Nike, Coca-Cola, others reportedly lobbying against Uighur Chinese labor bill

[Coyotesfan97]

I think its a cool idea, as stuff recommended by PFers get higher status on my radar. I've never heard of Altama that RevolverRob mentioned before, but they look like some nice shoes and boots. I've bookmarked the site and will probably get some soon.

Altama OTBs are great. I have tan two pairs I also have a pair of the mid ride maritime assault boots. A lot of the SWAT guys I worked with are wearing them.

[RoyGBiv]

Makes me wonder if its just the U.S. consumer chasing down to the bottom of the quality barrel in search of maximum profit/minimum price. Do Chinese factories make higher quality consumer hard goods for the domestic market?

From what I've seen myself, Chinese made goods shipped to the US are typically better quality than what the same factory would ship for China retail distribution. I've escorted many Chinese colleagues to outlet malls where they fill up the extra empty suitcases they brought (or buy here) and stock up on Chinese made goods to take back home.

On average, they have less money so they get the low end of design. That said, there are many very wealthy Chinese and it's not unusual these days to see very high end retail on the main drags of big cities..... From Prada to Tesla to you name it. Like Rodeo drive stuff.

[Flamingo]

I have been trying to purchase more made in America stuff as well (or countries that actually like us). I have had a pair of Origin Jeans and they are great. I carry a lot of stuff (flashlight, pocket knife, zippo, breath mints, keys and wallet) in my front pocket and most of my jeans get holes in the pockets rather quickly. The pockets are made out denim and are deep enough and sturdy.

I have switched to wearing merino wool socks. I started out with smartwool, but when I was given some Darn Tough socks when I was working OCONUS, I switched to them. They are made in Vermont. I got some holes in the heel of a few pairs after 6 years. I sent them in on the forever warranty and was given a gift certificate for replacement.

Both of those products cost a little more, but if the Origin Jeans last as long as the Darn Tough Socks I will be very happy.

[blues]

Thorlo socks are still made in NC as far as I know.

I tried the made in USA Keen hiking shoe a couple years ago and it was like a block of cement compared to their overseas made product. I sent it back, reluctantly.

That said, I make a conscious effort to buy American when I can...provided the product suits my needs and is up to snuff.

[Joe in PNG]

One of the more interesting things about being in PNG is you get to see the cheap crap that China makes for the rest of the world.

[Default.mp3]

Shoes? Altama makes boots and shoes here in the USA - They even have a BOGO 50% deal right now - https://altama.com/ - The OTBs are great shoes, highly durable and slip resistant. Maybe a we bit casual for an office environment, but probably about perfect for the hospital enviro. Super comfortable, can stand/wear them all day comfort. Of course if you needs fancy ones - buy Aldens or a similar made in USA/Canada shoe.

Altama might have some things labeled as "made in the USA" (who really knows how much of a product is truly American made, given the nature of globalization; it's not like they state the origin of the thread, the rubber for the outsole, the material for the insole, the plastic for the aglet, etc.), but the OTBs are definitely not made in the USA; the pair I have on right now are made in Cambodia according to the tag on the tongue.

Side note, I don't really see the appeal of them for any real work outside of their niche (water-related activities). I wear mine as a facsimile for Chucks, because I can't find Chuck 2.0s anymore, but I would never hike or run in them if there wasn't a lot of water crossings involved.

[RevolverRob]

Altama might have some things labeled as "made in the USA" (who really knows how much of a product is truly American made, given the nature of globalization; it's not like they state the origin of the thread, the rubber for the outsole, the material for the insole, the plastic for the aglet, etc.), but the OTBs are definitely not made in the USA; the pair I have on right now are made in Cambodia according to the tag on the tongue.

Well...these OTBs were made in the USA.





Actually, I have three pairs of OTBs all Made in the USA. BUT two of those pairs were purchased 4-5 years ago now. I guess there has been a change in production since then? The pair pictured above is a limited edition run done by Altama earlier this year/late last year. But you're right checking the website reveals not OTBs listed under "Made in the USA" category, currently. That sucks.

I concur that you have to accept that 'made in the USA' is not equivalent to 'all materials are sourced from the USA'. One reason I try to look for brands that are Berry Amendment compliant. Since that 'requires' that all or a substantial portion of the materials be sourced from the USA.

[Balisong]

That's disappointing about the Altamas. But how do you search for Made in USA models? I'm seeing no such tab?

[RevolverRob]

That's disappointing about the Altamas. But how do you search for Made in USA models? I'm seeing no such tab?

https://originalfootwear.com/collections/made-in-usa

[Balisong]

https://originalfootwear.com/collections/made-in-usa

Thanks for the link. For the life of me I still can't figure out how you found that. But anyways, the couple items from them I am interested in aren't made in the USA, so a bit disappointed there. But I'll still look into them when the time comes since people here are speaking highly of them.