Founded in 1950 as a dream named Brown’s Family Shoe Store in Washington, Missouri, three generations later we continue to thrive on a foundation of the following core values: Service…Dedication… and Growth.

Lois "Ma" Brown outside the original Brown's Family Shoe Store.

Today's Brown's Shoe Center in Washington, MO.

In August of 1950, Ransome and Lois "Ma" Brown built a family shoe business on love, faith and hard work. They had worked together for 19 years when Ransome passed away in 1969 at only 57 years old. Ma continued to nurture and grow the business alone for another 10 years, and in 1979 the second generation, Randy & Margit Brown, changed careers to wholeheartedly embrace the business. Their sons Chad and Kurt grew up helping out in the store, and in 2000 and 2001 respectively, joined the family business and today continue to build their grandparents’ legacy.  Read More>>

Ransome and Lois "Ma" Brown.

Randy and Margit Brown with sons Chad and Kurt Brown.

The four Browns work well together and have grown the business to include six New Balance stores in the St. Louis/Kansas City/Branson MO area, Brown’s Shoe Center, a multi-line shoe store in Washington, MO, and Brown’s Catalog Center with its online counterpart BrownsCatalog.com also in Washington, MO.

Kurt Brown manages the New Balance St. Louis store in Creve Coeur and also serves as a district manager for the other locations. Chad Brown, fondly referred to as Dr. Shoelutions, serves as a certified pedorthist in two of the New Balance St. Louis stores, one in Creve Coeur and the other in Richmond Heights. Margit manages the catalog development and Randy oversees the entire operation. At the heart of the business is a team of dedicated staff who shares the Brown’s vision. As their ranks continue to grow, so does the talent that they all bring to the family business.

Selection, fit, staff, in-store services, technology, and our pedorthic services differentiate us from other stores. Our knowledgeable shoe-fitting specialists want to work with you to find the shoes best suited to your needs. They take care to measure both of your feet, discuss any special fitting concerns, and then work to find you the best possible fit. In-store foot scans are available to help determine pressure points, and more. Scans can even be emailed directly to you or to your doctor.

Our online Product Specialists also know about New Balance technologies and are committed to your total satisfaction. With in-store shoe-fitting experience, they are ready to provide valuable support and recommendations to all catalog customers and to online customers who call 1.800.728.6247 or email us at info@BrownsCatalog.com.

However you prefer to shop … in stores, by catalog, or online … our goal is to deliver quality shoes and the perfect fit to make you a customer for life!

A customer getting a foot scan and evaluation from one of our Certified Pedorthists.

A Product Specialist taking a customer call.

Our pledge to our valued customers, we promise to deliver:

• Shoe Fitting Specialists
• Professional Pedorthic Services
• Brownie Points Rewards
• Free shoelaces for the life of your shoes
• Total Customer Satisfaction