One of Texas’s biggest shoemakers just renewed a major government contract to supply soldiers with American-made sneakers for basic training and beyond.
On September 17, the U.S. Department of War awarded San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) a contract worth about $98 million to manufacture men’s and women’s athletic shoes for military recruits and initial training. According to federal regulations established by the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) must provide American-made athletic footwear to incoming troops at no cost. The DLA policy replaced a cash allowance that once let recruits buy athletic shoes.
SAS is joined by Boston-based New Balance, which was also awarded a contract worth $58.8 million, to make footwear for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Both companies signed off on three-year deals with a completion date of Sept. 16, 2029.
SAS and Dept. of War join forces
SAS is known for sensible footwear designed for a more mature audience. According to a government proposal for procuring athletic shoes, these sneakers must meet three categories: cushion/neutral, stability, and motion control…