Allen Edmonds has been making high-end men’s dress shoes since 1922. Every President from Reagan to Obama has worn the brand. Meanwhile, Allen Edmonds’ popularity continues: Sales this year will rise 25%, to $100 million, says the Port Washington, Wis., company. A renewed interest in American classics (think Mad Men) has boosted demand. —Anne VanderMey
By the numbers
212: The number of steps it typically takes to make a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes. The process takes three days. A pair of the company’s wingtips costs $295 to $550.
78: Number of shoe manufacturers in the U.S., including Alden, another high-end men’s brand, and New Balance, a maker of athletic shoes.
130: The number of employees Allen Edmonds has hired since early 2010, bringing the total to about 750. The company will sell 500,000 pairs this year, in retailers like Nordstrom (JWN).
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Sources: Allen Edmonds; American Apparel & Footwear Association
This article is from the December 26, 2011 issue of Coins2Day .