This is where we make our shoes...

In case you're wondering (or have wondered) we've always made our shoes in China.  Other than some pretty sick hurraches we made back in the day in Mexico, China has always been the home of Simple manufacturing.   If you poke around the inside of your pair, you should be able to find the label that shows where your shoes were born.  Most likely, that label says China (whether you're wearing our shoes or someone else's).
We've been getting a bunch of emails about where we make our shoes.  And to be honest, a lot of these emails have bummed me out.  But yesterday, I got an amazing email that totally changed my point of view.
In case you didn't know, we're trying to change the way shoes are made... from the inside out.  We do this by using sustainable materials like car tires, recycled plastics, natural rubber, and organic cotton, reducing the amount of glues we use to make our (there's a bunch of other stuff, too).  As some of you know, when you're the one marching to the beat of a different drummer, the stepping is a bit challenging.  Along the way, most likely after everyone stops thinking you're weird, the criticism starts. 
Instead of taking it to heart, we're going to focus on the good stuff we're doing... every step forward takes a lot of work, and we're proud of what we're doing.  We hope you are, too.

hugs,
cielo

Comments

[Jordan Sneakers]

Beautiful and fashionable young people theme of the times! It is my pleasure to read your article! I hope your readers become more and more! Thank you for sharing!

[concerned]

What do the Chinese factory workers make per hour? What is the maximum number of hours worked per week? Do they live in group dorm rooms on a campus-like (prison-like?) facility?

[HomeGrownTomatoes]

I'm sure there will always be plenty of business for your company because many people don't read labels, only price tags. My family is trying to support our country, encourage job growth and live green by shopping made in USA products. Especially now, during this recession and times of climate change. Local is better for everyone, open another factory...where your customers are. Good luck and thank you for listening.

[Will Berdan II]

Make them in the USA.

You are supporting a communist country that kills political prisoners for organ harvesting, and treats their people like slave garbage.

I love your styles and have owned two pair in the past.
Before I knew better.

[Rerto Jordans]

thanks for making the pattern available so quickly. hmmm, maybe i can re-prioritize some projects. who am i fooling? i'm going to go buy more yarn. :)

[Courtney]

I keep listening to the news speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one.:)

[David Binns]

There are very few shoes to choose from if you are looking for 100% American made, but if you are interested check out these companies:
(I tried to attach links, but simple doesn't want me sending people off to another website, so just google the companies for their websites)

Aurora Shoe Company

[ugg shoes]

I just walk around, suprised by your blog,please give more information.

[Moncler sale]

Moncler Jackets is remain for stylish and durable.Find the CI'm not certain I realize the haters. Yes, the sneakers need to be transported from China...but if they are produced from recycled goods, then isn't really that 1 optimistic stage earlier all of the other sneakers produced in China?
Maybe 1 day time you men will get the help to in some way be capable to generate within the US...until then, maintain performing what you are doing. it is appreciated.

heap moncler jackets Womens spencer for your self from type to colour to building to selling price within our site.We furnish a vast collection of Moncler shop ladies spencer with a variety of colorings obtainable at favorable prices. 2010- the winter season is heading to get truly chilly so Moncler sale has also presented their new Moncler outlet spencer selection and is also about the racks of each and every retailer all through the world.

[Pumpkinmancer]

A lack of materials in the USA does not convince me as to why these shoes cant be made here. Are there no used tires in America, or recycled plastics and so on?

I am all for making sustainable shoes and haveing a 'factory charter' to make labor in your factories better. But making them in china is what it is, cheap labor, thats it.

[JudiAU]

I've had two pairs of simple shoes and I like them. But I'd happily pay a premium if you moved your production to country that can produce goods ethically. There is no ethical production in China. If I am careful, I can buy a pair of New Balance made in the US and the kids can wear Soft Star but for adults the search for ethically made shoes is a struggle. Make 'em in North America or make them in a fair trade certified hut in Peru. But MIC is not good enough.

[Craig]

I've been a fan of Simple Shoes since the early 90's. Back then, however, there was a much different feel to the shoes than today. When the Old School style first came onto the market they were considerably heavier and sturdier than what they are today. You could feel the quality and they lasted a very long time. A lot of people have noticed the decline in quality and wonder if it's due to Chinese production. I honestly don't know. Perhaps it's due to Simple's change in materials to be more eco-friendly. Without knowing, however, we are left to assume it's because of Chinese factories producing inferior quality products.

Simple is not alone in producing their products in China. Countless shoe companies do so. Chaco, for example, once made in Colorado, is now produced in China. In my opinion, they too have begun to suffer a quality problem. Oddly enough their sandals are no longer as heavy and sturdy as they once were. Regardless, it's obvious they're no longer produced in America.

So, we can't fault Simple alone for building their shoes in China. It's basic economics. It's a sign of the times and a very sad one at that. I am just as upset with China's human rights issues as those mentioned in the previous posts. If Simple wants to set the example this is something that cannot be overlooked. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying a few extra dollars for a pair of Simple sneakers knowing they were produced under fair labor practices.

I love Simple's stand on the environment and producing products with recyclable materials. Awesome. To say that such raw materials are only available in China is silly. Really? Only available in China? Come on. It may be easier to source recycled materials there but you can't say they aren't available here in America.

And finally, what has happened to the selection of Simple styles lately? Wow. I mean, there was once so many different styles to choose from. Today, however, there are only a few. Is Simple trying to be competitive in the marketplace or are you trying to go out of business? Honestly, with so few styles to choose from it looks like the company is dying. What happened?

[Brian Stewart]

How much does it really cost to produce a $100 pair of shoes? 10%? 20%? Why not give up some profit to hire U.S. workers like RedWings or Chaco? If you can't do that, why not manufacture the shoes closer to us, like latin America or Caribbean? Other companies are slowly moving to the eco-friendly way... STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME... create U.S. jobs.
At least make part of the shoe here in the U.S.

[kids parties Miami]

a very good article. i love it, thanks

[Bob Clark]

I would not have bought my shoes had I known they were made in China. Its Not HATE to want American made products. It is Pride.
I will not buy a car built out side The USA. Ford is not American made anymore, Honda is. This is why Americans cant find work it all went off shore.