He Spent 4 Years Making 60 Pairs. Here's What That Taught Me About Every Shoe You Own.

What one independent brand's four-year journey reveals about the real economics of footwear

You’ve thought about it. Every sneakerhead has. You pick up a box, flip it over, see $180 or $220 or $280 printed on the side, and somewhere in the back of your mind the question shows up...

How does a shoe that costs maybe $40 to make end up here?

It’s a fair question. And the honest answer is more interesting than the cynical one.

I recently talked to Ma…