I grew up near the New Balance factory in Skowhegan, ME. Every summer, there would be a big tent sale where they unloaded their discontinued models and factory

I grew up near the New Balance factory in Skowhegan, ME. Every summer, there would be a big tent sale where they unloaded their discontinued models and factory-seconds at pretty steep discounts. Just about every pair of tennis shoes, basketball sneakers and cleats I ever owned came from there, and they were good quality - that was typically your one pair of shoes for the year, and they held up. Another great US manufacturer is Labonville, out of Gorham, NH. They make fantastic work boots and other heavy-duty outdoor gear. Their logger boots are the most comfortable and durable footwear I've ever owned, and my wool jacket is going on ten years of heavy use, and looks like brand new.