Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premium Shoes, Apparel & Gifts in Minnesota
Since 1973, Bender's Shoes has been a family-owned staple in northern Minnesota, rooted in three generations of dedication to quality footwear, apparel, and gifts. Our commitment to personalized service, informed by decades of experience, ensures every customer receives expert guidance tailored to their needs. We specialize in professional shoe fittings, backed by Certified Orthotists and Pedorthists, to address foot health and comfort. Our curated product selection spans top brands in casual and specialty footwear, clothing, and unique gifts, designed to meet the demands of active lifestyles.With three locations in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Duluth, we blend local knowledge with industry expertise to deliver solutions that prioritize durability, style, and individual care. Our team stays current with evolving trends and technologies to offer products that align with modern needs while upholding traditional values of craftsmanship and integrity. Every interaction at Bender's Shoes reflects our dedication to community, customer satisfaction, and the enduring principles established by our founders over five decades ago.
Services
Shoe Fittings
Orthotic Consultations
Clothing Sales
Gift Selection
Footwear Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1973 with three generations of industry expertise.
- Certified Orthotists and Pedorthists provide free foot evaluations.
- Extensive selection of orthotic-friendly footwear and specialty brands.
- Professional fittings ensure proper shoe fit for all age groups.
- Local knowledge of northern Minnesota's seasonal and lifestyle needs.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Personalized attention
Perfect shoe fit
Comfort improvement
Family atmosphere
Services
Professional Shoe Fittings
Our trained team provides personalized shoe fittings using professional measurement tools and gait analysis. We assess arch height, foot shape, and lifestyle needs to recommend styles that prevent discomfort and enhance mobility. This service is ideal for individuals with specific foot conditions or those seeking longevity in footwear investments.
Orthotic Evaluations
Certified Pedorthists offer free evaluations to identify foot and gait irregularities. We recommend orthotic solutions for conditions like plantar fasciitis and provide modifications to standard orthotics. This service combines medical expertise with practical footwear pairing to improve daily comfort and functionality.
Clothing Sales
We curate casual and dress-casual clothing lines for men and women, emphasizing durability and contemporary style. Our inventory includes seasonal trends and timeless staples designed to complement active lifestyles. Staff provide styling guidance to ensure purchases align with individual preferences and practical needs.
Gift Selection
Our gift shops feature unique items ranging from decorative accents to wearable accessories. We offer gift-wrapping services and personalized recommendations for occasions like birthdays, holidays, and corporate events. The selection focuses on locally inspired designs and practical yet memorable options.
Shoe Repairs
We provide repair services for sole replacements, heel fixes, and waterproofing treatments. This service extends the lifespan of premium footwear while preserving comfort features. Available for both Bender's Shoes-purchased and external footwear, ensuring long-term value for customers.
People
Tara Bender-Paulson
Co-Owner - Board-Qualifying Pedorthist
Tara combines graphic design expertise with three generations of retail experience. She curates gift selections and contributes to leadership decisions while emphasizing community engagement and personalized customer interactions.
Reed Bender
Co-Owner & Finance
Reed oversees financial operations with a degree in Business Management. He transitioned from part-time work to ownership in 2022, blending analytical skills with family business values to ensure sustainable growth.
Kayla Lorentz
Co-Owner & Buyer
Kayla manages merchandise buying and scheduling across all locations. With 17 years of retail experience, she applies graphic design expertise to visual merchandising and strategic inventory planning.
Kaylynn Lofstrom
General Manager
Kaylynn directs day-to-day operations for three stores using retail and educational leadership experience. She focuses on staff development and customer service excellence while managing her family's mini-farm.
Mike Nielsen
Certified Orthotist
Mike provides orthotic solutions with a background in neurological patient care. His expertise in ankle/foot alignment assessments ensures technical precision when recommending footwear modifications or custom support systems.
Questions
Do you offer orthotic evaluations?
Yes. Certified Pedorthists provide free foot assessments and recommend orthotic solutions for various foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis.
What shoe brands do you carry?
We stock top brands like Brooks, UGG, Dansko, Birkenstock, The North Face, Keen, and Hoka, with selections for comfort, durability, and style.
Can I special order items?
Yes. Our team can order specific shoe widths, clothing sizes, or gift items not currently in stock at our Minnesota locations.
Do you have diabetic footwear options?
Yes. We offer footwear suitable for diabetic customers, with features that promote foot health and comfort during professional fittings.
What are your store hours?
Hours vary by location. Grand Rapids: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5:30 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm.
Do you accept online returns?
We offer stress-free returns and exchanges for purchases made in-store or through our website at any of our three Minnesota locations.
