Weekly Feature: Aetrex

The year 1946, saw the founding of one of the fastest growing footwear companies in the industry. Since then, the $60 million family-owned coporation based out of Teaneck, New Jersey has been widely recognized as a global leader in pedorthic footwear and foot orthotics that are dedicated to comfort and wellness.

Aetrex was originally known for the development of arch supports and medically-oriented footcare products. It was founded by Paul and Charles Schwartz under the name, Apex Foot Products. Early on, the Schwartz brothers worked with educating associations such as the Pedorthic Footwear Association to develop designs and materials suitable for over-the-counter arch supports. The intent was to help individuals with complicated foot-related conditions. Twenty years after the founding of Apex Foot Products, Paul’s son, Richard, joined the company. He purposed to maintain the company’s focus on pedorthics, education, and medical integrity in all that was developed. In doing so, it allowed the development of a number of innovative consumer products.

Since committing to foot health over 65 years ago, Aetrex’s mission to create the healthiest shoes with fashion, function, and quality has been at the forefront of all of their products. Their line of footwear has a vast array of options for both men and women, but all the styles they offer are crafted with care to the highest design standard. (Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. 2015)

Not only is Aetrex known for their well-crafted footwear designs, they are also renowned for their groundbreaking Lynco Orthotics. This 1979 design was the first of its kind, in terms of an over-the-counter orthotic. The innovative design allowed enough variations to provide diversity in comfort, balance, and support for low, medium, and high arch types.

Aside from developing and producing footwear and orthotics, Aetrex also “pioneered an industry-altering digital foot scanner, the iStep”(Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. 2015). This foot scanning technology is unique in that it is available for both the retail and medical communities around the world. It accurately measures the client’s foot size, arch type, and pressure points. The patented innovation then custom selects the ideal footwear and orthotics necessary to provide ultimate comfort to the client. Since its introduction in 2002, iStep has become a leading digital foot analysis system that is offered as a free service at more than 4,500 locations worldwide. These locations can be found by visiting a foot health website, maintained by Aetrex. Foot.com features a large list of various foot disorders. These can range from very general foot conditions to those more extensive and serious health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. (Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. 2015)

This company began with the intent of helping those with complicated foot problems and today, they maintain this focus in all products and designs.

QUICK FACTS:

In a re-branding effort intended to reflect its expanding product line, Apex, was re-named, Aetrex Worldwide, in 2005
Aetrex just completed its 15th consecutive year of double-digit growth
It is currently preparing to launch some major consumer initiatives (including opening its flagship store in Englewood, NJ)
Current employees at the New Jersey headquarters? 200 people (this includes fitness eperts, top footwear designers, podiatrists, and over 20 Certified Pedorthists)
It was recently named one of New Jersey’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies for 2010 (It has been privately owned by the Schwartz family for three generations) (Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. 2015)

“Our styles and technologies have certainly evolved substantially over the years, but we remain committed to my grandfather’s original vision to keep people feeling good on their feet.” – Larry Schwartz, CEO (Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. 2010)