Our history:
1973: 660 1/2 State Street
Movin’ Shoes first opens in the fall of 1973, becoming the second Nike account in the state of Wisconsin, in the basement of the old WSA Pharmacy on State Street’s 600 block as a pegboard display with three pairs of shoes.
1974 - 1976: Chevy Nova Station Wagon
For a couple of years, the store was temporarily moved to the back of an old Chevy Nova Station
Wagon. Each customer was a friend and the owners knew just about all of them by name. Since founding, Movin’ Shoes has been committed to sell running shoes at 10% to 15% below suggested retail price.
1976 - 1982: 1106 South Park Street
In 1976 Movin’ Shoes moved to South Park Street and has remained there ever since. Karl Harter was hired and became owner of the shop years later. Karl was instrumental in the modern day Movin’ Shoes, taking pride in staying a small independent business.
1982 - 1987: 841 West Lakeside Street
As more people joined Madison’s running community, the desire for organized events grew. However, several employees were trained exercise scientists with a sharp eye for running biomechanics. This not only helped Movin’ Shoes aid customers with proper shoe selection, but also helped the store maintain a selection of running shoes that were geared first toward runners and not towards advertising hype.
1987 - 2006: 604 South Park Street
South Park Street was not a destination shopping area for many people in Madison. While not far from UW, many of the old storefronts have closed over the years. Karl had opportunities to move to what some felt might be more desirable locations, but was committed to keeping Movin’ Shoes a viable business in that neighborhood.
2006 - Today: 528 South Park Street
Movin’ Shoes moved to a new location at 528 South Park Street in July 2006, now in a bigger and better store that former owner Karl Harter once called “The Movin’ Shoes World Headquarters.” In 2016, the store came under new ownership by Jim Van Boxtel, a local Madisonian whose entire career has been in shoes. His experience has spanned from Store Manager and Buyer to Sales Rep and finally to Owner of Movin’ Shoes. Movin’ Shoes continues to be Madison and Wisconsin’s foremost running specialty store, providing shoes, support, and service for all kinds of runners!