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8 de julio de 2025

Rebooting American Footwear: Innovation, Storytelling and Smart Tech with Alan Guyan

Rebooting American Footwear: Innovation, Storytelling and Smart Tech with Alan Guyan

In a recent podcast interview, Alan Guyan, founder and CEO of Made Plus, shared how his company is bringing footwear manufacturing back to the United States and setting a new standard for sustainability in the shoe industry.

Alan’s Journey from Engineer to Footwear Entrepreneur

Alan began his career as a machinist and engineer before moving into the world of footwear innovation at Under Armour. There, he led 3D printing initiatives and helped build their innovation labs, gaining insight into product development, global supply chains, and the power of storytelling in design. Those lessons became the foundation for Made Plus.

Rethinking How Shoes Are Made

Made Plus was founded with one clear mission: to redefine footwear manufacturing by building a more sustainable and flexible process. Their approach focuses on:

Made-to-Order Production: Reducing overproduction and waste by making shoes only when they’re ordered.

Sustainable Practices: Shortening manufacturing steps, using eco-friendly materials, and minimizing energy consumption.

Smart Use of Technology: Leveraging 3D printing for tooling, orthotics, and components while preserving human craftsmanship.

This blend of high-tech innovation and traditional shoemaking allows Made Plus to deliver high-quality shoes faster and more responsibly than traditional mass production models.

The Case for U.S. Manufacturing

During the conversation, Alan emphasized why reshoring shoe manufacturing is so important:

Long-Term Commitment: Brands must invest in U.S. manufacturing for the long haul, not just for one-off marketing campaigns.

Workforce Development: Training a new generation of makers is critical for scaling production.

Speed & Sustainability: Domestic manufacturing can outpace overseas factories in turnaround time and reduce carbon emissions from global shipping.

A Glimpse into the Future

Made Plus isn’t just building a shoe company — they’re creating a blueprint for sustainable footwear manufacturing in the U.S. Alan hinted at exciting collaborations ahead, including potential custom footwear projects for fans of the Shoe-In Show.

Tune in below or click here to view the podcast interview.