Step out in style with Vionic

By Mimi Vanderhaven

“This place is full of cute stuff,” a smiling John Luck says, watching as Mimi darts between artfully arranged displays highlighting sensational sandals, flip-flops, open-toed boots, espadrilles, stacked athletic slip-ons and more—at the new Vionic store in Fairlawn.

No, darling, that’s not a misprint.

Vionic has arrived…in Fairlawn.

The simplicity of that statement belies the fact that until a few weeks ago, Vionic didn’t have a stand-alone store anyplace in the U.S., let alone in Fairlawn. It also fails to reveal that one of the shoe company’s down-to-earth executives, Steve Mabb, has such respect for Lucky Shoes (the company John Luck helped to build with his family), he personally oversaw the design of the shoe brand’s first store in the U.S.—even flying into town to work the sales floor the first few days Vionic in Fairlawn was open.

In fact, Steve and his crew are so keenly interested in what John and his team have to say about the brand, when the Lucky team passes along customer requests and suggestions a finger snap starts a chain reaction that puts change in motion to address them.

The frenzy surrounding the launch of Vionic’s first-ever retail storefront in the U.S. is such that women and men are driving from all parts of Northeast Ohio to scoop up armloads of spring’s newest styles.

“One lady in town from New Jersey was driving by and whipped around into a U-turn to get to the store,” chuckles Norma Anderson, manager of Vionic, which is located in Fairlawn Town Centre next to the string of Lucky’s other shoe stores.

Most people know about the Vionic brand from QVC, its flip-flops selling by the thousands. What they are delighted to learn, Norma says, is that the podiatrist-founded shoe company offers so many different styles. Mimi practically dove toward a pair of silver stacked espadrilles with gladiator tie closures and vows they will be on her feet every day for the next month. 

“These shoes pack a ton of style into every pair, but hidden inside is a ridiculous level of comfort,” John says. “It’s finally fashionable for women to be comfortable in their shoes.”

Vionic insoles are loaded with biomechanics developed and tested by podiatrists. That’s why the heel cushion cups and steadies, the arch supports and the toe area slightly lifts. So dedicated to comfort is the Vionic team they put sensors on models to determine the way a wearer’s hips, knees and feet will be positioned with every step.

“This company is relentless in its pursuit of excellence,” Norma says. “They are passionate about becoming the world’s favorite shoe brand.”

And just in case you thought comfort wasn’t cool, Norma reports college co-eds are wild about the brand.

“Now women can wear a super-stylish flat, an open-toed boot or an adorable stacked sport shoe and still be comfortable, whether they’re making the trek across campus or through the grocery store,” she states. “This is the every woman brand.” 

In the store now, but going fast, are some limited edition styles John says the brand will not be repeating.

“We’ll continue to get the limited-edition styles, but once they’re gone they’re gone,” he underscores. 

Men have a place at Vionic, too. Look for ultra-stylish leather slip-ons, athletic shoes and sandals. Sizes for women range from five to 12, and for men they run from seven to 13. Select styles are also available in wide widths.

The new Vionic store is located at 2693 West Market Street in Fairlawn Town Centre. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 p.m.-5 p.m. The phone number is 330-572-2775. For more information, visit LuckyShoes.com or check out their Facebook page.