International Shoe Co.
MakerAbout
International Shoe Company was a major American footwear manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Operating alongside Brown Shoe and Hamilton-Brown, the company formed part of St. Louis's dominant position in American shoe manufacturing during the early 20th century. International Shoe Company later acquired Florsheim in 1953, expanding its market presence.
About
International Shoe Company was a major American footwear manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Operating alongside Brown Shoe and Hamilton-Brown, the company formed part of St. Louis's dominant position in American shoe manufacturing during the early 20th century. International Shoe Company later acquired Florsheim in 1953, expanding its market presence.
History
International Shoe Company established itself as one of St. Louis's top three shoe manufacturers, competing with Brown Shoe Company and Hamilton-Brown Shoe Company. Together, these three St. Louis firms dominated significant portions of American footwear production.
During World War I, International Shoe Company joined with Brown Shoe and Hamilton-Brown to produce more than half of all shoes purchased for the United States military. This wartime production demonstrated both the companies' manufacturing capacity and St. Louis's central role in American footwear industry.
In 1953, International Shoe Company acquired Florsheim Shoe Company, adding an established premium brand to its portfolio. This acquisition represented consolidation within the American footwear industry as larger companies absorbed smaller regional manufacturers.
Operations
As a St. Louis-based manufacturer, International Shoe Company benefited from the city's established infrastructure for leather goods production, skilled labor force, and central geographic location for distribution. The St. Louis footwear industry provided supporting industries including leather tanneries, component suppliers, and shipping facilities.
The company operated during the peak of American domestic shoe manufacturing when St. Louis served as a major production center. This period preceded the industry's later shift toward overseas manufacturing.
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