Store specializes in orthopedic shoes

Oakland Tribune, Oct 1, 2008 by Roni Gehlke

Name of business: M&G Shoes and Orthotics

Type of business: Specially designed orthopedic shoes

Owners: Marcos Flores and Greg Banting

Founded: January 2008

Address: 1506 A St., Antioch

Phone number: 925-305-1855

Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Number of employees: two

Products and services: Regular, casual comfort shoes fit for people with narrow or wide feet, as well as custom orthopedic and custom-made shoes. M&G Shoes and Orthotics also provides shoe repairs and redesigning of shoes for special needs. They carry name brands like Orthofeet in many different styles and colors. For styles that are stretchable and washable they carry Pedors brand shoes. They can also special order brands like New Balance shoes. They accept prescriptions from local HMOs, Medicare and doctors.

How did you get into the business? Banting went to school in Canada to study podiatry. He specialized in the field of orthopedics and diabetes and making custom shoes for patients. He has been a board certified pedorthist, a specialist in using footwear to solve problems in, or related to, the foot and lower limb, for 12 years. Flores has been a master shoemaker for more than 35 years.

The partners worked together in San Francisco for another company and decided to branch out on their own together. They thought that together they made a perfect blend of technical expertise and footwear knowledge.

Best part about the business: "Really being able to improve the life of people who have problems walking and making them comfortable and their life easier with a new pair of shoes," Banting said.

Key to success: "Commitment to doing the best work possible and constantly striving to improve skills and ability with years of experience," Banting said. "During our time in the field we've seen every problem a foot can have and can come up with solutions to help make it easier for everyone of them."

Biggest misperception about the business: Banting said that there are generally two misperceptions about his industry. The first is that orthopedic shoes by nature are very expensive. He said that is not always the case. There are different types of footwear needs and problems can vary from the small changes in a shoe to very complex issues. Prices can vary depending on footwear needs and styles, just like with ordinary shoes.

The other misperception is that they only have the pre-made shoes and that those shoes will fit everyone's needs and that is not the case.

"You can bring in a shoe that you like and we can tear it apart and make it work for you," Banting said.

M&G Shoes and Orthotics can make custom shoes to fit the needs of the client as prescribed by a doctor.

Future plans: Banting said that they will have some new shoe designs in stock in the near future. They are also working with HMOs, the VA and insurance companies to help customers pay for specially prescribed shoes. In addition, they can currently take prescriptions for Medicare patients with diabetes issues.

-- Roni Gehlke