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A perfect fit
Progress Ridge's When The Shoe Fits wants every customer to feel like Cinderella
Alan OHara can describe his store in three words.
Excellence. In. Footwear.
OHara, a certified pedorthist and owner of Progress Ridge TownSquares When The Shoe Fits, said that its important to find a balance between fashion and function.
We have trained staff who know how to help people select shoes that are going to fit and function, said OHara. We have the best of all the worlds major comfort brands. We think that you shouldnt have to substitute style to be comfortable.
Fashion styles change with the seasons, but When The Shoe Fits works hard to have the right shoe for any occasion, whether you want to look your best or are planning your next hiking trip, OHara said.
Theres a big movement, right now, in the footwear industry. The brands that are having the most successes in retail stores across the country are brands that are being deemed by consumers as fashionable yet have comfort features built in, OHara said. That plays right into our major strength knowing what to do with these better-quality shoes, now, and how to make them work.
At When The Shoe Fits, youll find brands including Taos, Earthies and Romika.
Of course, weve always done great with Dansko and Keen, (too,) O Hara said. But in the last several seasons, weve seen major strides from some of the more fashionable brands at making shoes that can actually help people be more comfortable, but still be fashionable. Thats where were seeing a lot of growth right now.
Spring is a busy time at OHaras store.
March and April are our two biggest sandal months, he said. Were loaded for bear right now. By that fi rst week of March, we look to try to get most all of our spring shoes in those first few warm days, people really start to think about getting something springy. Weve got all kinds of great stuff and fun colors.
Expect a lot of one-on-one customer service at the Beaverton store, OHara said.
Thats our difference. We know how shoes should fi t and whats going to work for different people.
It may seem old fashioned, but OHara said he wants the experience to remind you of visits to shoe stores when you were a youngster.
We actually fit shoes, OHara said. Theres no substitute for putting a shoe on a foot and seeing how that actually interacts with a persons foot.
Etcetera
A series of in-store events, with key vendors, is planned. These events are scheduled weekly, from mid-March through the middle of April.
According to its website, When The Shoe Fits uses pedorthics, the design, manufacture, modification and fi t of footwear and orthotics, to work with customers and their unique foot problems.
Among other brand names at When The Shoe Fits: Brooks, Merrell, Naot, Saucony and Clarks.
If you have foot conditions, including hammer toes, heel spurs, bunions, arch pain-strain or shin splints, staff at When The Shoe Fits can help with shoe selection.
Give them a call at 503-746-4609
Visit them at whentheshoefi ts.com