3 Shoe Brands Made in America

Calleen Cordero is a luxury shoe brand based in North Hollywood, California, named for its designer. According to the brand’s website, Cordero started the company in 1999 following her own dreams after working in the footwear industry for years. In a California Apparel News story from 2016, the publication noted that she spent 22 years as a merchandiser and buyer for names like Kenneth Cole, Doc Martens and Vogue Shoe.

Cordero refuses to cut any corners and takes quality seriously; she told Apparel News, “Shoes are like architecture. Every single heel will be hand-shaped, it’s such precise work.” Adding that the shoes would last for 20 years. The brand’s website highlights its “conscious design,” which features foam-padded insoles. The hardware and studs are sourced from domestic equestrian suppliers, and any leftover leather is repurposed.

The brand not only creates all types of footwear ranging from sandals, wedges, heels, flats, boots, loafers and more, with prices ranging from $395-$695, as the styles are made with genuine leather and suede. Cordero also makes bags, belts, dog collars, leashes, and home goods.

George Esquivel is the Southern California-based designer behind Esquivel X. According to the company’s website, the brand was created in 1994 and is handmade in California. During an interview with Vogue in 2022, Esquivel said of the by-hand shoemaking process, “It’s an experience. To me, this is luxury. Look at how beautiful that is,” he continued, pointing to a working cutting leather by hand. Vogue added that Esquivel is also very hands-on as he “hauls materials back and forth,” between two facilities in Orange County and Los Angeles, and takes on celebrity clients like LeBron James, Yao Ming, Janelle Monáe, Emma Stone and Madonna. 

Visitors to Esquivel’s Downtown LA studio, which opened in 2021 according to Forbes, will not only be able to look through the designer’s selection of items, but they can also peek through a window to see the work that goes into creating the products. Esquivel X produces various types of shoes that range from boots, sneakers, slides, loafers and even made-to-order styles; some styles can cost over $1,000. The company has expanded to totes, wallets, scarves, candles, watches, shoe horns and more.

Founded by John Frye in Malboro, Masschusetts, back in 1863, the Frye Company has been creating quality footwear– and particularly boots — in the U.S. for over 100 years.  It was in 1888 that Fyre created its first ever boot, which remains on display at the Malboro Historical Society. Over its history, Fyre boots would become an iconic symbol of western wear and Americana, appearing on iconic films and tv shows, like “Gunsmoke.” Through it all, the brand stood the test of time while paving its own innovation

In October 2024, Frye Campus Boots, which are tall leather boots with a stacked heel, saw a resurgence thanks to social media. According to Glamour, the company saw a 34% increase in sales of the boots, first produced in the 1970s, particularly among Gen Z fashionistas. TikTok in particular was flooded with thousands of videos of people that have thrifted, had them passed down, or even bought them straight from the company, including a user that got over 25,000 views showing off her vintage collection of the boots with the caption, “I want these boots to be buried in my grave with me” Celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Zendaya were spotted out and about wearing the trendy boots.

@yeehawfi

i want these boots buried in my grave with me #vintagefashion #vintagestyle #vintage #fryecampusboot #campusboots #vintageboots #70sfashion @thefryecompany

♬ original sound – fiona

In April 2025, GQ listed Frye cowboy boots among the best brands for those looking for a stylish and durable boot to go with their western-inspired looks. In addition to boots, Frye sells sandals, loafers, sneakers, Mary Janes, slides, mules, wedges and more with prices ranging from $98 to $500, along with accessories like handbags, belts, socks, sunglasses and more.