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We are again excited to share that Peterson Shoes has been named Minnesota’s Best Shoe Store by the Star Tribune — for the fifth year in a row! Every year we have fun with this experience and seeing this recognition year after year is a thrill. It’s been great to see the continued support from our community, and we truly appreciate everyone who voted.
Minnesota’s Best Shoe Store 2025
We won! What an honor, first to be nominated by customers, friends, neighbors, and second to be named Minnesota’s Best. We are proud and humbled to be chosen and want to thank our dedicated, hard-working staff for their commitment to excellent customer experience. We want to thank you because we would not have won, nor been a successful store all these years without our customers.
How did the nomination and selection work? First, we were nominated by customers, neighbors, and overall fans and added to Minnesota’s Best ballot. Star and Tribune promoted the voting and Minnesotans voted on their favorites in each category. The nominees and votes grow each year. Over I million votes were cast in this year’s competition!
Check out all the winners here.
Who We Are
We are a family owned and run comfort shoe store that has been on Main Street in Anoka since 1880. Mel Peterson purchased the store from the Gillespie family in 1940 and it continues to be run by his descendants.
What We Do
We offer a wide selection of running and walking shoes, as well as the latest trends in sandals, fashion boots, shoes, socks and orthotics. Comfort and fashion go hand-in-hand at Peterson Shoes, so in addition to shoes, we also provide a curated selection of ladies’ clothing, jewelry, and handbags.
Every footwear consultant is trained to provide a complete assessment and measurement of customers’ feet and then suggest the footwear to best suit their needs. Employees learn and benefit from the extensive depth of knowledge of our owner, Sandra Purtle, who has over 50 years of experience as a Certified Pedorthist (a specially trained healthcare professional who uses footwear and supportive devices to reduce pain in the foot). The staff at Peterson Shoes is here to help you find the best footwear for all your needs.
Our store carries a wide assortment of over-the-counter shoe inserts and is the only store in the state to fit Quadrasteps®, a patented orthotic system that is similar to custom-made, but at a more affordable price.
Read More: Relieve Your Foot Pain with Quadrastep® Foot Orthoses
What’s New at Peterson Shoes in 2025
Shoe trends change with every season, though this year we expanded not only our product line, but also our in store events. Check our website for current in-store events. We often have a brand representative for fun trunk shows featuring expanded styles and colors and frequently have drawings for a free pair of shoes!
Exciting changes are coming to the lay-out of the store. We will be creating an athletic department and may even expand into athletic apparel—perfect for your favorite sports or just lounging.
Our free, staff led walking club meets on Saturday mornings at 9AM from the store. We welcome walkers of all levels of physical ability to join as we spend between 30 – 45 minutes getting our steps in, around downtown Anoka. To view the schedule follow this link:
Join Our Walking Club!
Souls4Soles Shoe Recycling
Did you know you can donate old, gently used shoes? We would love to have them! We are proudly partnered with Souls4Soles, a charitable organization, working to provide shoes and resources to families in need while reducing clothing and shoe waste deposited in landfills. They accept all styles and sizes of new or gently-worn shoes and sneakers. For the local community, our shoe recycling program helps the city of Anoka with a grant for recycling.
Shoe Trends to Watch
Right now, it’s all about ease and style — and athleisure is having a moment. Athleisure shoes are designed for dual purpose as both athletic activities and everyday casual wear. These sporty, athletic inspired shoes are perfect for a casual day shopping or brunch with the ladies. We carry a large selection of athleisure shoes in stock now..
Step-in shoes are also on trend, and we’ve got plenty of hands-free styles. A step-in shoe is a more supportive, and convenient, alternative to a classic slip-on or slide. Our selection includes styles that are hands-free to get on without sacrificing the structure and stability you need.
On Site Shoe Repair
Also popular this year, more and more shoppers are looking for repairs for their favorite, but worn shoes, handbags, and leather goods. When you have a favorite pair or product that is showing wear or even has damage, bring your item in for an expert repair.
Do you know the on-site cobbler, Bill Oestreicher? Bill has more than 45 years of experience and can fix almost anything from soles to heels, even leather rips and patches. He started learning his trade at 14, apprenticing with his father. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bill opened his shop in the back of Peterson Shoes in 1990. One of the last cobblers in our area, his work is renowned by those who have used his services. Not only for just shoe repair, ask about skate, handbag, and zipper repairs too. In addition he can do:
- Leather full and half soles
- Velcro straps
- Coat, boot, and purse zippers
- Leather rip and patch work
- Rubber full and half soles
- Heels
- Baseball gloves
- Shoe build-ups and modifications
- Custom Orthotics (requires a doctor’s prescription)
When your feet hurt, they are telling you something isn’t right, and that usually can be relieved with proper shoes. We all abuse our feet for convenience, style, or economy. From bad flip-flops to old sneakers. This year we heard from a lot of customers asking how long to keep old shoes around (no more than 500 miles or 6 months for primary shoes) and how to care for shoes so they last as long as possible.
Our trained staff can help you identify any problems you may be having, and recommend a shoe brand, style and any necessary add-ons to maximize your foot comfort and health. Contact Peterson Shoes at (763) 421-3433 for more information or to get started.
PRO Tip: even the best, most supportive shoes need high-performing socks to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. Check out our blog on sock options to learn more.
Peterson Shoes is a family-owned shoe store and shoe repair shop serving the Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis areas. We specialize in orthotic shoe inserts, shoes for plantar fasciitis and shoes for tendinitis. Come check out our selection of Women’s shoes, apparel and accessories, and Men’s shoes at 209 E Main Street, Anoka, MN.