Best-Made Shoes – Relief for Your Feet for 3 Generations!

By Lois Thomson

If you are like many people, it probably hasn't been too long since you complained about your aching feet, especially if your job requires you to be on your feet all day, or if you have a health condition like diabetes. But if you decide that it's time to do something more than just complain, you might want to check out Best-Made Shoes in Bloomfield.

This third-generation store was founded in 1977 by Gene Rosen, and his son Marc joined the business in 1995. As Gene simply states, "What we do is basically help people who have foot problems, or people who just want shoes that fit well." They do that by making custom-made shoes and orthotics that can help everyone from diabetics, to those who have misshapen feet, swelling, edema, or a host of other issues.

Along with custom-made shoes, which may take about two months to make, Gene and Marc are able to make adjustments to ready-made shoes, such as some of their best-selling brands like Birkenstock, New Balance, and Alegria. "Sometimes we give you ready-made, orthopedic-type shoes, then do modifications," Marc said. "We can add arches or cushioning. If one leg is shorter than the other, we can add build-ups." Modifications may take anywhere from a day or two, to two weeks for custom orthotics.

While having comfortable, well-fitting shoes is everyone's desire, for diabetics it is imperative. As Marc explained, "They can get sores easier than (non-diabetics), they can get rubbing or irritation, they can have more complications if they have don't have a shoe that fits properly." Gene concurred. "If they don't have a shoe that fits well it can lead to amputation. That's why you want to make sure everything fits properly and has the right cushioning."

Marc pointed out that he and his father are certified pedorthists, and their company is a nationally accredited facility. "We're board-certified, which means we're trained to know about the anatomy of the feet and biomechanics. We can modify or make custom-made shoes or inserts." He said that some pedorthists have the training and may do prescriptions, but many of them don't actually make the shoes or inserts. "We do everything right here in the store! And with being an accredited facility, we are a provider for Medicare, UPMC and Highmark insurances for diabetic shoes."

Best-Made Shoes even does shoe repair on the premises. Gene said, "There aren't many shoe repair places left," and Marc added, "We're the only ones who really do everything." As part of their service they also make house calls – to hospitals, nursing homes, and even private homes.

"It's a fun business, helping people feel better," Gene said. "They come in here with aches and pains, and then most of the time they walk out with a smile."

For more information, call (412) 621-9363, or visit www.bestmadeshoes.com.

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