Chuck Gerald shows the insert he made for a customer’s shoe. In June, 2004, Chuck Gerald saw the future, had a buyer for his business, and took a risk. He closed his business in Five Points. Gerald’s Shoe Repair could no longer compete with the shoe market. Customers found they could buy a new pair of shoes for the cost of repairing them.

Not only did Gerald repair shoes during his 25 years in Five Points, he became an orthopedic shoe technician in 1982 with a degree from Ball State. “I loved to see a customer forget his cane after I fixed his shoes to fit. I still have a whole collection of canes people left behind,” Gerald said.

Chuck Gerald stands in front of his new store Gerald’s Foot Comfort. Gerald’s extensive experience in the shoe business led him to a related career. He became a pedorthist. Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification, and fit of shoes and foot othoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, or injury.

Gerald received his education in pedorthics from Oklahoma State University. He continued his education by working for Michael Russell and Buddy Jeffcoat, certified prosthetists/orthotists in West Columbia. During this time he also managed an SAS shoe store to learn about the shoe known for comfort and reliability.

During this transition in his career, Gerald also had to pay the bills. He and his wife Brenda have four grown children and two grandchildren. Gerald says Brenda has been very supportive. “We are joined at the hip,” said Gerald.

While obtaining board certification in pedorthics, he worked for Spectrum as a garden councilor. Gerald said, “This was one of the funnest jobs I ever had.” He tells the story of one of his customers at Lowes.

Man: Could you tell me where the viagra is?

Gerald: What?

Man: The viagra. You know the thing that kills weeds.

Gerald: You mean Vigaro?

Man: Yeah, whatever.

Gerald continues to work part–time for Spectrum while his new business grows.

Gerald’s Foot Comfort is located on Hwy 378 in a small strip mall right before the Riverbanks Zoo entrance in West Columbia. The Eclectic House is across the street. Gerald feels like he has “come home.” He spent many years two blocks from his new business attending Brookland Cayce 4 (now Saluda Academy for the Arts) Gerald says, “I was here when Kennedy was killed and Ed Sullivan was on TV. 378 was a two lane road then.

Gerald describes his new business as a cross between comfort shoes and a clinic. He will perform a foot evaluation for the customer and use his expertise to prescribe and fit the exact shoe. Gerald said, “I want to improve the quality of life for each customer who walks through the door. I can do this by making him or her completely comfortable in their shoes.”

Gerald’s customers include many diabetics. He said, “I can reduce pressure and friction, callouses and ulcers, and increase cushioning. All of these things decrease the chance of amputation.”

Gerald has OSHA approved shoes for people who work in hazardous environments with wet floors like restaurants and hospitals. His services are also for those with arthritis or any disease that affects the feet. Athletes also benefit from his Aetrex shoes. He hopes to get referrals from podiatrists and orthopedic clinics.

Editor’s note: A year ago, Gerald evaluated my feet and made inserts for my SAS shoes. Wearing these shoes has helped my arthritis. I exercise in them and wear them anytime I have to do a lot of walking. They make a huge difference in the way I feel. The problem is I never want to wear any other shoes.