Women's History Month
REFLECTING ON NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Last month was National Women’s History month, and while we honor women all year, we want to take time to reflect on the celebration and weave in the history of Drew Shoe, which was started in 1875, manufacturing primarily women’s shoes.
WOMEN MAKE HISTORY
For centuries, strong women have been working hard for equality and inclusivity. It’s hard to imagine that around the time Drew Shoe Corporation was founded (as a women’s shoe company), Susan B. Anthony had recently been arrested and brought to trial for attempting to vote for Ulysses S. Grant in the presidential election. It wasn’t until 1919 that the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote.
During World War II, Rosie the Riveter, an allegorical cultural icon, represented the women who worked in factories and shipyards, replacing the male workers who joined the military. The theme “We Can Do It” became synonymous with Rosie as a symbol of American feminism and women’s economic empowerment. Drew Shoe has employed thousands of women since its founding in 1875.
THE HISTORY OF DREW SHOE CORPORATION
Drew Shoe Corporation was founded in 1875, when Irving Drew and a few experienced shoemakers started the business of hand-making extra fine welt shoes in Portsmouth, Ohio. Drew was a visionary shoemaker whose goal was to create shoes that were not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable.
The company’s success grew, and the quality of the shoes increased, resulting in a prospering business. Women’s shoes manufactured with the signature Drew “Arch Rest” offered a reinforced arch, providing comfort in a stylish woman’s shoe, making Drew known for their style, quality, and uniform fit.
Examples of Drew Arch Rest Shoes Advertisements from the 1920’s
DREW TODAY
Today, the Drew brand manufactures both women’s and men’s shoes designed in an extensive array of sizes and widths with many performance features, making them a leader in the comfort and orthopedic footwear business. Their portfolio has grown to include women’s brands Ros Hommerson and Bellini
SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN'S SHOES SINCE 1875
Bridging the gap between fashion and comfort has made Drew a favorite among many shoe enthusiasts. Offering a plethora of features that include extra-depth, removable insoles, wide toe boxes, firm heel counters, arch support and plenty of adjustability, Drew Shoes offer a remarkable blend of comfort, style, and functionality.
Another Drew brand, Ros Hommerson, has long been a favorite in the comfort shoe market, specializing in extended sizes and widths. Developed by a female designer, Ros shoes prove that women can have it all – comfort, fit and style! Utilizing a signature Tiny Pillow insole construction that offers pillowy massage like effects with every step, these are the shoes that allow all-day walking without the pain often associated with fashionable shoes.
Our Bellinibrand was founded in Italy in 1959 with its designers in Spain. Now, over 60 years later, it has a shoe collection as rich as its history. This moderately priced collection is trendy, chic and eye-catching. Bellini shoes are available in medium and wide widths, some up to size 14 with extra padded footbeds that will pamper your feet.
