Freeman Shoes, originally headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, operated as a family-owned business until its acquisition by US Shoe Corp in 1966. The manufacturing of these shoes took place not only in Beloit but also in a few other factories scattered across the United States. Over time, US Shoe Corp gained ownership of French Shriner and subsequently purchased the remaining assets of Nettleton, a company based in Syracuse, in 1985. Surprisingly, even though Nettleton shoes were manufactured in Beloit during the late 1980s, Freeman Shoes faced challenges in the 1980s, much like other American competitors, owing to inexpensive imports and evolving fashion trends. Consequently, the company's demise took place in 1992 when its factories and brands were liquidated.