Italy is fundamental in two ways in the businesses run by Dan Pisano (Pisano Riding Boot Repair in Kimberton, Pa.) and his brother Michael Pisano (Pisano and Son Shoe Repair in Malvern, Pa.). The first is their heritage: They learned the trade from their father Dominic, an immigrant from Naples.

The second is their supplies: They use high-quality leather and other materials from Italy. “I get most of my parts directly from the boot manufacturers I work with,” said Dan. “But even if the boot comes from England or Portugal, some of the parts may be sourced from Italy.”