(1938 – 2005)
Co-founder of San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS)
Early Life and Education
February 13, 1938 — Terry L. Armstrong was born in Bangor, Maine, and grew up in Carmel, Penobscot County. He graduated from Carmel High School in 1956. Known for his hands-on nature and strong work ethic from an early age, these traits later defined his approach to craftsmanship and business.
Early Career and Shoemaking Training
Following high school, Armstrong entered the shoe industry, which at the time was a thriving trade in Maine. He began working in local shoe factories, where he learned the intricate processes of shoemaking, from cutting and stitching leather to understanding the ergonomics of fit and comfort.
His early career provided a practical, factory-floor education that would eventually surpass the need for formal higher education. Armstrong’s technical skills, combined with a natural sense for product quality, established his reputation as a dedicated craftsman.
Move to Texas and Founding of SAS
In 1973, Armstrong moved with his family to San Antonio, Texas. By this time, he had accumulated significant industry experience and saw potential in blending traditional shoemaking with a more comfort-oriented philosophy.
In 1976, along with his Maine acquaintance Lew Hayden, he co-founded San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) — a company that would become synonymous with handcrafted, high-quality comfort footwear made in the USA. The brand’s name, SAS, simply stood for San Antonio Shoes.
Armstrong’s approach was centered on American craftsmanship. He resisted large-scale automation, instead emphasizing hand-finishing, custom fitting, and attention to detail. Under his leadership, SAS grew from a modest workshop into a nationally recognized shoe manufacturer with a reputation for comfort, durability, and quality.
Later Years and Legacy
In later years, Armstrong acquired full control of the company after buying out his partner, though SAS remained privately held and family-involved. His focus on maintaining American manufacturing standards at a time when most footwear production was moving overseas earned him widespread respect within the industry.
Armstrong was known not only as an innovator but as a quiet perfectionist who valued craftsmanship over mass production. His principles helped preserve an American shoemaking tradition that would otherwise have faded.
Death: November 9, 2005 — Armstrong passed away after battling Parkinson’s disease.
Even after his death, SAS continued to operate under the same philosophy he established — to make the most comfortable shoes possible, handcrafted in America.