Brand · San Antonio Shoemakers since 1976

SAS

Handcrafted comfort, made in Texas — a fit for nearly two hundred sizes.

SAS
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San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) is an American shoe manufacturer based in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in handcrafted men's and women's comfort shoes.

Family-owned and founded in 1976 by Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden, SAS makes the majority of its shoes at two Texas factories, in San Antonio and Del Rio, with some hand stitching and lacing done in Acuña, Mexico. The brand is best known for hand-crafted shoe forms offered in 88 ladies' and 104 men's sizes for a precise fit.

SAS sells through its own branded stores across the United States and in eleven additional countries, as well as online and through multi-line shoe shops; its San Antonio factory and General Store even offers a tour. The company's volunteer 'Comfort and Support Team' has donated over 14,000 pairs of shoes to disaster victims.

SAS shopping FAQ

Are SAS shoes worth it?+

For all-day comfort and longevity, many wearers think SAS is well worth it. These are hand-crafted shoes made in Texas, built around a fit-first philosophy, so they tend to be a buy-them-and-keep-them choice rather than a quick replace. If you spend long hours on your feet, that durability and comfort is exactly the case for them.

How does SAS compare to Clarks, ECCO and New Balance?+

SAS counts Clarks, ECCO, New Balance and Bostonian as its primary competitors in the comfort-shoe market. Where SAS stands apart is its emphasis on hand-crafted construction and an unusually deep range of sizes for a precise fit. If fit and craft matter most to you, that is SAS's strongest argument.

Why does SAS offer so many sizes?+

SAS is best known for its hand-crafted shoe forms, made in 88 ladies' sizes and 104 men's sizes, all to provide a suitable fit. That enormous size and width range is the whole point of the brand: getting the shoe to match your foot rather than the other way around. It is a big reason the shoes feel so comfortable.

Where are SAS shoes made?+

SAS is a family-owned American company that makes its shoes in Texas, with the majority of operations at two factories in San Antonio and Del Rio. A few select SAS handbag styles have some hand stitching and hand lacing done in Acuña, Mexico. The shoes themselves remain very much a Texas product.

What does SAS stand for?+

SAS stands for San Antonio Shoemakers, the American manufacturer based in San Antonio, Texas. The name is a straightforward nod to the company's home city. There is no hidden meaning beyond that.

When was SAS founded and by whom?+

San Antonio Shoemakers was founded in 1976 by Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden. It has remained a family-owned business ever since, still making its shoes in Texas. That nearly half-century of continuity is part of its appeal.

Can I tour the SAS factory?+

Yes. The SAS Shoe Factory and General Store, on the South Side of San Antonio near SW Military Drive and S. Zarzamora Street, offers a factory tour. It is a fun way to see the hand-crafting up close and understand why the shoes are built the way they are. A nice extra if you happen to be in San Antonio.

Where can I buy SAS shoes?+

SAS shoes are sold at SAS-branded retail locations across the United States and in 11 additional countries, as well as online. They are also stocked by numerous multi-line shoe stores. So there are plenty of ways to try a pair on or order direct.

Does SAS do anything for charity?+

Yes. SAS has a volunteer "Comfort and Support Team" that visits disaster areas to fit victims with free shoes when they are in need. According to the company, the team has donated over 14,000 pairs of shoes so far, along with other necessities. It is a genuine part of the brand's identity.

Which SAS style should I buy first, and how should it fit?+

Start with a versatile everyday style such as a comfort lace-up or walking shoe, since that is where the brand's fit and cushioning shine. Because SAS offers so many sizes and widths, take time to get measured and choose the exact width as well as length. A correctly fitted SAS pair is what unlocks that signature all-day comfort.