How We Became SHOES-n-FEET Store Owners

Bob Boustedt

The journey began with my feet.  As I got older, my right foot started talking back to me.  The pain reached a point where I could no longer coach my son’s soccer team.  Having been a soccer player in college, this was an activity I sorely missed.   Fortunately, a visit to the doctor, a cortisone shot in the heel (ouch!) and prescription orthotics helped heal a condition known as plantar fasciitis.  I might have avoided this problem completely if I had known about SHOES-n-FEET back then. 

It wasn’t until my wife Aileen was referred by a podiatrist to SHOES-n-FEET and came home wearing stylish shoes that finally fit her problem feet, that I had an epiphany:  With the right shoes, feet didn’t have to hurt.   I met with the corporate SHOES-n-FEET owners who introduced me to Dr. Debbie, a practicing podiatrist, who has been my business partner since we opened our first SHOES-n-FEET store in 2004.    We both share a passion for helping people, and keeping their feet pain free.

I derive a great deal of satisfaction in helping our customers get back on their feet (!) and walk out of our store with a “spring” in their step.   It makes me smile every time.

Debbie Ketterer, DPM

As a practicing podiatrist, I understand the importance of good shoes.  Early in my career, I was frustrated by the lack of comfort shoe stores available in the Seattle area.  After learning about the SHOES-n-FEET philosophy, I was thrilled to become an original investor in the company.

Opening a SHOES-n-FEET franchise was very appealing to me, but not conducive to continuing my podiatry practice, which I love.  I was introduced to my business partner, Bob Boustedt, in 2003 and decided we could open the business together and I could continue practicing podiatry.   It’s the perfect arrangement for both of us.

Our employees are the key to our success.  They are expertly trained in shoe fitting, foot problems such as heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, and biomechanics.  Our philosophy at SHOES-n-FEET is to go above and beyond when it comes to customer service.  We want the “WOW” factor to be part of every shoe buying experience.  It’s very rewarding to our employees to make their customers’ feet feel good, which is evident in the smiles, hugs and praise they receive on a daily basis.   We all agree: “It’s not normal for your feet to hurt.”

On a more personal note, I enjoy gardening, spending time with my dog Rudy, traveling and reading.  I have lived in the Seattle area for 20 years and am an alumnus of the University of Washington.