Muscatine

Some time back I was advised by my doc to get custom fitted shoes. I had been wearing New Balance shoes because they seem to fit well, were comfortable and, important to me, made in USA.
So, I got special fitted shoes. It cost me $60 for the fitting. When I got the shoes, I find 'made in China' on them. Today I ran across this-




New Balance-Committed to American Workers-



These shoes have been produced by the New Balance team in one of our five U.S. factories. Unfortunately, we are not able to obtain all materials and components for these shoes in the U.S., either because they are not available, or because economic or quality considerations dictate foreign sourcing. The Federal Trade Commission has attempted to determine what it means to say a product is ''made in'' the U.S. We believe most consumers think ''Made in the USA'' means that real manufacturing jobs were provided to U.S. workers in order to make the product.







These shoes were made by U.S. workers using U.S. and imported materials. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we have labeled the shoe ''Made in the USA''. Where it falls below 70%, we have qualified the label referencing domestic and imported materials. This determination is based in part on th eFTC's survey of consumers. The FTC's analysis of the ''Made in the USA'' issue can be found at FTC.gov or, for a copy, write to New Balance athletic Shoe, Inc. 20 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135, ATTN: Communications.

Back to New Balance for me.

Nedl

First of all, I know now that you are at least as old as me. Evidently, NB are for old men. Don't fret, my husband wears them too.

As far as the custom-made/fitted shoes go? As long as you don't suck on them and get lead poisoning, they're probably okay.

It really would be nice if we could all buy American-made products all the time. I really do try, but it's not always possible.

I say, whatever makes your tootsies feel good is what you should wear.

Are NB shoes made in the U.S.? Just curious, because the pair we have here aren't.

Wishing you comfy feet,
Lil

Lilsmom

I think this explains it.

These shoes were made by U.S. workers using U.S. and imported materials. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we have labeled the shoe ''Made in the USA''. Where it falls below 70%, we have qualified the label referencing domestic and imported materials.

According to New Balance's website, they still operate 5 plants in the USA. It's unfortunate we must import foreign materials but at least 5 plants are working in the USA.
Yes, I'm an old fart, circa 1940. No TV, coal/wood for heat. Wartime rationing, outhouses, iron wheeled boy powered lawnmowers, BB guns, sling shots, family gathering/ card games on Sunday afternoons, steam locomotives, single speed bicycles, ice skating on the slough, walking to and from school, playground ball games, nasty nuns, nice nuns, fishing with dad/ uncles and on and on.

so...

what's an alternative to a USA made shoe? The Amish in Wellman could make you a set Mr. Nedl.