Orland Park Shoe Store Celebrates 20 Years, Aims To Become Staple

ORLAND PARK, IL — A local business is celebrating its 20th year anniversary in Orland Park this month by supporting and showcasing other small businesses.

The Human Race, a specialty shoe store for runners, opened at 15148 South La Grange Road in 2002 and is still in the family owned location. While they've become well-known, ownership told Patch they want to use their milestone anniversary to continue to give back to customers.

"My father opened this store because he felt our community was underserved when it came to helping people find the right athletic shoe for them," said Amanda Butler, who described her job at The Human Race as "a little bit of everything!"

The store carries a wide variety of running shoes but prides itself on matching customers to the correct shoe for their lifestyle. By analyzing posture, gait, foot shape and goals, Butler said the team picks out a pair of shoes that correct, heal or protect their customer's feet.

"Sure, there are big box stores everywhere but the issue is that no two shoes are the same and no two feet are the same," she said. "No two people move alike."

In 2002, the store was run on a treadmill and the expertise of Butler's family alone. As the years have gone by, ownership invested in technology to keep up with clientele, who are normally sent to The Human Race by podiatrists and chiropractors.

A typical first time visit to the store would include an extensive stride and gait analysis, Butler said. First, a specialist would look at a customer's posture and alignment in front of a mirror, carefully looking for any imbalances or slouching. Then they'd take a stroll on a treadmill equipped with video to watch how they move and break it down with a specialist.

Then, they'd take out the newest toy, Butler said, a 3D scanner to measure the size, shape and curve of the foot.

"We're not in the business of selling shoes so much as we are providing an educational service for our customers," Butler said. "Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a customer come back for their next pair saying 'Oh, you saved my knees,' or 'I never knew I could be that comfortable.'"

The company's anniversary celebration is schedule for Feb. 10 - 13. Throughout the weekend, The Human Race hopes to offer free massages, chiropractic consults and sales. Inside the store, Butler said the family will raffle off prizes and partner with another small business to conduct a happy hour and fundraiser.

In the next 20 years, Butler said the store hopes to continue to cement their place within the south suburban community.

"We're definitely a destination location. We're not in the mall or anything," she said. "We want to get more involved and partner with the village. Maybe get into the farmer's market and just spread the word that we're here to help people. We have so many residents who are injured and all we want to do is prevent that through footwear."