SAS
SAS, short for San Antonio Shoemakers, is a family-owned American footwear maker founded in Texas in 1976. It produces comfort shoes in its own Texas factories and also sells handbags, socks and shoe care products.
| Founded | 1976 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Terry Armstrong, Lew Hayden |
| Headquarters | San Antonio, Texas |
| Factories | San Antonio and Del Rio, Texas |
| Ownership | Private, family-owned |
| Website | sasshoes.com |
What is SAS?
SAS is a privately held, family-owned shoe company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It is known for comfort footwear and for keeping most of its production in the United States.
History
San Antonio Shoemakers was founded in 1976 by Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden. The company has been a fixture of San Antonio's South Side for nearly five decades, where its factory store also offers tours.
Products and positioning
Most SAS shoes are made at two company factories in Texas, in San Antonio and Del Rio. Some hand stitching and hand lacing for selected handbag styles takes place in Acuna, Mexico. The range includes:
- Comfort shoes and sandals for men and women
- Handbags and purses
- Socks
- Shoe care products
Distribution
SAS sells through SAS-branded retail stores across the United States and in 11 other countries, through independent multi-brand shoe shops and through online channels.
Why it matters
SAS is one of the few established American footwear brands that still manufactures domestically at scale, making it a reference point in discussions about onshore production and vertical integration.
Frequently asked questions
What does SAS stand for in shoes?
SAS stands for San Antonio Shoemakers, the Texas company that makes the shoes.
Where are SAS shoes made?
Most SAS shoes are made in the company's two Texas factories in San Antonio and Del Rio.
