H.H. Brown
MakerAbout
H.H. Brown is an American footwear company founded in 1883 outside Boston, Massachusetts. Named after shoemaker Henry H. Brown, the company manufactures and distributes casual, work, and dress shoes and boots under more than a dozen brand names. Since 1991, H.H. Brown has operated as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, expanding its portfolio to include diverse footwear categories from dress shoes to specialized work boots.
About
H.H. Brown is an American footwear company founded in 1883 outside Boston, Massachusetts. Named after shoemaker Henry H. Brown, the company manufactures and distributes casual, work, and dress shoes and boots under more than a dozen brand names. Since 1991, H.H. Brown has operated as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, expanding its portfolio to include diverse footwear categories from dress shoes to specialized work boots.
History
Henry H. Brown established the company in 1883 with a vision to craft high-quality shoes and boots. The business began outside Boston, serving the New England market with traditional American shoemaking.
In 1991, Berkshire Hathaway acquired H.H. Brown, incorporating it into what would become a larger footwear enterprise. This acquisition provided capital and infrastructure for brand expansion and modernization while maintaining the H.H. Brown name and heritage.
The company expanded its brand portfolio through the 20th century, developing and acquiring multiple footwear lines to serve different market segments. This strategy allowed H.H. Brown to maintain presence across casual, work, and dress shoe categories.
Brands
H.H. Brown operates an extensive portfolio of footwear brands, each serving specific market segments. The brand family includes Bøc, Børn, Carolina, Corcoran, Dexter, Double-H, Kork-Ease, Matterhorn, Nurse Mates, Söfft, and Softspots.
Double-H Boots represents one of the company's significant work boot brands. Founded in 1955 in Richland, Pennsylvania, the brand operated independently until joining H.H. Brown. In 1993, it was renamed Double-H Boots to reflect its connection to the H.H. Brown heritage while maintaining its identity in the work boot market.
Børn focuses on casual comfort footwear, while brands like Carolina and Matterhorn serve industrial and work boot segments. Dexter provides athletic and bowling footwear, demonstrating the portfolio's diversity.
Operations
As a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, H.H. Brown benefits from the resources and stability of one of America's largest conglomerates. This ownership structure supports the company's multi-brand strategy and distribution capabilities.
The company maintains its headquarters operations while managing manufacturing and distribution for its various brand lines. Each brand operates with distinct product development and marketing, allowing H.H. Brown to serve multiple footwear categories without internal competition.
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