About The Shoelace Factory

At an auction more than 30 years ago, I bought a huge box of used shoelace. Intrigued by the different weaves and patterns and colors, I started researching how they were made. This was long before the internet and my research had me visiting braiding manufacturers all over the country. I had a vision of making my own colors or patterns of braid and began to hunt down a machine for myself. As providence would have it, one of the biggest braiding companies in St Louis was closing. I bought many of their remaining machines, most of which dated back to the 1890’s. I painstakingly rebuilt a handful of machines, often having to make my own replacement parts. Soon I was on my way to making my own braid, all on antique machines made in America. Before long, my little hobby turned into a full fledged business that is alive and thriving today. There are a sampling of the antique machines in action at The City Museum in St Louis Mo. Here people can watch our shoelaces being made, from winding the bobbins to cutting and and tipping the aglets. We are proud to made quality, artisan shoelaces here in the United StatesRead their story