Oak Street Bootmakers

Maker

About

Oak Street Bootmakers is an American footwear manufacturer founded in 2010 by George Vlagos in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in handcrafted boots and shoes using traditional American construction methods, including Goodyear welting, handsewn moccasin construction, and stitchdown techniques. Oak Street Bootmakers distinguishes itself by offering the only collection of footwear featuring all three construction methods made entirely in the United States.

The company was established with the mission to preserve American shoemaking traditions. George Vlagos, whose father was a cobbler, founded the company after being unable to find the specific Trench Boot style he wanted in the marketplace in 2006. All Oak Street Bootmakers products are manufactured in the United States using premium materials, primarily Horween Chromexcel leather, and are designed to be 100% recraftable for long-term durability.

History

Oak Street Bootmakers was founded in 2010 by George Vlagos, who grew up in the footwear industry as the son of a cobbler. George's father, John Vlagos, was born in Pagrati, Greece, and immigrated to the United States in the 1960s. John Vlagos opened his suburban shoe repair shop on the same day George was born in 1982, creating an immediate connection between George and the craft of shoemaking.

Before entering the footwear business, George Vlagos earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois and taught high school English. However, his exposure to traditional shoemaking techniques through apprenticing at his father's shop drew him back to the craft. The specific catalyst for founding Oak Street Bootmakers came in 2006 when George wanted to purchase a Trench Boot but could not find the style available in the marketplace, leading to his decision to create the company.

Manufacturing

Oak Street Bootmakers operates from Chicago, Illinois, with a commitment to 100% American manufacturing. When the Maine factory that originally produced Oak Street's footwear closed down, George Vlagos purchased the facility and all its equipment, preserving skilled American manufacturing jobs and maintaining domestic production capabilities.

All shoes and boots are handcrafted by experienced shoemakers with over 20 years of experience in traditional construction methods. The company operates a brick-and-mortar retail location called Independence in Chicago, serving as both a shopping destination and showcase for American-made craftsmanship. This vertical integration allows Oak Street Bootmakers to maintain quality control throughout the production process while supporting local employment in the footwear industry.

Construction methods

Oak Street Bootmakers offers three distinct construction methods, representing the only company to provide Goodyear Welt, Genuine Handsewn, and Stitchdown construction entirely within American manufacturing facilities. Each construction method reflects different historical traditions adapted to modern footwear needs.

Goodyear welting

The Goodyear welting process was first developed in 1869 by Charles Goodyear Jr. and provides water resistance, breathability, and repairability. This construction method creates a distinctive appearance while allowing for multiple resolings throughout the life of the boot or shoe. Oak Street Bootmakers employs traditional Goodyear welting techniques using period-appropriate machinery and hand-finishing methods.

Handsewn construction

The handsewn construction method evolved from Native American moccasins that were introduced to New England settlers during the Fur Trade period. This technique developed into various styles including camp mocs, boat shoes, and loafers associated with Ivy League fashion. Oak Street Bootmakers maintains authentic handsewn techniques with hand-stitched toe and counter construction, waxed cotton stitching, and rawhide laces.

Stitchdown construction

Norwegian stitchdown construction was historically used by European explorers during the Klondike Gold Rush for expedition boots requiring extreme durability. This construction method continues to be employed for heavy-duty work boots used by linemen, loggers, and first responders. Oak Street Bootmakers applies traditional stitchdown techniques while adapting them for contemporary heritage footwear applications.

Materials

Oak Street Bootmakers sources materials from established suppliers, with particular emphasis on Horween Chromexcel leather from Chicago's Horween Leather Company. The Horween Chromexcel tanning process involves 89 separate steps taking 28 days and utilizing all five floors of the Horween facility. This combination-tanned leather provides durability and develops distinctive patina characteristics over time.

The company selects what it describes as high-quality leathers from established suppliers, maintaining consistent quality standards across all production. Materials sourcing emphasizes domestic suppliers when available, supporting the company's commitment to American manufacturing while ensuring material quality meets traditional craftsmanship requirements.

Philosophy and mission

Oak Street Bootmakers operates under the philosophy that "a high-quality brand makes the best product their customer can afford," distinguishing the company from luxury brands that emphasize premium pricing. The company's primary mission focuses on preserving American shoemaking traditions through continued domestic production and employment of traditional construction techniques.

All Oak Street Bootmakers products are designed to be 100% recraftable, meaning they can be resoled multiple times throughout their service life. This approach aligns with heritage footwear principles emphasizing long-term value and sustainability over disposable fashion. The company backs all products with a Factory Guarantee covering defects in materials and craftsmanship, reinforcing their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.