title: SAS (shoemakers)
text: # SAS (shoemakers)
  
  San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) is an American shoe manufacturer based in San Antonio, Texas. The company specializes in handcrafted men's and women's shoes. They are a family-owned company which manufactures their shoes in Texas. Some shoe operations, such as hand stitching and hand lacing, are done in Acuna, Mexico on a few select SAS handbag styles. The majority of shoe operations are conducted at two US based factories in San Antonio, Texas and Del Rio, Texas.
  
  ## History
  
  San Antonio Shoemakers was founded in 1976 by Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden.
  
  ## Products and availability
  
  SAS is best known for their hand-crafted shoe forms, in 88 ladies' sizes and 104 men's sizes, to provide a suitable fit. SAS shoes are sold at SAS branded retail locations across the United States and in 11 additional countries, as well as online. Their products are also available in numerous multi-line shoe stores. SAS's primary competitors in the comfort shoe market are: Bostonian, Clarks, ECCO, and New Balance.
  
  The SAS Shoe Factory and General Store, located on the South Side of San Antonio near the intersection of SW Military Drive and S. Zarzamora Street, offers a factory tour.
  
  ## Philanthropy
  
  SAS has been known to give back to the community in times of need. A team of volunteers from SAS, their "Comfort and Support Team" visit disaster areas to fit victims with free shoes when they are in need.
  
  According to the SAS website, the Comfort and Support Team has donated over 14,000 pairs of shoes so far, along with other necessities, to victims of natural disasters.
  
  