear company established in 1955 in Freeport, Maine, specializing in handsewn moccasins, camp mocs, and casual footwear. Founded by Jonas B. Klein, Bertram Wolfson, and Louis Fishman, the company has remained family-owned through three generations of the Klein family. Eastland built its reputation on traditional Maine handsewn construction, particularly its camp moccasins customizable with the signature "Eastland Knot." The brand maintains its heritage through the Made in Maine collection, introduced for the company's 55th anniversary, featuring premium footwear handcrafted by Maine shoemakers using domestically sourced components.
About
Eastland is an American footwear company established in 1955 in Freeport, Maine, specializing in handsewn moccasins, camp mocs, and casual footwear. Founded by Jonas B. Klein, Bertram Wolfson, and Louis Fishman, the company has remained family-owned through three generations of the Klein family. Eastland built its reputation on traditional Maine handsewn construction, particularly its camp moccasins customizable with the signature "Eastland Knot." The brand maintains its heritage through the Made in Maine collection, introduced for the company's 55th anniversary, featuring premium footwear handcrafted by Maine shoemakers using domestically sourced components.
History
Eastland was officially incorporated on November 30, 1955, with its original factory located at 5 Park Street in Freeport, Maine. The company initially manufactured private label leather beaded moccasins for national retail chains and mail order companies. Daily production began at 540 pairs, quickly expanding to 900 pairs of moccasins per day, all made by hand.
The company introduced its own "Easysteps" label in the mid-1970s before adopting the Eastland name. During its peak manufacturing period, Eastland operated three factories in Maine employing over 750 workers, producing millions of pairs of camp mocs annually. The company's camp moccasin collection gained widespread popularity, with consumers customizing their footwear using the iconic Eastland Knot, and the Falmouth camp moccasin becoming a fashion hit.
In the late 1990s, facing increasing price competition, Eastland began importing shoes alongside its domestic production. By 2001, the company closed its last manufacturing plant in Maine, marking the end of large-scale domestic production. To commemorate its 55th anniversary, Eastland introduced the Made in Maine collection, returning to domestic craftsmanship with premium heritage styles. In 2025, the company marks 70 years of operation while maintaining its headquarters in Freeport, Maine.
Products
Camp Moccasins
Eastland's signature product category centers on traditional camp moccasins featuring handsewn construction. The Yarmouth USA represents the company's Made in Maine line, handcrafted by Maine shoemakers. The Falmouth model achieved particular success as a fashion staple. These moccasins feature the customizable Eastland Knot, allowing consumers to personalize their footwear through distinctive lacing patterns.
Made in Maine Collection
Introduced for Eastland's 55th anniversary, this premium collection consists of signature Maine-made heritage styles using exclusively domestically sourced components manufactured in the United States. The collection is handcrafted by Maine shoemakers and distributed to high-end department stores and specialty boutiques internationally, representing a return to the company's manufacturing roots after the 2001 plant closures.
Boat Shoes and Casual Footwear
Beyond camp mocs, Eastland produces boat shoes and various casual footwear styles for both men and women, maintaining the brand's emphasis on comfortable, versatile designs rooted in New England heritage.
Manufacturing
Eastland's manufacturing evolved significantly over its seven-decade history. At its peak, the company operated three factories in Maine with more than 750 employees, producing millions of pairs of shoes annually through traditional handsewn methods. The original facility at 5 Park Street in Freeport established the company's reputation for quality moccasin construction.
The transition to international sourcing began in the late 1990s in response to price competition, culminating in the 2001 closure of the last Maine production facility. The Made in Maine collection represents a selective return to domestic manufacturing, with products handcrafted by Maine shoemakers using components sourced entirely from American suppliers, preserving traditional construction techniques for the premium heritage line while maintaining imported production for other product categories.
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