George Vlagos | Boot & Shoe Making Expert

The son of a cobbler, George Vlagos, Oak Street Bootmakers‘ Founder and Design Director, apprenticed at his father’s shop, where he learned all about how shoes are made — and how they used to be made. Today, George works to preserve the heritage of fine American shoemaking through thoughtfully designed and attentively crafted shoes and boots. 

Vlagos is committed to keeping the tradition of American manufacturing alive and is proud to have a hand in writing the next chapter of this incredible story. This is why Oak Street Bootmakers handcrafts all of its footwear here in the USA — not just a few “heritage” styles or limited editions. Oak Street makes the entire product, from heel to toe, here in the United States without any pre-assembled components from overseas. (That’s a common loophole many brands exploit to be able to call something “made in the USA legally.”)

It’s not the easiest way to do it or the most profitable, but it’s the way Oak Street Bootmakers has always done it—and the way they always will.

Vlagos also founded Chicago’s heritage menswear retail store, Independence, in 2012. Since then, it has developed a loyal following of locals and a reputation as a must-shop destination for Chicago visitors. The collection features men’s clothing and accessories selected for their quality materials, exceptional construction, and unique details. At Independence, shoppers will find trusted brands like Engineered Garments and Gitman Bros., but they are just as likely to discover something new as well.

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