Are you thinking about buying a pair of Brooks shoes or sneakers and want to know a little bit more about the company before you part with your hard-earned money? Where are Brooks shoes made and manufactured for example? How owns the company and what is its history? Are they interested in sustainability?
Hopefully, I can answer your questions about the brand that happens to make my husband’s favorite running shoes of all time. Here’s what you need to know about Brooks shoes to help you decide whether to buy their products.
This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.
The most popular Brooks Running Shoes are:
Brooks Adrenaline Running shoes offer support, stability and style. Plus they are a recognized diabetic shoe.
Brooks Ghost 15 is a neutral running shoe that is also waterproof. It is also my husband’s favorite.
Brooks Glycerin running shoes give you extra support and cushioning.
Are Brooks Shoes Made in USA?
Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Inc is a huge company that has just made over 1 billion dollars in revenue for the first time. This is a brand that is experiencing great growth but is their footwear manufacturing done in the USA?
If you read their annual reports Brooks Manufacturing Company breaks down exactly where their shoes are made and it is a two-tier process. The majority of the materials and components that make up their running shoes and other footwear lines are primarily made in Asia. These are known as tier 2 factories.
Once the components and outsoles are manufactured they are sent to tier one factories to be pieced together. These factories add in the insoles, and laces, and finish stitching the uppers.
There are 17 of these factories and they are located as follows:
- China 1
- El Salvador 3
- Mexico 1
- Taiwan 2
- Vietnam 9
- Thailand 1
- USA 1
It would therefore be fair to say that the majority of Brooks shoe manufacturing is done outside of the USA. This is because out of 17 assembly factories only 1 is based inside the United States.
Where are Brooks Running Shoes Made?
The company’s latest annual report from 2021 gives details on its manufacturing plants and shoe production which details exactly where the materials for Brooks shoes are made.
Currently, all of the materials for Brooks shoes are made in Asian Countries and not in the United States.
Where Are Brooks Shoes Manufactured?
If you want a detailed breakdown of the third-party manufacturers of materials the shoes are made in three Asian counties.
In total, there are 14 footwear factories that manufacture the materials and components for Brooks shoes. These third-party manufacturers are based as follows:
- China – 7 Factories
- Taiwan – 3 Factories
- Vietnam – 4 factories
These factories are not owned by Brooks Shoes instead the company outsources its manufacturing to other companies.
In previous years there were additional factories in the Philippines and Sri Lanka but these are no longer part of their supply chain.
Currently, there are around 54,000 workers involved in the manufacturing of Brooks Running Shoes and other sports shoes.
So in summary, whilst Brooks designs and markets its own shoes the manufacturing process is primarily outsourced. This is because the company believes it is important for them to focus on innovation and performance when designing their running sneakers and other lines.
Are Brooks Shoes Owned By Nike?
Brooks shoes are not part of Nike.
This confusion may be linked to people confusing manufacturing plants with ownership. Many shoe manufacturers outsource to third-party manufacturers meaning that certain footwear components for different brands can be made at the same factory.
For example, the Pou Chen Corporation has been linked to Brooks and their factories also make shoes for companies such as Nike, Adidas, Acis, and New Balance.
Who Owns Brooks Shoes?
Now that you know where Brooks Shoes are made let’s talk about who actually owns the company.
It turns out that one of America’s most famous billionaires Warren Buffet owns Brook shoes through this Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate holding company.
Russell Brands owned the brand originally but then sold its holding to Berkshire Hathaway in 2006. Whilst Berkshire Hathaway ultimately owns the brand that is operated as a completely standalone company. This means they have their own employees, management, and operations. They also have a corporate headquarters in Seattle which differs from Berkshire Hathaway which is based in Omaha.
The parent company Berkshire Hathaway is happy to have a hands-off approach when it comes to Brooks Running which means that the brand can focus on its own growth without interference. However, the company has benefitted from the financial acumen and strength of Berkshire Hathaway allowing it to grow significantly and earn 1 billion dollars in revenue recently.
Where Are Brooks Shoes Headquarters?
Brooks corporate headquarters are based at the following address:
3400 Stone Way N
Suite 500
Seattle
WA 98103
USA
History of Brooks Running Shoes
If you want to know a little bit more about Brooks Shoes and their History then they were originally founded in 1914 by a man named John Brooks Goldenberg in Philadelphia.
The company was actually named after this father’s horse racing operation. Whilst we now think of Brooks because of their athletic shoes the company actually originally manufactured products like jackets, bathrobes, and sportswear.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s when running became more popular that the brand pivoted and started to make running shoes. Brooks introduced the Villanova running shoe in 1970 and it was named after the university whose cross-country team wore Brooks.
The brand conditioned to develop its shoes throughout the 80s and 90s focusing on developing shoes that could help to reduce injuries because of their stability and support.
Brooks moved to Seattle in the 90s to be close to the American running scene and in recent history, it underwent a series of buyouts.
Firstly to a Norwegian Company called Operational Group in 2001. Then in 2004 to Russell Athletic Brands until finally Berkshire Hathaway bought the brand in 2006. Since its final sale, the Brooks sports shoes have grown from strength to strength and are now considered one of the most popular running shoe brands in the world.
What Products Do They Make?
Whilst I always think of Brooks running shoes as their primary business they do also make shoes for walking. As the brand focuses on comfort and stability these are great to use if you are standing on your feet all day. The great thing about Brooks shoes is that they make specialist styles depending on the type of running you are planning to do. You can find styles to help with road, racing, and trail running.
There is also an extensive range of Brooks products primarily related to running. You can buy everything from running tops and bottoms to bras, hats, and gloves.
Brooks Sustainability
Is Brooks running a sustainable and ethical company? Well, the brand is currently working hard to become more sustainable and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its manufacturing. It plans to do this by:
- Using more recycled and sustainable materials.
- Designing products that can be more easily recycled at the end of their life.
- Reducing carbon emissions by moving towards renewable energy.
- Conserving water by optimizing usage at its manufacturing plants.
Whilst it works on the environmental impact of its operations it also has been focused on its labor practices as well. Now all their manufacturing partners have ethical stands on wages, hours worked and rights. To ensure this is adhered to their third-party factories are regularly audited. They also joined the Fair Labor Association in 2021 to make sure their workplace standards meet third-party requirements.
The Brands Best Running Shoes
My husband always wears Brooks running shoes because they are comfortable and give him great stability as he runs. As he is now over 50 he wanted to make sure that he used running shoes that would keep him safe from injury when he was out running in the neighborhood.
Brooks products have been great for him and since he swapped to the brand he has experienced no foot problems at all. His favorite shoe is the Brooks Ghost neutral running shoe which is has owned in various styles as it has evolved.
Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
Brooks Ghost 14 running shoe is the first carbon-neutral product that the brand has made and it definitely won’t be the last.
The Ghost running shoe is the footwear that is my husband’s go-to sneaker and it is hardly surprising as it is one of the brand’s best sellers.
These come in a large range of different colors and have an air mesh upper and can keep your feet cool and dry. However, it is the cushioning and support that really counts for my husband as they protect him from injury and the impact of running on hard sidewalks.
More About Where Different Shoe Brands Are Made?
*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Do Hey Dudes Stretch Out? Solutions to Loosen Hey Dude Shoes - September 9, 2023
- Are Hey Dudes Comfortable? Wearability Guide - September 8, 2023
- Do People Still Wear UGGS? – Popularity in 2023 - September 7, 2023
