No matter what you’re doing working, playing, or anything else—you’ll do it better in the right shoe. (Unless, of course, it can be done barefoot.) Having comfy, happy feet is absolutely essential. And here in the Hudson Valley, we’re enormously fortunate to have Montano’s, the Saugerties shop that’s been in the business of making sure your feet are contented since 1906.
When Louis Montano arrived in the United States from Campobasso, Italy in 1905, he found work as a cobbler in Hudson right away. It didn’t take him long to realize that there was a great need for shoes and shoe repair in the region, and he crossed the river to Saugerties and opened his own place, L. Montano Shoes, the following year. “He had a family connection with the cobbler in Hudson from back in Italy,” says Ed Montano Jr., who currently owns the store with his cousin, Anthony Montano. “When he opened in Saugerties, he offered shoe repair and shoes for sale for men, women, & children. By the time of his death in 1959, according to the Catskill Mountain Star, he was recognized as one of Saugerties’ largest businesses. Since then, our business has grown significantly, and the customers we reach come from over a 75-mile radius.”
It’s easy to understand why: Montano’s understands what feet need and what people like. The store stocks over 100 brands of footwear, along with a large selection of socks, orthotics, insoles, and other foot health products. They’ve got extended sizes and widths too. (Ever try finding decent 15D men’s boots? It’s rough.) And everyone who walks through the door will have their feet measured for the perfect fit.
“Our philosophy is simple: to offer the best quality of footwear available and provide the best service possible for our customers while still giving people fair prices.”
– Montano’s Owner Ed Montano Jr.
Ed Jr. started working in the store when he was just 15. “I liked what I was doing, so I ended up staying in the business,” he says. “Everything I know about the shoe business I learned from my father, Edward Senior, and my cousin, Anthony Montano. I also went to Pedorthic School at Oklahoma State University to become a board-certified pedorthist in 1994.” Defined by Pedorthics.org as “the management and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities requiring fitting, fabricating, and adjusting of pedorthic devices,” pedorthics takes footwear to the next level, helping you achieve, maintain, and regain maximum mobility.
Louis Montano arrived in the United States from Campobasso, Italy in 1905, and opened L. Montano Shoes the following year.
A long list of concerns can be addressed by pedorthics, from arthritis and tendonitis to plantar fasciitis, high or low arches, and more. Montano’s expertise will help you find solutions—both standardized and custom—that will relieve your discomfort and fit any style of shoe. Whether your feet are actually hurting, or you just need something fresh and super-comfy, Montano’s old-school approach leaves customers satisfied and amazed. “The absolute best experience I’ve had buying shoes,” writes a happy customer on Google.
“They know everything when it comes to what you need. They have shoes that I didn’t know were sold in stores, and they were cheaper than if I had bought them from the website directly. I’m definitely going to Montano’s for all my shoes from now on.”
“All I can say is WOW,” writes someone else. “Was my first time ever going into a true shoe store and my first time in Montano’s. Super helpful staff, tons of selection. The staff make the whole experience feel special. This is now my go-to spot. Thank you Montano’s. You are a role model for all businesses.” Besides Edward Jr. and Anthony, two of the next generation—Edward’s nephew Jeffrey and Anthony’s daughter-in-law Anica—help customers find the perfect shoe. And as often happens with a great business, other staff come to love the place and make careers there; Montano’s has several who’ve been there for 20 years or so.
“Our clientele is literally everybody,” says Montano. “We provide footwear for people of all ages, from first walking shoes to orthopedic and diabetic shoes, as well as running shoes, hiking boots, work boots, dress shoes, casual wear, slippers, socks, and accessories…Our philosophy is simple: to offer the best quality of footwear available and provide the best service possible for our customers while still giving people fair prices.”
Whether your feet are actually hurting, or you just need something fresh and super-comfy, Montano’s old-school approach leaves customers satisfied and amazed.
Those prices, mentioned frequently in five-star reviews, are part of the proud family tradition. “We sell everything at a discounted price, something that started a long time ago—being able to give a great item at a lower cost—and it’s a tradition we continue to this day,” says Montano.
So don’t think your budget prevents you from owning shoes that feel as fabulous as they look. “We regularly have customers who feel that they have tried everything in regards to their footwear and/or foot pain and thought there were no other options, and we are usually able to help them find comfort,” says Montano. “Our goal is to continue to be the best provider of footwear possible and to pass along a successful business to the next generation. There are other footwear stores in the Hudson Valley; I believe we stand out among them because of the quality service we provide to every customer and our vast selection. And the best part about this business is the people you meet and are able to help.”
So whether you’re after running shoes, hiking boots, or the perfect style statement, check out what Montano’s has to offer. Your feet will love you for it.
montano’s shoe store
77 Partition St, Saugerties,
845-246-4381
montanosshoestore.com
