Since learning how to make mukluks from native women in the Northwest Territories, Patti Steger has taken design, production and sales of the warm boots to international levels.

With the growing success of Steger Mukluks and Moccasins, the Ely-based company is readying to open a new 9,800 square-foot manufacturing facility and warehouse.

Expanded manufacturing capabilities will allow the thriving company to increase its production of mukluks.

The boots, advertised as twice as warm and less than half the weight of traditional winter boots, have been worn by North and South Pole expeditions and used in several major movies. The boots have also been featured on television, magazines and in major newspapers.

"We've been selling out of the main sizes so fast in the winter that if you don't call and order your boots before the end of November, you had to be put on a waiting list," said Steger. "We've been literally selling out of all the main sizes."

The expansion, along with increased efficiencies, will eventually allow the company to produce about 30,000 pair of boots per year.

Three new employees will be added to the company's 25-member workforce.

"We have a really great crew and a really positive work environment," said Steger. "The workers have a lot of loyalty to the company and we believe in rewarding people for their loyalty and hard work."

It was as a 29-year-old on an Arctic dogsled expedition in the Northwest Territories that Steger learned how to make mukluks from native women in the Northwest Territories.

"It was all about the ability to be comfortable and warm in some of the harshest environments where it got down to 50 below," said Steger. "Making that kind of footwear in the Northwest Territories is now kind of a dying art."

Steger Mukluks are cut and machine sewn similar in a fashion to native footwear. The boots are designed to perform the same way as hand sewn native footwear.

Steger designs the products and owns the company.

Steger Mukluks can be ordered online or purchased at the Steger Mukluks retail store in Ely.

"We sell all over the world," said Steger.

For more information on Steger Mukluks and Moccasins visit: www.mukluks.com

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board assisted the Steger Mukluks and Moccasins expansion with a loan.