American craftsmanship lives at Allen Edmonds
December 29, 2011: 5:00 AM ETFORTUNE -- 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).
Sources: Allen Edmonds; American Apparel & Footwear Association
This article is from the December 26, 2011 issue of Fortune.
