the american dream
Building True American Luxury
My dream to start a shoe company started a long time ago, when I was a kid, sketching shoes and saving all my money for new kicks. I was determined to design shoes for Nike, but my dream evolved as I learned about mass manufacturing overseas. I realized that my passion for footwear was more than 'design' - it was about the entire process of creation. I decided I wanted to learn to make shoes here, in America, from the bottom up, rather than designing something that would be mass produced by someone far away, who was overworked and underpaid.
I gave every minute I had to footwear - learning the craft - buying machines - making patterns - sewing - for over 5 years until Amanda and I got an opportunity to purchase a machine lot from another domestic factory. With the help of Amanda's grandfather we brought our first batch of machines back from LA to our hometown in North Carolina. Since 2019 we've taken on the task of building our own factory and manufacturing line for Opie Way. We design, cut, sew and build the best sneaker made in America, with pride.
Our materials (leather, cotton textiles, laces, eyelets) are sourced from US & Italian manufacturers and we only use the best leathers and quality textiles in the world. Many of our materials are sourced within 200 miles of our factory. Our sneakers are designed, created and cut/sewn in house in our small North Carolina factory, where we employ incredible people here in our hometown. When you purchase a pair, you are part of the movement to bring shoemaking back to the states. Your purchase directly impacts our ability to train shoemakers and support the other artisans that our craft cannot live without - tanneries, lace makers, textile manufacturers, hardware suppliers. It is a ripple effect, and we want to make waves! We can't wait to welcome you to the Opie family.
we can be seen in
core collection
our every days
The sneakers that we dreamed of and the original ideas from Justin. Classic colors, impeccable quality, and impossible to beat.