EVERETT — Doug Carmean, owner of Shoes-n-Feet in Everett, has two jobs. One is to take care of his customers. The other is to help his community in the best way he knows how — through his business expertise.
Shoes-n-Feet is an official outfitter for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, an annual 60-mile walk that raises funds for breast cancer research. The business provides space for pre-event clinics and workshops in addition to sharing specialized knowledge and supporting fundraising endeavors.
Carmean and his certified shoe-fitting specialist, Judy Gregerson, also orchestrate a gently used shoe collection program for the Everett Gospel Mission.
The ability to serve others in the community was part of the reason that Carmean decided to leave his high-tech career in telecommunications eight years ago to open a Shoes-n-Feet franchise.
Shoes-n-Feet is not your typical shoe store. It specializes in providing a perfect fit whether the customer has problem feet, needs orthotics or simply wants a professionally fitted shoe that will be completely comfortable.
Carmean also likes to work with local businesses to create programs for employees who require comfortable, well-fitting footwear such as health-care professionals, warehouse workers and casino workers.
“People often buy the wrong size for themselves,” Carmean said. “All of our employees go through 160 hours of serious training in foot anatomy, biomechanics, shoe construction and fitting just to assess someone and give them the best shoe to make them more comfortable.”
Years ago, this level of service was not uncommon but today it can be difficult to find. Shoes-n-Feet has an extremely high percentage of repeat customers simply because there are few businesses left in the U.S. that offer a specialized fit from a trained professional.
Carmean’s trained staff don’t just use a Brannock device — that metal plate used to measure shoe size. They watch customers walk, look at the wear on their existing shoes, listen to their concerns and employ a high-tech scanner to get that perfect fit.
Carmean does not put his fitting staff on commission. He wants a comfortable, no-pressure atmosphere for his customers.
It was this atmosphere that first attracted Gregerson to the business. She requires orthotics and Shoes-n-Feet was one of the few places in the region where she could get comfortably fitted. She was so impressed with the business that she applied to work there.
It was Gregerson who told Carmean of the need for gently worn footwear at the Everett Gospel Mission. What began as a fall shoe drive for Shoes-n-Feet has now become an ongoing project.
Used shoes of all sizes and for all ages are collected at the store. The shoes are then sorted and any that are too worn for use are sent for recycling to keep them out of landfills. There is also a need for flip-flops for shower protection.
Carmean’s involvement with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day is even more long standing.
“We’ve been involved since we opened,” Carmean said. “They’re looking for stores who have the knowledge to get you through the 20 miles a day three days in a row, which is actually more grueling than a marathon.”
Shoes-n-Feet staff provide 3-Day participants with detailed information on topics such as the right shoes, moisture-wicking socks and how to avoid blisters. They also had a physical therapist come in to discuss stretching before the event.
M.L. Dehm is a freelance writer for the Snohomish County Business Journal.
Learn more
Shoes-n-Feet is located at 1203-R Everett Mall Way SE, Everett. Call 425-348-7306 or go to www.shoesnfeet.com/everett for more information.
Used shoe donations are gratefully accepted.
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