Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-04-20 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● The Origins and Rise of Penaljo Shoes
● Penaljo's Reputation Among Women
>> A Place in the Wide Width Shoe Market
● The Decline and Closure of Penaljo
>> Changing Ownership and Industry Pressures
● Searching for Penaljo Shoes Today
>> Are Penaljo Shoes Still Made?
● The Legacy of Penaljo in Women's Footwear
>> Modern Alternatives for Wide Width Shoes
● The Nostalgia Factor: Why Penaljo Still Matters
>> A Symbol of American Manufacturing
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What made Penaljo shoes unique compared to other women's shoe brands?
>> 2. When did Penaljo stop making shoes for women?
>> 3. Can I still buy Penaljo shoes today?
>> 4. Are there modern brands similar to Penaljo for wide width women's shoes?
>> 5. Why do people still talk about Penaljo shoes?
Shoes are more than mere accessories—they are a blend of fashion, comfort, and, for many, a nostalgic connection to the past. Among the many brands that have graced the shelves of American shoe stores, Penaljo stands out for its unique history and loyal following, particularly among women who appreciated its blend of style and comfort. But as the footwear industry has evolved, many consumers find themselves asking: Do they still make Penaljo shoes for women? This article delves deep into the history, legacy, and current status of the Penaljo brand, providing a comprehensive answer to this enduring question.
The story of Penaljo shoes begins in De Soto, Missouri, a town with a rich tradition in shoe manufacturing. The roots of the factory date back to 1907, when the Peters Shoe Company established a facility in the area. Over the decades, the factory changed hands several times, becoming part of the International Shoe Company in 1911—a major player in American footwear, known for brands like Red Goose and Poll Parrot shoes[2].
In 1958, Charles D. P. Hamilton III, affectionately known as Penn, acquired the De Soto factory and rebranded it as the Hamilton Shoe Company. The Penaljo brand was born from a combination of the names Penn Hamilton, Al Shoy, and Johnnie Walsh—key figures in the company's leadership[2]. Penaljo quickly gained recognition for its quality craftsmanship and stylish designs, featured in prominent publications like *Mademoiselle* and *Glamour* magazines[2].
For decades, the Penaljo factory was more than just a workplace—it was a community. Generations of families worked side by side, forging bonds that extended beyond the factory floor. The factory was a major employer, especially for women, and became a cornerstone of De Soto's local economy[2].
Penaljo shoes were renowned for their ability to combine fashionable designs with comfort—a rare feat in the world of women's footwear. The brand offered a variety of styles, from dress shoes to casual flats, appealing to women of all ages and walks of life[2].
Penaljo also earned a reputation among women seeking wide width shoes, a segment often underserved by mainstream brands. Alongside names like Clarks and Birkenstock, Penaljo was listed as a go-to brand for women needing extra width and comfort in their footwear[1].
The 1980s brought significant changes to the American manufacturing landscape. In 1985, Penn Hamilton sold the Hamilton Shoe Company—and with it, the Penaljo brand—to Pacific Brand Footwear, Dunlop, an Australian firm[2]. The factory continued operations for a few more years but eventually succumbed to the pressures facing many domestic manufacturers: rising costs, increased competition from overseas, and shifting consumer preferences.
Pacific Dunlop closed the De Soto factory in 1989. In a final effort to keep the tradition alive, James Norwood, Phil Knapp, and Tom Capps purchased both the factory and the Penaljo brand in 1990, operating under the Norwood Shoe Corporation[2]. However, this revival was short-lived. By October 1993, workers were notified of the impending closure, and the factory officially ceased operations on January 7, 1994[2].
As of 2025, there is no evidence that Penaljo shoes are still being manufactured for women or any other market. The closure of the Norwood Shoe Corporation in 1994 marked the end of Penaljo's production[2]. Since then, there have been no official announcements or signs of a brand revival, and Penaljo shoes are no longer available through major retailers or online outlets.
While new Penaljo shoes are no longer produced, vintage pairs occasionally surface on resale platforms, thrift stores, and vintage boutiques. Collectors and fans of the brand sometimes seek out these shoes for their nostalgic value and enduring quality.
