MABACOL - Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Cindy J. M.

I truly cannot say enough good things about my boots. I have 2 pair of the cactus suede and am wearing my hiking boots right now. The first day I put these on, I walked 7 miles. No blisters, discomfort, or irritation. They are so unbelievably comfortable - much more so than my running and walking sneaks or my Birkenstock sandals. And they are adorable. I get so many compliments on them. Maria’’s customer service is exemplary! She is responsive and will do anything to make a situation a great experience. Honestly the best shoes ever: you are supporting a small business, each one is handmade and unique, look cute, and, best of all, kind to animals and your feet. Worth every penny!

Jeff S.

What a great experience! I wandered into the store just to check it out and as soon as I entered, I saw this really cool looking pair of boots. The owner, who personally makes these handmade shoes, knew exactly what size I needed within moments. That was impressive because I knew right then this person knows about shoes. The family there is very welcoming and very creative. These shoes are patented by her and she said they could ultimately last six times longer than your average shoe! I really enjoyed visiting the shop and I’m happy that I did. These shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, with no exaggeration.

Diane B.

My husband & I had a great day walking round and shopping in Jim Thorpe. We heard so many great things about these shoes, so we went back to the store and we both bought a pair. He has barely worn any other pair since - says they're the most comfortable shoes he's ever had on his feet. My pair - they lost a pumpkin seed, but when I contacted Maria, she immediately got back to me and made it right! I'm still not quite sure about the use of pumpkin seeds, hence the 4 stars, but she was so kind and easy to correspond with, and the shoes are so cute and comfortable. Can't wait to try one of the other styles! The clerk who waited on us was great!

Talbott3

I am so thrilled with my two new pair of boots! I knew I needed a new pair for our upcoming trip and Maria had so many great ideas for what I needed. She even offered to re-dye a pair because she didn't have them in my size in a color I wanted. She did it in four days, and they are magnificent!! I can't wait to get so many compliments on our trip, knowing my feet will be comfortable and dry if it rains!!
She also told me how to get my "old" boots looking like new AND helped me be stylish with my new purse and wallet.
It's always fun to shop with Maria!! And knowing that she gives back to needy communities makes it even more of a pleasure to shop!
So happy to call her a friend and part of my family!

Karyn J.

Years ago I was in Jim Thorpe on a vacation and I bought a short pair of bright robin egg blue leather boots. I have gotten so many compliments. I decided I wanted a longer boot and contacted the owner. She was so helpful, over two days of texting and sending pictures I found the perfect pair. They were shipped and arrived in 2 days and they are gorgeous and fit perfectly. I couldn't be happier and can't wait to wear them.

Steve B.

**Year-worn shoe update!**

I visited MABACOL for the first time with friends of mine in Jim Thorpe about 2 years ago. There, I purchased my first pair of beautiful colorful sneakers. I loved them so much because of how comfortable, sleak, and sustainable they were. Every step I felt more connected with to the Earth than before because the sole is organic 🌎

I decided to purchase custom shoes from MABACOL that I could wear for work. I am a stagehand rigger which means they have to be all black and lightweight. I understand the former condition was hard to ask of Maria and her team because this went against the artistic nature of their product, but nonetheless after our very detailed conversation we came to a good understanding of what we both wanted. I purchased another pair of low-top sneakers and a pair of high-top shoes. The high-top shoes were a size too small, and Maria helped me replace them with the right size 👍 free of charge.

I waited a year before writing this review because I wanted to test them out and see how they held up after prolonged use. I have included pictures of the soles, insoles and the exterior: I haven't had shoes last nearly as long as these! Especially since I have been wearing them quite frequently to work and while riding my bicycle. Many people compliment my shoes and ask wear they came from, and I love telling them that they are all made from recycled materials 🌱

My only issues with these sneakers was I replaced the insoles and I didn't really appreciate the look of the shoe laces with my high-tops. (I think these are personal foot and cosmetic issues that don't deserve a demerit of review score)

Thank you, Maria. Sorry it took me so long to write a review 😅 I look forward to purchasing my next set of artistic (colorful) casual sneakers when I want to treat myself.

Dom P.

tl;dr - best shoes, great mission and practices, great store owner, worth the cost

best shoes I've ever worn - it has been several months and I've been wearing them every day I go anywhere farther than the grocery store. I love how they look and they're extremely comfortable and versatile (and I wear them without insoles!).

Expensive, but well worth the price considering the longevity others seem to be getting out of them. Big bonus is how ethically they're made 🙂 also I stink up most pairs of shoes I own to HELL and these guys are holding up MUCH better despite being waterproof!

the store experience itself was unique for me. I didn't know what kind of store I was walking into, just went in a door that looked open and naturey. I also like wearing boring, understated shoes. This store is 99% NOT that (though they all look awesome).

My friend, wife, and I were definitely being Sold To, but I wasn't seeing anything that caught my eye. I told the owner as much and she went to great lengths to find me something boring that also fits my abnormally wide feet. No winners, but she recommended me take the insoles out of a near-fit.

It ended up perfect and I've been wearing nothing but these and a pair of flip flops ever since. I don't think I'll be able to settle for anything else anymore. I was in no financial position to be buying these shoes, but with how I normally tear up my shoes I expect these to pay for themselves. They convinced me to throw away my (not-so) old Merrell stinkers, and i usually wear my shoes until my toes stick out

The owner was also extremely personable and welcoming! I love the work she is doing. This is a business well worth supporting

emily B.

My partner and I bought matching shoes here for our wedding. Their unique design, comfort, and the fact they are hand-made sold us. We knew buying them would add a touch of culture, art, and support a small business. Great products!
Most of all, the owner was SO nice and SO sweet. It went from service to hospitality. A nice touch to our mountain trip. Thank you Maria!