Canadian Footwear Ltd. is a family owned business that was formed in 1932 by Bert Scharfstein. The Winnipeg based company has gone through many changes during the years, starting as a wholesaler from the 1930’s to 1950’s; as a footwear discounter to the late 1950’s; then competing with big box retailers through the 1970’s until the late 1980’s. In the late 1980’s Bert and his wife Ethel, passed away within nine days of each other. It was then that Bert’s son Brian and his partner Pam Cipryk purchased the business from the estate.

When Brian and Pam first took over the company, Brian had experienced some minor health issues which had been corrected with orthotics. That was when Brian decided to take Canadian Footwear to another level and offer additional services to better fill the customer’s needs.

Brian learned everything he could about the orthotic industry including enrolling in a Pedorthic class in Chicago. From 1986-1990 Brian went back to school to become a Certified Pedorthist. During this time his partner Pam, developed the infrastructure to enable the business to grow.

Brian's Pedorthic certification marked a significant change in the company. Canadian Footwear began to specialize, focusing on our customers' needs, providing education, service and the best in quality footwear and accessories... our “We Fit You” experience. “We Fit You” has become our company slogan and we have become the best at what we do!