Bison Booties produces colorful handmade booties and slippers for babies, kids and adults. The soft-sole, vegan-friendly footwear are designed by owner Erica Hager and sewn in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Colorful booties from Bison Booties
I first noticed Bison Booties when Eli was a baby and I was looking for something that would stay on his busy — and super wide — feet. (Sorry baby — you inherited your mama’s feet!)
Then it seemed like I saw them everywhere. They popped up on TV, making cameos on Parenthood and About a Boy and showed up on the feet of celebrity babies. They were featured in Country Living Magazine and the Martha Stewart Living Blog. Bison Booties was also a “Top 15” Finalist for the Martha Stewart American Made Award in 2012, which is a pretty big deal.
Fast forward to downtown, Bismarck, North Dakota, a few weeks ago. I’d been trying to figure out why I recognized the friendly brunette standing near me. When I finally peeked at her name tag, I laughed out loud.
“You’re Erica from Bison Booties!” I exclaimed, practically chasing the poor woman down in the street like the weirdo I not-so-secretly am. “I’m Alicia from Prairie Style File!” It’s always kind of odd when you meet people you follow online in real life.
Bison booties creator Erica Hager, me and Carolyn Moore of “Her View From Home”
Bison Booties are totally going to be my new go-to baby shower idea. The colors and fabrics are fun and kid-friendly they’re something parents can really use. In fact, baby gifts are how the whole business got started.
Bison Booties are made in Bismarck, North Dakota
“In all honesty, I never expected or planned for Bison Booties to be a business,” says Erica. “But after the first few pairs were given as baby gifts to friends, I quickly learned there was a need for Bison Booties outside of my own use.”
“Not only do Bison Booties stay put on kicky baby feet, they are machine washable, and their soft soles support proper foot development. That combination is impossible to find in commercially made baby shoes,” she continues. “Bison Booties are a great product, but the real reason for our widespread popularity is […]our customers and their constant support and encouragement.”
Bibs from Bison Booties
Bison Booties offers adorable, colorful bibs as well. They’re a nice addition to your own household collection (you can never have too many) and a smart thing to tuck into a baby gift for moms and dads. And aren’t these adult slippers cute? I didn’t realize Bison Booties made them until I poked around in the online store. So even if you don’t have kiddos, I think you’ll find something you like here. And it always feels good to support a local business.
Bison Booties makes adult booties as well.
“When you buy handmade, you are supporting your neighbor, your community. What could be better than that?” says Erica. “I love creating handmade products because I truly believe that handmade is better than factory made. Better in quality, craftsmanship, and value. A little bit of me is in every pair of Bison Booties and I contract with about ten women in the Bismarck-Mandan community who also put their love into each pair they craft.”
All photos in this post are provided by Bison Booties.
What about you? What’s your go-to baby shower gift? Would you wear booties in your size?
Cool Bison Booties
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