About Us

After learning and honing all the shoemaking skills in his father's company (Danner Boots), Bill decided in 1978 to set up his own custom shoemaking shop. For years he had observed that a high percentage of people shopping for footwear had to compromise on fit, and therefore, on comfort. As a result, it became his objective then, as it continues to be now, to cater to that discriminating segment of the population who respect their feet and the need to treat them accordingly. And, although Bill accepts custom shoemaking which conforms solely to fashion desires, the need for fit and comfort takes preeminence in the footwear he crafts.

Our Heritage

1932 ------ 1936 ------ 1957 ------ 1978 ------ 2004 ------ Present Day

The heritage of Crary Shoes dates back to 1932, when Charles Danner founded the Danner Shoe Mfg. Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

In 1936, Charles Danner discovered that calked logging boots were making a hit in the Pacific Northwest, so that year he moved his family and the Danner business to Portland, Oregon.

By 1957, Danner had made a name for itself and was passed down from father to sons Bill and John Danner. Bill purchased his brother’s interest and became sole owner of the Danner Shoe Mfg. Company.

Bill Danner adopted Bill Crary, founder of Crary Shoes, when he was the age of three. As a young boy, Bill Crary began working in the Danner Boot factory and by the time he was a young man, he assumed the position of production manager. In 1978, Bill Crary made the decision to go out on his own and sell boots directly to the public.

For years he had observed that a high percentage of people shopping for footwear had to compromise on fit, and therefore, on comfort. As a result, it became his objective then, as it continues to be now, to cater to that discriminating segment of the population who respect their feet and the need to treat them accordingly.

In 2004, Meredith Crary joined the team at Crary Shoes in order to preserve this shoemaking heritage for yet another generation. In 2006, Meredith received her Pedorthics Certification. Bill and Meredith work side-by-side bringing the experience of a master shoemaker combined with Pedorthics in order to give the very best care to everyone who steps through the doors of Crary Shoes.

“We are confident as we step into the future with generations of experience and the latest in digital technology, the custom shoemaking craft will not perish; it will prosper!” Meredith Crary-Johanson, C. Ped

Our Mission

“At Crary Shoes you will find shoemaking that combines medical-orthopedic requirements, functionality and elegance. We feel that the process of shoemaking is part art and part science, and that the proper use of both will give our customers the best of all worlds, footwear that feels good and also looks good,” Bill Crary.

Approximately 90% of the footwear we craft is for medical patients needing accommodation because of degenerative foot conditions, or as a result of accidents. We work with many workers' compensation injury victims, diabetics, and professional athletes that have become aware of the great need to protect their feet from daily abuse. For a large majority of our customers, the shoes they wear are considered medical devices, not luxury items.

Crary Shoes has been serving customers all over the country for 28 years. Many local orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists send their patients to us because of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, ankle fusions, congenital deformities and much more.

For some people the thought of "anything" custom, whether clothing, footwear, or cars, conjure images of extravagance, pretentiousness or even waste. Our experience at Crary does not corroborate that thinking. In the past two decades, only one in ten customers elected to have custom footwear because of fashion or allied considerations. Of the other nine, six did it for medical reasons (orthopedic) or unusual feet (too large, too small, too wide or too narrow), and the other three demanded custom footwear for "fit and comfort." This latter group is pegged by Bill Crary as "those folks who know and respect their feet." We consider all of the stated reasons, valid reasons, and whether vanity, medical reasons, or fit and comfort bring you to Crary, WELCOME!

It is our mission to be an active member of your foot care team. We give every customer the individual attention he/she deserves and we take full responsibility with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

You can put your confidence in Crary Shoes that you will receive
the best footwear on the market!

Our Team

Executive Team

William Crary, Jr., Founder
Bill began his shoemaking career in the 1960s working at his father’s factory, Danner Boots. In 1978, Bill decided to start his own company handcrafting custom shoes that target the discriminated segment of the market. Since then he has tackled everything from severe work injuries to making shoes for children with congenital deformities. Bill spends his time in footwear consultations, developing new product and overseeing factory operations. In his spare time, Bill enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and playing as much golf.

Meredith Crary Johanson, C. Ped., CFO

After completing her Bachelors Degree at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID, Meredith completed her pedorthic training at the Robert M. Palmer, MD Institute of Biomechanics, Inc. Meredith is now a member of the ABCOP as a Certified Pedorthist. Meredith spends her time seeing patients and overseeing marketing, sales and daily operations for Crary Shoes. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. If she has any time left, you might find her playing sports of any kind.

Nathan Crary, VP Global Operations
Nathan began his journey in the footwear industry working in the Crary factory, learning the foundation of the craft, hand-making custom footwear. 25 years later he worked all over the world for various footwear companies, like Nike, Avia, Dada, and Pony. He is now a footwear development consultant, specializing in advanced technology. Nathan serves on the Board for Crary Shoes as head of international development.

Support Team

Although not part of the original Crary Clan, we consider our support team as part of the family!

Jon Dean, C. Ped, Cfo
Jon has been with Crary Shoes since 2010 and is a great addition to our team. Jon has worked in the industry for over 15 years and has been a Certified Pedorthist and Certified Fitter of Orthotics for over 7years. He is extremely attentive to each client's individual needs and is well liked by everyone he meets.

Persida Manea - Bookkeeping & Medical Billing
Persida spent over two years as the administrative assistant for Crary Shoes and has moved onto handling all of our vendor and customer accounts, handling the bookkeeping and medical billing.

Bianca Sema - Administrative Assistant
Bianca joined our team early in 2012 and has quickly melded as if she has been here forever. Clients always enjoy her smiling face and wonderfully bright demeanor. She also happens to be the sister to Persida Manea... we just love family here at Crary.