With a huge selection of high-quality brands, hands-on ownership, and a highly trained staff, Lucky Shoes has been caring for our feet for 100 years
By Mimi Vanderhaven
When Joe Luck began selling work boots out of a push cart to Akron’s rubber workers more than 100 years ago, he likely had no idea how far his company would go. He certainly could not have imagined big box shoe stores and the behemoth known as Amazon.
But in spite of the changing retail landscape, Lucky Shoes and their affiliated stores are not only still here after 100 years, they are thriving.
And if a company can make it for a century, something is going on.
Something really good.
“We know who we are and we’ve stuck to it for all these years,” explains the fourth generation John Luck.
“We offer top brands that people want, but we also introduce our customers to other high-quality brands that they may have never heard of. We also ensure the right fit. Most people are walking around in the wrong-sized shoe, but not our customers. We really know how to fit a shoe and we have a selection of sizes that no one else would dare. We’re passionate about that. If we don’t have your size, that disappoints us. We feel it in the gut.”
Lucky Shoes carries an impressive A-to-Z line-up of brands like Alegria, BeautiFeel, Birkenstock, Brooks, Clarks, Dansko, Dunham, Ecco, Finn Comfort, Johnston & Murphy, Keen, Merrell, Naot, Rockport, Stride Rite and Ziera. They also have stand-alone New Balance, Stride Rite and Vionic stores.
Lucky’s buyers are eager to introduce new and exciting brands every year.
“Last year we brought in Andrea Conti boots and sneakers out of Germany,” John says. “We knew by how they felt that they were fabulous shoes and we were right. Our customers loved them. We sold out.”
Another cutting-edge Lucky brand is Altra.
“These are running shoes shaped like a foot with a roomy toe box and a wide underfoot profile,” John explains. “Some people say that if Birkenstock and Hoka had a baby, it would be Altra.”
In terms of trends, Lucky Shoes is the largest Hoka dealer in the Midwest and two years ago opened the first brick-and-mortar Vionic store in the nation.
“When we met with the Vionic team, we could feel their integrity and we watched the progression of their product line. It’s been a perfect partnership.”
The values that Joe Luck started the company with 100 years ago have stayed consistent—namely hands-on family ownership, community involvement, collaboration with partners, and excellent customer service rooted in industry expertise. Lucky even has trained pedorthists on staff and are highly recommended by area physicians for patients with foot issues.
“I’m extremely proud of what my father, grandfather and great-grandfather have accomplished and I’m excited to be walking in their footsteps,” John says.
“But we cannot rest easy on that reputation. We are always looking forward, always looking to bring the best we can to our customers. They expect it from us and it’s the right thing to do.”
To find a Lucky Shoes, Stride Rite, New Balance or Vionic store near you, visit LuckyShoes.com.