Our History
For more than 150 years, Drew Shoe Corporation has been part of American footwear history. From its beginnings as a small shoemaking operation in Portsmouth, Ohio, to its evolution into a recognized name in comfort and specialty footwear, Drew's story is one of craftsmanship, resilience, and a longstanding commitment to helping people find shoes that fit.
Our Journey Through Time
Key chapters in more than 150 years of Drew history
Where It All Began
Drew's history dates back to 1875, when Irving Drew, together with just a few experienced shoemakers, began hand-making extra-fine welt shoes for women along the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio. These humble beginnings gave rise to the company known today as Drew Shoe Corporation, formerly the Irving Drew Shoe Company.
The exceptional quality of the shoes helped the business prosper, and the small operation grew into a sizable footwear company. By the early 1900s, the Irving Drew factory was producing ladies' fine shoes in Portsmouth.
A Partnership That Shaped the Early Company
A few years after the business began, George Selby joined Irving Drew, and the company became known as the Drew-Selby Company.
After several successful years working together, Drew and Selby went their separate ways. George Selby subsequently established the Selby Shoe Company in Portsmouth, Ohio and Drew flourished under Irving Drew.
From Portsmouth to Lancaster
The Ohio River flood of 1937 marked a significant turning point in the region's history.
Following the devastating flood that affected Portsmouth and surrounding communities, the company relocated its factory and warehouse to Lancaster, Ohio.
The move represented a new chapter for the business. While its location changed, Drew continued its tradition in the footwear industry and established roots in the community that would become its longtime home.
An Evolving Footwear Tradition
As footwear styles and customer needs changed, Drew continued to evolve.
By the 1970s, the Irving Drew Corporation offered a variety of footwear. Its catalogs showcased an extensive selection of styles, sizes, and widths.
During the 1980s, Drew's footwear collections increasingly emphasized comfort, fit, and function. Historical catalogs highlighted the importance of shoe shape, flexibility, cushioning, and depth to accommodate different foot shapes.
These principles became an important part of Drew's identity.
A Growing Focus on Specialized Comfort
By the 1990s, Drew had developed a strong presence in specialty comfort footwear and introduced mens footwear.
Its Barefoot Freedom and Footsaver collections reflected an emphasis on accommodating orthotics, providing additional depth, and offering footwear options for customers with specific fitting needs.
The company enhanced it's focus on fit, comfort, and functionality while keeping its femininity in the women's styling.
Continuing to Evolve
As Drew entered the 2000s, its collections continued to develop.
The company offered a variety of footwear designs for both men and women. Drew also introduced removable insoles, double depth, cushioning, and a wide variety of sizes and widths.
Throughout the following decades, Drew continued adapting its footwear to changing styles and customer needs while maintaining its focus on fit and comfort and style.
Celebrating 150 Years
In 2025, Drew Shoe Corporation celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half since Irving Drew began hand-making fine women’s footwear in Portsmouth, Ohio.
The milestone honored generations of shoemaking heritage, the company’s resilience through change, and its enduring commitment to fit and comfort.