Although Penaljo shoes are no longer made, their legacy persists in several ways:
- Influence on Comfort-Focused Design: Penaljo set a precedent for combining style and comfort, a philosophy that continues to influence modern shoe brands.
- Wide Width Advocacy: By serving women with wide feet, Penaljo helped pave the way for today's inclusive footwear options, now offered by brands like Comfortview, Clarks, and Birkenstock[1].
- Community and Craftsmanship: The story of Penaljo is also a testament to the importance of community and skilled craftsmanship in American manufacturing.
For women seeking shoes that echo Penaljo's commitment to comfort and style—especially in wide widths—several brands and retailers now cater to this market. Notable options include:
- Avenue
- Asos
- Lane Bryant
- Torrid
- Comfortview
- Ashley Stewart
- Target
- Yours Clothing
- Woman Within
- Forever 21
- Zappos[1]
These brands offer a range of sizes and styles, ensuring that women can find shoes that fit both their feet and their fashion sense.
Penaljo shoes represent a bygone era of American manufacturing, when local factories were integral to small-town economies and communities. The brand's story is woven into the fabric of De Soto, Missouri, and lives on in the memories of those who worked there[2].
For many, Penaljo shoes are more than a brand—they are a symbol of family, hard work, and shared experiences. Former employees recall the camaraderie, the smell of leather and cement, and the pride in crafting shoes that would travel across the country[2].
Vintage Penaljo shoes, when found, are prized by collectors not just for their quality, but for the stories they carry. Each pair is a tangible piece of American history.
Do they still make Penaljo shoes for women? The answer is no—Penaljo shoes have not been manufactured since the early 1990s. The brand's closure marked the end of an era, both for the town of De Soto and for the women who cherished its shoes. However, the legacy of Penaljo endures in the memories of its workers, the quality of its surviving shoes, and the ongoing demand for stylish, comfortable footwear for women of all sizes.
Today, women seeking wide width, stylish, and comfortable shoes have more options than ever, thanks in part to the groundwork laid by brands like Penaljo. While you may not find a new pair of Penaljo shoes on store shelves, their spirit lives on in the continued evolution of women's footwear.
Penaljo shoes were known for their combination of stylish design and exceptional comfort, particularly for women with wide feet. They were also recognized for their quality craftsmanship, a result of skilled workers and a strong sense of community within the factory[2].
Production of Penaljo shoes ceased in January 1994, following the closure of the Norwood Shoe Corporation in De Soto, Missouri[2].
New Penaljo shoes are no longer manufactured or sold through mainstream retailers. However, vintage pairs may occasionally be found on resale platforms, thrift stores, or vintage boutiques.
Yes, several brands now offer wide width shoes for women, including Comfortview, Clarks, Birkenstock, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Torrid, and others. These brands provide a range of stylish and comfortable options for women with wide feet[1].
Penaljo shoes hold a special place in the hearts of many due to their quality, comfort, and the sense of community they fostered among workers and customers alike. The brand is also remembered as a symbol of American manufacturing heritage[2].
[1] https://fatgirlflow.com/10-places-to-shop-for-wide-width-shoes/
[2] https://www.myleaderpaper.com/features/looking_back/looking-back-to-de-soto-and-shoes/article_b60b4db0-eeb6-11e4-84d7-2b5f0024fd4c.html
[3] https://www.etsy.com/market/penaljo_shoes
[4] https://poshmark.com/brand/Penaljo-Women-Shoes
[5] https://www.myleaderpaper.com/features/looking_back/looking-back-to-de-soto-and-shoes/article_b60b4db0-eeb6-11e4-84d7-2b5f0024fd4c.html
[6] https://br.pinterest.com/pin/these-vintage-1960s-shoes-for-women-were-fashionable-far-out-click-americana--760193612099810294/
[7] https://www.pinterest.com/belinda_tg/penaljo/
[8] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/8-pairs-of-shoes-sizes-9-5-10-cobbie-penaljo-7305-c-2134c319b8
[9] https://shopthrilling.com/products/70s-slingback-heels-by-penajos
