We often feel torn between fashion and function. Why not have both?

It is particularly important for us Northwest folk to have functional shoes, so let’s find stylish ones while we’re at it. Make your shoe stop at The Sneakery.

Open since October 2006, owner and Ballard resident Drea Berthold is a shoe lover and big walker. One of her favorite Las Angeles pastimes was shoe shopping at warehouse shoe sales. Within four to five blocks you can score shoes at a major discount. It’s shoe shopping for entertainment.

She moved to Seattle and wanted to find the same thing, a place where people can be comfortable, the environment is laid back, and you don’t have to feel intimidated.

The Sneakery specializes in mainly sneakers and comfort shoes – hence the name – you won’t find anything uncomfortable.

“It’s called The Sneakery for a reason,” Berthold said.

There’s nothing with a high heel (stiletto lovers, sorry you won’t find Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo here).

Of her inventory, she said, “Half the shoes are sporty, some are casual to semi-dressy, comfortable shoes you can still wear for dress-up.”

The shop is the perfect destination for people who do a lot of walking and for people who work on their feet all day. Saucony is a favorite brand among bartenders and waiters. Kids love the classic Converse and Adidas sneakers. One of Berthold’s personal favorites is Macbeth, which has a cult following and is hard to find elsewhere in Seattle.

In addition to shoes, The Sneakery carries rain boots, accessories, and socks galore.

People go just for the socks. Brands include Sock It To Me Socks and Sock Dreams, both from Portland, and alpaca wool hiking socks by Dahlgren, a local family-owned company that has their own patent for wicking moisture away from the food. Socks come in all sorts of colors, sizes, patterns and lengths.

Summertime invites sandals from Sanuk and flip-flops by Havaianas in bright colors.

Since she’s all about maximum comfort, Berthold sends people over to Custom Boot Service, a few blocks down from The Sneakery.

Custom Boot Service has been around for 20 years. Owner Jim Mates does shoe and boot fittings to make footwear more comfortable or to enhance athletic performance.

He also makes custom made footbeds. Insoles give us better foot support and greater comfort.

His business started off as a ski boot fitting business, which evolved into working with a wide range of athletes, including: cyclists, runners, hikers, inline skaters, figure skaters, even our local Rat City Roller Girls. He even fits kayaks!

He loves educating others to give people a better understanding of how the body works.

For the initial consultation he does an evaluation of your feet and overall body structure. He captures the shape of the feet through a mold, and creates footbeds to the shape of your shoes or desired application to help you achieve better balance for your body.

Insoles help control the motion of your feet, and also keep them from having to over-work. Mates’ footbeds are made in-house, a true Ballard product.

“I’ve got a couple footbeds made by Jim and they’re awesome.," said Berthold, who once even walked a customer to Mates' shop. "He’s a great support and resource.”

Although people with severe problems might seek Mates’ services, she always encourages people to try the custom made footbeds.

No need to walk around limping in pretty shoes if those pretty shoes hurt your body. Whether the purpose is to stretch out boots, help with bunions, blisters, or for better support, go get comfortable shoes at The Sneakery and have Jim Mates do a personalized shoe fitting.

It’s like having a tailor alter your clothes to achieve a perfect fit. You’ll be stylish and comfortable.

What:
The Sneakery

Where:
612 N.W. 65th St.
www.thesneakery.com
206-297-1786

When:
Mon 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

What:
Custom Boot Service

Where:
6500 4th Ave. N.W.
www.custombootservice.com
206-297-9298

When:
By appointment only