Eagle Shoe & Boot Co. Closes After 98 Years, Leaving 300 Jobless

Eagle Shoe & Boot Co. Closes After 98 Years, Leaving 300 Jobless...

Eagle Shoe & Boot Company, a nearly century-old American footwear manufacturer, abruptly closed its doors Friday, leaving 300 employees without jobs. The sudden shutdown of the Pennsylvania-based company marks the end of an era for domestic shoe production and has sparked outrage among workers given no advance notice.

The closure comes after years of financial struggles exacerbated by foreign competition and rising material costs. Workers arriving for their Friday morning shift at the company's Scranton factory found the gates locked with a terse closure notice posted. Many had dedicated decades to the company known for its durable work boots.

Founded in 1928, Eagle Shoe was one of the last remaining U.S. manufacturers of industrial and military footwear. The company supplied boots to American troops during World War II and became a regional employer mainstay. Its closure reflects broader challenges facing domestic manufacturers against cheaper imports.

Pennsylvania officials confirmed they were blindsided by the shutdown. The state Department of Labor is scrambling to provide unemployment assistance and job placement services. United Steelworkers Local 912, which represented Eagle employees, called the closure "a betrayal" after workers accepted concessions in 2020 to keep operations running.

The news is trending nationally as it highlights ongoing struggles in American manufacturing. Social media has erupted with support for displaced workers, while economic analysts warn more domestic producers may face similar fates without policy changes. Former employees are organizing a protest outside the shuttered factory Monday morning.

Eagle's assets will be liquidated through bankruptcy proceedings. The company's iconic red-and-white logo boots remain popular with collectors, with prices for vintage pairs spiking on eBay following the closure announcement.