It's More Than Just a Shoe Store, Another Unusual San Antonio Landmark

They call themselves "more than just a shoe store," and that they are.  The San Antonio Shoe Factory has been an 'item' here in Texas since 1976.  It's founders were disgruntled employees in the shoe industry who refused to let the changing times and high cost of materials affect the quality of the shoes they crafted.  As their video reveals, the materials and craftsmanship that goes into each shoe is of the highest caliber.  Furthermore it results in a shoe promoting foot health and great comfort.  They pride themselves in the softest, best fitting, most comfortable shoe made.
In 1978, SAS, as they became known, built on a general store and retail location to their factory complex at 101 New Laredo Highway.  Antiques- reminiscent of a by gone era when pride was put into all manufacturing-were collected and displayed in the store.
  
A visit there was always looked forward to by young ones because visitors were provided fresh popcorn, icy cokes (in the little green bottles) and peanuts in the shell. We've been sending Hidden Valley RV guests here for the past 30 years.

In 1998 the complex burned pretty extensively in a fire but this made way for a new and improved general store including a candy store, ice cream parlor and kitchen.  The General Store offers many handcrafted items, regional interest goods and plenty of old fashioned penny candy.My children's favorite was and still is the delicious baked chocolate chip cookies, hot from the oven.  The new SAS factory and store has an extensive line of shoes and handbags and an even larger collection of antiques which now includes vintage cars too.  Arranged tours  are available Mon-Thurs at 9:15, 12:30 and 2:05 and they are open Mon-Sat for business and of course popcorn and cookies and shoes, shoes, shoes.  

SAS is still an old fashioned company.  They don't sell online and only recently got a website: they barely advertise- believing their product speaks for itself and word of mouth is the best advertiser.  Their website has a full gallery of photos to check out but better yet, stop by the factory and see a modern shoe factory with old fashioned attitude.  And don't forget to try on a pair for size and have a cookie for me.

Tell us in the comments your favorite part about the SAS hoe factory or turn us on to any other San Antonio attractions you think should not be missed.

Here's an edit note since I just recently visited the SAS factory:
Wow, their shoes were always comfortable but had a nurse shoe look but they've really got some cute and professional looking heels and flats and a nice line of sporty looking shoes for men.  
 

Teri Blaschke operates Hidden Valley RV Park in San Antonio, TX along with her husband.  Writer of this blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio,” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV