How Oak Street Bootmakers saved Chicago shoemaking

This episode explores how Oak Street Bootmakers—a Chicago-based footwear company founded in 2010 by George Vlagos—revitalizes domestic shoemaking and challenges the decline of resoleable, heirloom-quality footwear. The conversation highlights how combining traditional hand-lasting techniques and resoling support with locally sourced American materials like Horween leather helps engineer custom-molded comfort, generational durability, and an enduring local manufacturing ecosystem.

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