Podiatrists influence Sole Solutions

Two area foot doctors and a businessman with a marketing background have joined forces to open a specialty shoe store in Spokane Valley.

Co-owner Camron Cutler of Coeur d’Alene opened Sole Solutions with Post Falls podiatrist Bryan Thompson and Spokane Valley podiatrist Shani McGinnis in an effort to educate customers about proper shoe fittings and offer selections that provide support, comfort and style.

“Our goal is to educate,” says Cutler, who works at the store along with two employees. “We want to make sure people understand what is going on with their feet so the can make good decisions with shoes.”

Sole Solutions has been open since August at a shopping center near the corner of Sullivan Road and Indiana Avenue behind Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The store carries high-end brands including Ariat, Dansko, Finn Comfort, Keen, New Balance, MBT and Naot along with specialty shoe inserts for added support.

The Valley location is ideal for the first store as a central location, Cutler says, noting that many people are referred by area podiatrists. Others are customers who already know about such brands known for providing all-day comfort, be it for those on their feet much of the day or for others with specific needs such as heel or arch support.

Cutler says he and his employees have spent several hours of training with the various shoe vendors to provide the best information to customers.

Upon entering the store, customers will find a wide selection of dress and casual shoe styles for men and women. And they have an opportunity to step on a high-tech scanner platform that projects an image of their foot beds – providing measurement details as well as pressure information. Although it won’t diagnose a particular issue, it can provide information to signal customer shoe needs.

There are shoes for maximum arch support, others that provide the best metatarsal support, and others with the “no-heel” option to provide muscle toning and posture improving.

Cutler also finds himself helping runners seeking comfort and control in a running shoe, especially for those who have had a foot or ankle injury. A treadmill is available in the store with a camera set up to monitor a jogger’s running and landing style. The information can help determine best shoe options, Cutler says.