Brown’s Shoe Fit and Tread Labs Connect with Podiatrists at the Heartland Foot and Ankle Conference
From October 7th through 9th, foot care professionals from across the region gathered in downtown Des Moines for the 2026 Heartland Foot and Ankle Conference, presented by the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society and the Nebraska Podiatric Medical Association. Brown’s Shoe Fit and Tread Labs shared a booth on the exhibit floor October 7th and 8th, spending two days in conversation with the people who know feet best and sharing why we’re proud to carry Tread Labs insoles.
A Room Full of Foot Care Experts
The conference brought together dozens of exhibitors and nearly 200 attendees. Exhibitors included medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, and orthopedic insole brands. Attendees were podiatrists, podiatry assistants, and nurses.
Heartland is a major continuing education event for the region’s podiatric community, with programming for podiatrists, nurses, assistants, residents, and students. This year’s agenda offered up to 22.25 CME credits on the doctor track, 12 CE credits on the nurse and assistant track, and 4 CE credits through a dedicated radiology program. Between sessions, attendees connected at events like the Women in Podiatry Reception, the Heartland Poster Competition, and a fireside chat.
Doctors from Across the Midwest and Beyond
Most attendees came from Iowa, and the booth welcomed doctors from Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Oskaloosa, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Spencer, and Marion. Others made the trip from Kearney, NE, Albert Lea, MN, and Wisconsin, and a few traveled even farther, from Cleveland, OH, and Houston, TX.
With Brown’s Shoe Fit stores spread across so much of the Midwest, that reach made Heartland a great fit for us. Many of the doctors we met practice in communities where a Brown’s Shoe Fit store is already part of the neighborhood.
Meeting Attendees in the Booth
Working the booth were Craig Jarrard, owner of the Brown’s Shoe Fit store in Fort Dodge, IA, and John Thomas, Midwest Sales Rep for Tread Labs. From a great spot on the exhibit floor, John and Craig met with podiatrists, nurses, and support staff throughout the conference, introducing them to Tread Labs, handing out sample insoles, and letting them know that Tread Labs is available at several Brown’s Shoe Fit locations and online at brownsshoefitco.com.
What We Heard Most:
Doctors Need a Shoe Store They Can Trust
One conversation came up again and again. Foot doctors and their office staff need a quality shoe store they can confidently send patients to. That means a store that will work with each patient to find the right shoe and the right fit, not simply the most expensive option or the trendiest style. Quality, properly fitted footwear can help with a wide range of foot ailments, so where a patient shops matters.
“These foot doctors are looking for a shoe store they can trust to support their practice and help their patients. We want to be that shoe store.”
— Craig Jarrard, Owner, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Fort Dodge, IA
That’s exactly why Heartland matters to us. The doctors and staff in these sessions are the same professionals advising patients on foot pain, arch support, and footwear every day. Getting in front of them builds the kind of relationship that helps their patients, who are also our customers, find the proper footwear.
Why Podiatrists Took Notice of Tread Labs
The podiatrists we spoke with appreciated that Tread Labs insoles combine firm arch support with a range of fit options. Together, these let Tread Labs offer a “nearly custom fit” in an over-the-counter solution for patients who overpronate, have plantar fasciitis, or suffer from foot pain.
| Tread Labs Feature | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Four arch heights | Support matched more closely to your individual arch |
| Firm, contoured arch support | Structure that holds its shape, step after step |
| Wide width insole | A better fit for wider feet and roomier shoes |
| Met pads | An added option for customizing comfort |
A Word from Tread Labs
“At Tread Labs, we believe effective arch support starts with a precise fit. With four arch heights, full shoe sizes, and firm, contoured support, our insoles deliver a more personalized fit and effective support to help people find pain relief when they need it, lasting comfort and keep doing what they love.”
— Joe Rusckowski, President/Co-Owner of Tread Labs
Find Your Fit at Brown’s Shoe Fit
Whether your podiatrist has recommended arch support or you’re simply tired of sore feet at the end of the day, our fit experts are here to help you find the right Tread Labs insole. Tread Labs is available at several Brown’s Shoe Fit locations, so give your local store a call before you stop in, or shop Tread Labs online at brownsshoefitco.com.
