Brooks is among the footwear brands earning trust and patronage of athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Known for their high quality, high-performance shoes, including walking shoes, running shoes, and sneakers, it’s only natural to wonder, “Where are Brooks shoes made?”
For your information, Brooks shoes are primarily made in Vietnam, although China and Indonesia are two major manufacturers of these kicks as well. Other notable countries with Brooks producing plants are the USA, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan.
Find out the history, materials, and the technologies that contribute to the brand’s exceptional quality and popularity.
Table of Contents
History of Brooks Running Company
Brooks Running Company, the manufacturer of Brooks shoes, boasts a captivating and storied history that exemplifies the boldness of embracing reinvention even in the face of imminent bankruptcy.
- The beginning (1914)
It all began in Philadelphia when John Brooks Goldenberg acquired Quaker Shoe Co. in 1914. Initially known as the Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Company, its production is focused on bathing shoes and ballet slippers.
As time went by, it began manufacturing a wide range of shoes, including baseball spikes, baseball cleats, softball cleats, roller skates, and children’s shoes.
- Difficult time (1970s)
However, the brand’s success faltered towards the end of the 1970s.
During that time, Brooks shoe company experienced a surge in demand for their running shoes following a positive public reception, but their manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico faced challenges in meeting the increased demand, leading to the production of subpar and defective shoes.
Adding to the company’s challenges, a mounting financial burden accumulated, with a debt of over $100,000 owed to the Puerto Rican electric utility. These combined setbacks pushed the company to the brink, leading them to file for bankruptcy.
- Rebranding
However, Brooks shoe company made the bold decision to streamline its product line, reducing it by over 5%, and rebranded itself as Brooks Running.
This shift allowed them to concentrate their efforts on developing cutting-edge performance technology aimed at maximizing the success and satisfaction of runners.
With a renewed dedication to enhancing the running experience, Brooks has solidified its reputation as a trusted brand.
Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Locations
Considering that the company’s headquarters is located in Seattle, you may think that Brooks shoes are all made in USA. But actually, the products are manufactured in several countries.
Vietnam stands out as the country with the highest concentration of Brooks Running factories, followed by China and Indonesia. Aside from these countries, there are seven other countries that contribute to the company’s production capabilities:
- The United States of America
- Mexico
- The Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- El Salvador
- Taiwan
- Jordan
Now that you know that Brooks Running has different manufacturing locations across the globe, you may start to wonder which of these countries your favorite pair was manufactured in. So here’s the breakdown of the shoe types and where they are made.
Manufacturers of Each Type of Brooks Shoes
- Running Shoes
If you own this type of shoe, there is a high chance that it came from Taiwan or El Salvador. Brooks running shoes made in these countries use premium materials sourced by Berkshire Hathaway. The products are then transported to over 60 countries worldwide.
The Brooks running shoes are recognized as the best running shoes by Runner’s World and Sports publications. This is all thanks to their plush comfort, high-quality materials, reliable support, along with a wide variety of options for different running gaits.
- Athletic Shoes
The production of athletic shoes is spread across multiple countries, especially in China and Vietnam. Vietnam, in particular, is equipped with 10 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that are renowned for their impeccable finishing and precision, thanks to the help of robotic technology.
Brooks tennis shoes or athletic shoes are carefully constructed to ensure exceptional comfort and smooth stride.
- Gym Shoes
China and Vietnam are also responsible for the production of Brooks gym shoes. These gym shoes exhibit the same dedication to quality and comfort that Brooks is known for.
Taking into consideration the needs of gym enthusiasts, Brooks incorporates both functionality and aesthetics into their gym shoe designs. With these Brooks sneakers, wearers can confidently exercise daily and, at the same time, reap the benefits of performance and style.
- Walking Shoes
Brooks walking shoes are produced in China, Vietnam, El Salvador, and Taiwan. Among these countries, Vietnam has emerged as a prominent manufacturing hub for Brooks, boasting advanced facilities for shoe production.
Brooks shoes manufactured in this country stand out with their comfortable cushioning and meticulous attention to detail, catering to the specific requirements of walkers. As a result, they have become a top choice for customers seeking both comfort and quality in their walking footwear.
If you are curious to know where your Brooks shoes are made, you can also check their label or tag. You can also reach out to the company’s customer service by calling 1-855-427-6657 to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Brooks Shoes?
Brooks Shoes is now under the ownership of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate led by the esteemed investor Warren Buffett. Recognizing the promising future of Brooks Shoes, Berkshire Hathaway acquired the company in 2006, solidifying its position in the competitive athletic footwear market.
Is Brooks Shoes a sustainable brand?
Yes, Brooks is committed to sustainable consumption and reducing the environmental impact of its running gear. They aim to use recycled and bio-based materials, eliminate manufacturing waste sent to landfill, transition to circular product models, and take responsibility for product disposal.
By 2030, their goal is to source materials with at least 50% recycled or bio-based content. They focus on converting raw materials to sustainable alternatives, verifying recycled and bio-based claims, managing chemicals, eliminating PFAS, reducing packaging waste, and implementing a product take-back program.
Overall, Brooks strives for a holistic approach to sustainability throughout their entire product lifecycle.
Are Brooks Running and Brooks Brothers Shoes the same?
No, they are not. Brooks Running is focused on producing running shoes and athletic apparel, and accessories.
On the other hand, Brooks Brothers is a well-established American menswear retailer that specializes in formal and business attire.
While both companies share the name “Brooks,” they operate in different industries and cater to different customer segments.
Conclusion
So, where are Brooks shoes made? Now that you know the origins of the brand, may you have a deeper appreciation for it and its commitment to quality and performance.
But it doesn’t stop there. Spare a thought for the talented craftsmen and women who make Brooks shoes a reality— those who pour their hearts and souls into each stitch, turning mere materials into masterpieces.
Soak in the fact that there’s a whole lot of love and skill behind those kicks you love to wear. It is a true testament to the artistry and commitment that truly make this brand an inspiration.
Read next: Where are Hoka shoes made?
Veronica is our content editor. She is a talent in delivery. Her main work is editing and writing articles that are both informative and simple to follow. She is in charge of synthesizing our understanding of what personal protection equipment (PPE) is needed in each job, how to best apply it, and how to visualize that equipment.