Proof Eyewear: Sunglasses with Attitude
Founded in 2011 by a young entrepreneur named Brooks Dame, Proof is a fashion eyewear brand based in Boise, Idaho that currently manufactures all its awesome-looking shades in the USA. Proof is one of the first companies to successfully create and market sunglasses with wooden frames, and they've quickly become one of the hottest names in boutique eyewear.
Walk Over: A History of Superb Footwear
Levi Keith — founder of the shoe company that would eventually become Walk Over — first started making shoes in Bridgewater, Massachusetts way back in 1758. Levi passed his trade down to his son, who in turn passed it to his son, and the tradition continued for more than a century. Today, more than 250 years later, Walk Over is one of the longest-standing and most respected American footwear brands in the country.
Bills Khakis: Classic Men's Apparel
Created by Bill Thomas and headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, Bills Khakis has prided itself on offering quality, American-made men's apparel since 1990. Although this brand's specialty has always been khakis, the company has grown over the years to include a full lineup of classic menswear, including jeans, shirts, jackets and footwear.
Red Wing Heritage: First-Class Shoes & Boots
Founded in Red Wing, Minnesota, this shoe company has been an iconic American brand since 1905. From day one, the Red Wing mission has been to supply incredibly well-made, comfortable and stylish shoes to hard-working folks, and that tradition will likely continue for a long time to come.
Wilderness Systems: Adventure-Ready Kayaks
Manufacturing Wilderness Systems kayaks in the USA not only allows this brand to maintain a high level of quality control, it also makes good business sense. From prototyping and real-world testing to production and final inspection, Wilderness Systems is able to keep a close eye on their kayaks throughout the entire process. It's a method that's worked for nearly 30 years, and you'll likely appreciate the difference every time you hit the water.
Gitman Brothers: Outstanding Men's Shirts
When a company does one thing extremely well, it never hurts to stick to that formula. For the people behind Gitman Brothers, that formula involves tailoring top-notch men's shirts in the USA. It's something this brand has been doing since 1978, and the years of experience clearly make a big difference.
High Society: Ride with Pride
In a day and age when most skis and snowboards are manufactured in Asia and Europe, High Society has been making winter sport equipment in Aspen, Colorado since 2003. This brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and forging industry-leading techniques has garnered multiple accolades, including multiple "Editor's Pick" awards from Freeskier Magazine.
Thomas & Thomas: The Ultimate Cast
When long-time rod makers Tom Dorsey and Tom Maxwell founded their own company in 1969, the goal was crystal-clear: build the best fly fishing rods possible for fellow anglers with an appreciation for the finer details. After more than four decades in the business, Thomas & Thomas fly rods are still among the best in the industry and still made in the USA.
Thanks for checking out my list, and have a great holiday!
*Thumbnail image courtesy of Mike Mozart*
