Official name is M.G. Grundman & Sons, Inc. but go by Grundman Shoes 

My brother and I co own/run the 5th generation business…Tracie Grundman-Carpenter (president) and Mark Grundman II (Vice President), we had a purchase agreement/contract with our dad whom passed away in 2016 from cancer, so now the contract now remains with our mom. 

Our great grandfather, Michael Gustav Grundman (which is where the M.G. Comes from) started making baby shoes in his basement where he lived in 6th Street just a few houses down from Harrison street. In 1929 the business officially began when he purchased the building on the corner of 7th and Harrison (902 N 7th Street). The factory was in the basement, office and retail on the main level and living quarters upstairs (which is where my grandparents later lived when our dad was born ). The “& Sons” were our grandfather, Robert (Bob) Grundman and his brother Vernon Grundman. After the war when Papo and Vernon returned, they built the new bigger building, where it remains today at 906 N 7th Street. 

Our dad, after graduating from Purdue, went into business with his grandpa, dad and uncle, later buying the business from them becoming the sole owner. Our uncle, Mitch Grundman, remained at Purdue University, becoming head of their aviation department until retiring and passing away from cancer as well. Vernon’s son, David Grundman became a Podiatrist, purchasing the 902 N 7th building and running his podiatry practice in the original shoe store building until his retirement. 

Back in the day Grundman’s made as many as 30-40,000 baby shoes a year tor not only local customers but also as a wholesaler to many southern indiana and southern Illinois family shoe stores. Later adult shoe patterns were developed as well as the “custom made” part of the process where we altered our patterns and/or made casts of the “deformed” or extra large or extra small foot to make patterns and shoes to “custom fit” when a pre made shoe size wasn’t available. This of course we still do today! 

When the therapeutic shoe bill came out, some insurances provided coverage on shoes for those with diabetes as preventative care to help prevent, or reduce the amount of amputations as a result of callouses and ulcers from poorly fitted shoes. 

A few years ago we purchased a box truck to provide shoes to businesses, whether it be factories, hospitals, nursing homes, that could not otherwise make it to our store due to limited hours. We have opened several Commercial Accounts offering discounts to those that shop with us. Many companies provide shoe/boot allowance for their employees as well as payroll deduction. This makes it more affordable and convenient for many employees that couldn’t otherwise afford their work shoes. 

Last year we took a leap of faith and opened a second location in Robinson, IL. (115 Court Street…on the square). This location is primarily retail offering dress, casual and work shoes. We honor all of our Commercial Accounts at this location as well. Although we do not have a Certified Pedorthist on staff we still offer good quality sit and fit service. We offer repair drop off and pick up as well. 

Our newest exciting challenge is that Amazon has recently required all of their warehouse employees to wear safety toe shoes. Why and how does that effect us?? Because there are many many many people out there that wear sizes (and shapes) that no other shoe manufacturer makes in a soft toe (regular shoe), let alone in a safety toe shoe! 

Pedorthics has been around for years. We have Certified Pedorthists all over the world yet you have probably never heard of it. We hope to continue to change that. Dad served on the PFA board for years and helped with developing the therapeutic shoe bill. I currently sit on the board. The last couple years as we all know, COVID has effected all in person activities, symposiums and conventions. Although at first the reaction might tend to be negative about moving to virtual events; it might just actually have been a blessing in disguise for Pedorthics. The past and present times of Pedorthics has had many challenging and exciting times and we can’t wait to see what the future brings! 

At Grundman's, we understand sometimes you don't have much of a choice when buying shoes. Some companies use only one shape to make all their styles of shoes. We try to carry a variety of brands that also provide a variety of shapes in their styles to fit the variety of feet out there! (and we didn't even cover mismatched feet sizes or mismatched leg lengths!!)

Of course, the number one thing that sets us apart from any other shoe store for miles and miles is that if we can't find an off the shelf retail shoe to match your length, width and depth of your feet, we can just make them.

93 years going strong still making shoes and inserts/arches in house by hand! Variety of leather and shoe repairs still done in our factory as well.

Those of you working at factories or facilities that can't get to us? We can now come to you with our mobile truck "sole patrol". Give Grundman's a call at 812-882-4770 to learn more about what they can do for your feet!

LOVE THE SHOE YOU'RE IN.....

IT'S A MATTER OF BALANCE....FROM YOUR SOLE