WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 2026 – The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome Hope Global, a leading source of critical components for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to apparel, as we join forces with more producers and suppliers to expand the domestic footwear sector.
The company, which specializes in custom-made fabrics, leather and vinyl products, cords, netting, and more – including shoelaces and bootlaces – traces its roots to 1883 and the Hope Webbing Company in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It is currently headquartered in Cumberland and employs 1,750 people.
“The backbone of a resurgent American footwear industry is our supply chains,” said USFMA Executive Director Bill McCann. “Hope Global has literally been tying our industry together for generations. It joins our coalition as we advocate for more effective trade policies and investments in research and infrastructure to reshore more manufacturing. Having the Hope Global voice and value proposition will help foster the new partnerships that are vital to achieving our long-term objectives.”
“We strongly support the goals of USFMA and the broader domestic footwear industry, including incentivizing companies to not just stay in the market but to expand,” said Jim Hanahan, Hope Global Senior Vice President for Sales. “USFMA has a strong position in Washington, and we want to contribute to its efforts to shore up and grow what is increasingly being appreciated as a critical domestic industry.”
Hope Global prides itself on being the original manufacturer of the flat cotton laces in the legendary Converse All Star, or “Chuck Taylor,” athletic shoe. It continues to be a trusted supplier for a range of signature footwear brands, including fellow USFMA member Red Wing, and is a major source of bootlaces for military footwear.
It is not resting on its laurels, according to Hanahan. “If you walk into our braid room where shoelaces are made,” he said. “you’ll see machines that are two years old as well as 50 years old,” Hanahan explained. “We continually upgrade to maximize the effectiveness of our labor force with advanced automation.”
“We don’t want to find ourselves as a nation in the precarious position of having to source materials for shoes and boots from foreign nations that have a lock on key components, especially when it comes to outfitting our military,” Hanahan added.
“USFMA has begun the new year with another growth spurt and is excited to marshal more forces and further sharpen our message during our upcoming member meeting and Capitol Hill day in February,” said McCann.