Made Plus: Annapolis Start-Up Brings Sustainable Shoe Manufacturing Home
A new footwear venture, Made Plus, has emerged from Annapolis, co-founded by former Nike and Under Armour team members—including former machinists and engineers. What began in a garage has evolved into a small, tech-enabled factory that blends craftsmanship with cutting-edge manufacturing. The brand produces made-to-order shoes using advanced knitting, 3D printing, and computerized stitching, dramatically cutting down production steps—from a traditional 360–400 steps to under 50 WMAR 2 News Baltimore.
Each pair is crafted from recycled materials, including approximately seven plastic water bottles, and includes recycled components like laces and internal parts (though outsoles and insoles are still under development) WMAR 2 News Baltimore. Since launching its debut "Skiff" collection in June—named after the small boats common to Annapolis—the company has significantly accelerated delivery times, shrinking lead times from a typical 30 days to around 14 days WMAR 2 News Baltimore.
Made Plus is shipping within the U.S. for now but has sights set on broader expansion, all while maintaining ethical production and environmentally focused innovation
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