# Department of War Awards Texas Footwear Contracts

The U.S. Department of War and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) have awarded multi-year contracts totaling over **$156 million** to San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) and New Balance to supply American-made athletic footwear for military recruits across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. These contracts, effective through 2029, mandate the provision of over 800,000 pairs of performance-specific shoes manufactured primarily in Texas, supporting federal policies prioritizing domestic production for military footwear needs.

- **Key agencies involved:** Department of War, Defense Logistics Agency, and all major military branches
- **Contract scope:** Three-year supply of men's and women's athletic shoes for basic training recruits
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on American-made products and the significant investment in domestic manufacturing capacity
- **Actionable insights:** Footwear manufacturers and suppliers should evaluate opportunities in defense footwear production and compliance with military performance standards; contractors can anticipate stable demand through 2029
- **Regional impact:** Texas-based manufacturing facilities, particularly in San Antonio and Del Rio, are central to fulfilling these contracts, highlighting regional industrial capabilities in defense supply chains

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of War
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force

### Vendors
- San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) (prime contractor)
- New Balance (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Our dedicated team of designers, shoe engineers and footwear experts worked closely with military personnel to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by the warfighter.
> — Nancy Richardson, CEO of San Antonio Shoemakers

### Sources
- [Dept. of War awards $98M contract to Texas shoemakers for 'Mission 1' sneaker](https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/dept-war-awards-98m-contract-230000562.html) - Currently.com
- [San Antonio Shoemakers awarded DLA footwear contract - San Antonio Business Journal](https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2026/09/22/shoemakers-manufacturing-company-military-contract.html) - The Business Journals