About Us
Family-owned since 1947
Three generations of getting the fit right.
Chet’s Shoes is a family-owned, full-service footwear company specializing in high-quality industrial and recreational footwear. From two stores in Minnesota, two mobile boot trucks and our online store, we’re still doing what Chet Sr. set out to do in 1947: put quality footwear on people’s feet, and make sure it fits.
- 1947 Founded in Columbia Heights, Minnesota
- 3 Generations of family ownership
- 2 + 2 Stores in Spring Lake Park & Circle Pines, plus two mobile boot trucks
- 100+ Years of combined footwear industry know-how
Where it started
A sailor who learned the shoe business in New York.
During World War II, Chet Sr. served in the Merchant Marine. While in New York he worked at a shoe store, and that’s where he developed a deep understanding of quality and fit.
He brought that expertise home to Minnesota, and in 1947 he opened Chet’s Shoes in Columbia Heights.
A good fit goes beyond just the right size. It’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and the work you do.
Our story
From Columbia Heights to the job site.
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1947
Chet’s Shoes opens its doors
Chet Sr. opens Chet’s Shoes in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, selling family footwear.
The original Chet’s Shoes logo. -
1955
Personal service from the very beginning
Personal service and care have been part of Chet’s from the very beginning, and they still are today.
Inside the original store, 1955. -
Over the years
Finding our niche
As the business grew, Chet’s shifted its focus from family footwear to children’s shoes, and ultimately to the industrial footwear we specialize in today.
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1960s
A second generation
Chet Jr. joins the family business and masters the art of sales and customer service, working alongside his father.
Chet Sr. and Chet Jr. -
1992
Taking the store on the road
Chet Jr. becomes the full owner and expands Chet’s Shoes with a mobile service: two boot trucks bringing high-quality work boots and shoes to workers throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
One of our mobile boot trucks. -
Our own line
Built for the railroad
We developed our own Snowgear overshoes for the railroad industry to help reduce slip-and-fall incidents in winter. Snowgear is still part of our winter safety program today.
Snowgear overshoes. -
2020
A bigger home in Spring Lake Park
As our community grew, so did our store. We relocated to a larger space on University Ave in Spring Lake Park to better serve our customers.
Inside our flagship store. -
Today
The third generation
Today the third generation proudly carries on Chet’s legacy, with a fresh commitment to top-quality products and exceptional service, in our stores in Spring Lake Park and Circle Pines, on our two boot trucks, and online.
Chet’s Shoes today.
How we fit you
In the store, on the job site, or online.
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Our stores
Try boots on in person and get fitted by our team in Spring Lake Park or Circle Pines, Minnesota.
Contact us -
Mobile boot trucks
Fully stocked boot trucks bring the selection and an expert fitting right to your worksite.
See our boot truck service -
Company programs
Safety footwear programs built around your company’s standards, budget and billing.
Industrial Services -
Shop online
Order online and we’ll ship to you, with free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
Shop our brands
Brands we carry
Premium brands, built for the job.
If the shoe fits, you’ve been to Chet’s!
With our long history and dedication to quality, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit, every time.