About Us
WHO WE ARE
Waxberg’s is a third-generation family shoe store that has been in business since 1919. For 103 years, the Waxberg family has cared for the footwear needs of Chicagoland, passing the business down through generations.
Our founder, Isaac Waxberg, was a cobbler working out of Berlin during the first World War, after which he moved to Chicago and opened what has now become Waxberg's Walk Shoppe. Isaac was passionate about corrective footwear, and he soon established a loyal and ever-growing group of customers who trusted him to solve their foot pain. Waxberg’s was unique in the community at the time, for not many retailers sold corrective shoes or were able to adjust existing shoes to meet customer’s needs.
As one journalist once wrote, “Customers’ stories all end the same way: Since they have been buying their shoes at Waxberg’s and having [Isaac’s] fitting service, their troublesome feet no longer trouble them. These 100 percent satisfied customers are the best proof of Waxberg’s success”
Our legacy of individualized, above-and-beyond service continues to this day as we are one of the few sit-and-fit shoe stores left in Chicagoland. We still feature hundreds of corrective shoe options, but our collection now features a wide assortment of athletic, leisure, work, and dress shoes for every type of shopper. Our staff has decades of combined experience to find customer’s their best fit from this selection of amazing shoes!
In 2022, Waxberg’s was acquired by Stan’s Fit For Your Feet, a third-generation family shoe store based out of Milwaukee since 1950. “Our family business histories and philosophies are so similar that this acquisition is a perfect match,” said Jim Sajdak, president, Stan’s Fit For Your Feet. “When we connected with the Waxberg family, we immediately were interested in continuing their 102-year-old family business legacy.” Both stores are excited to combine forces and bring continued quality and comfort to the Niles community,
WHAT WE DO
Everyone, ourselves included, loves the convenience and ease of internet shopping or browsing at the big box chains. However, the problem with these stores is that they’ve stopped taking care of their customers with individualized service, nor do they have a dedication to finding every customer a proper fit.
Waxberg's is proud to be one of the few stores left that takes the time to sit and fit every customer. We properly measure both your feet sitting and standing in addition to assessing your foot shape and arch type. We then make recommendations based on our conclusions. The hands-on experience possessed by our staff is second to none, so you can trust that you’re getting the best advice (and shoes!) on the market.
To give you the best fit, we work hard to keep our selection of women’s shoes and men’s shoes available in every size and width. In addition, we stock a wide range of other products to enhance your comfort and shoe longevity. We carry many different types of over the counter orthotics, inserts, and gel or moleskin accommodative foot products in order to alleviate pressure or pain. To preserve your footwear, we carry maintenance products such as mink oil, suede renew, water and stain protector, shoe polish, leather conditioner, Venetian Cream (hard to find, but very useful!), snow seal, and more!
If you find a shoe that you love but that doesn’t quite fit, or if you have specific foot health concerns that your shoes need to address, we can adjust and modify your shoes to accommodate your unique feet. (Click here to learn more about our shoe modification capabilities!).
At Waxberg's, we would rather not make a sale than let you walk out with something we feel is not right for you. Every time you come in, we will work our hardest to make sure you are completely satisfied with your experience and your purchase.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Sales associates are very knowledgeable and really understand what it takes to properly fit the customer and cater to one's individual taste in footwear. I have been a customer for quite some time now and will continue, as I've always been satisfied with the associated service and product.” - Dana F.
“I have ordered many times from Waxberg's throughout the last three decades and am always satisfied with the quality of their products and their professional and caring attention to my needs. Happily, my latest purchase harmonizes well with my past experiences as a customer and I feel deeply grateful.” - Jerry S.
“Knowledgeable staff to find you the perfect fit. Service that reminds you of a time gone by when the customer experience was of uppermost importance. It is THE shop to get your footwear needs attended to in the Chicagoland area.” - Janine S.
“We've been customers for years. No matter who helps you, you walk away with happy feet. They take the time to measure your feet and make sure the shoes for comfortably. I never feel pressured to buy but rarely walk out empty handed.” - Sarah A.
“Personal service, EXCELLENT choice of shoes - where has this place been all my life? I thought I was doomed to wear only tennis shoes, but NO!!!! Waxberg's has shoes, NICE shoes (!!), that fit me! Thank you!!!!” - Barbara B.
OUR STAFF
Bert Pearlman, Store Manager
Bert has been in retail sales for almost all of his adult life. His roots were in a small family business, which has made him realize the importance of good customer service. Equally important, he brings a passion to help find the right fit for everybody with him every day.
Chuck Durante
Chuck Durante has 30 years of experience as an OST (Orthopedic Shoe Technician). He is an extremely competent shoe fitter and previously taught at National Pedorthic Sevices in Milwaukee, WI for eleven years.
Irwin Berkowitz, “Shoe Psychologist”
Prior to joining Waxberg’s in 2009, Irwin was with Nordstrom for 15 years and has been selling shoes since 1971. He brought with him all his fashion savvy as well as his shoe fitting experience. As a self-proclaimed "shoe psychologist," Irwin strives to make the shoe-fitting experience very therapeutic for customers.