All posts by Justin Bearak

Outdoor footwear care

Happy Trails: The Guide to Outdoor & Active Footwear Care

Shoe care

For outdoor enthusiasts, a great pair of hiking boots or trail runners is an investment. No matter the terrain they are tackling, your customers rely on their footwear to keep them dry and comfortable. But the elements that make hiking exciting—mud, grit, rain, and dust—are the enemies of footwear longevity. Dirt and moisture degrade materials like leather, suede, and mesh, and can lead to cracking, splitting, and a loss of water resistance. Teaching your customers how to care for their active footwear doesn’t just add value to their purchase—it opens up an excellent opportunity for add-on sales. Here is how […]

Made in Italy Day

Elevate Your Repairs with These Exceptional Italian-Made Products

Shoe care

Made in Italy National Day (Giornata Nazionale del Made in Italy) is an annual observance paying tribute to the heritage, quality, and style of Italian craftsmanship. It is celebrated on April 15—birthday of the Italian-born master craftsman, Leonardo da Vinci.  At Justin Blair & Company, we believe that every day is an opportunity to provide your customers with that level of world-class excellence. Our curated selection of Italian-made products represents more than just shoe care supplies; they represent long-standing traditions of quality that also run deep in our own company history.  Here are Italian-made essentials available to help you deliver a […]

Expanding Our Product Line: Buyer’s Guide+ 2025 Addendum

New Products

Our Product Catalog Just Got Bigger (and Better)! Exciting news: there are now even more products to order from us! We’re thrilled to announce an expansion of our product line, bringing you a wider selection of high-quality items across several key categories. The Buyer’s Guide+ 2025 Addendum is your essential guide for all the new items we’ve added. We’ve significantly enhanced our offerings in categories like Foot Care/Insoles, Shoe Care, Shoe Repair, Skin Care, and Rubber Footwear. This means more variety and better solutions for your business! You will find selections from the following brands that have been added to our shelves: Using the Buyer’s Guide+ 2025 Addendum […]

Why We Celebrate National Shoe Repair Awareness Week

Events

What is National Shoe Repair Awareness Week  Every year, the second full week of October is celebrated as National Shoe Repair Awareness Week. This commemorative week was established by a congressional proclamation in 1994 to highlight the economic, environmental, and physical benefits of shoe repair. It’s also a great way to showcase the wide range of services offered by shoe repair shops. Our Dedication to Footwear Care With over a combined 100 years of experience on our team, our company has been a dedicated partner in the shoe care industry since 1997. This commemorative week is meaningful to us as it perfectly […]

How to Create the Perfect Fit with Soul Insole Shoe Inserts

New Products

Soul Insole patented shoe inserts are tailored for specific foot health needs, bringing quality materials and biomechanical expertise together to support the body from the ground up. Their line of products can help you create custom solutions for foot pain relief and prevention. We are here to help you get the most out of your Soul Insole products with their series of how-to training videos. Learn more about each product: who they’re for, what issues they address, and how to place them effectively. Soul Insole Shoe Bubble The Shoe Bubble is a micro-size orthotic support that adds maximum comfort and […]

Justin Blair products on table

RECAP: 2025 Summer Shoe Markets

Events

Chief Sales Officer Scott Weinstein greeting customers at the Justin Blair Booth The Justin Blair & Company sales team was busy in the summer of 2025, attending the Des Moines Shoe Show in July and the Michigan Shoe Market and Atlanta Shoe Market in August. Why We Attend Regional Shoe Markets We love attending these shoe markets because it allows us the opportunity to connect in real life with our retail partners, demonstrate the effectiveness of our products, and get useful feedback on how we can help you improve your businesses. We’re also able to listen firsthand to the challenges […]

Shine-Off at SSIA Convention 2025

SSIA 2025: Illuminating a Bright Future for Shoe Service

Events

The shoe service industry recently converged for the 118th SSIA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we’re still buzzing with excitement from the energy and insights shared! This annual event truly delivered, reinforcing its vital role as a hub for learning, connection, and celebration within our dynamic shoe service community. Highlights of the 2025 Convention The Convention floor was alive with activity, offering a bustling exhibit hall filled with diverse vendor opportunities. Attendees had the chance to explore the latest innovations, discover new products, and create valuable partnerships to enhance their businesses. The Convention also provided valuable educational sessions for shoe service professionals looking to […]

Clean, Protect & Get More Life Out of the Shoes You Love

Shoe care

Spring Shoe Care Guide As the days get longer and warmer, your footwear is likely ready for a seasonal refresh. After months of cold, salt, or being stored away, your footwear—whether shoes, sandals, sneakers, or leather boots—deserve a little attention before stepping back into your daily routine or going back in the closet for storage. With a few simple steps and the right products, you can protect your shoes from spring weather, bring them back to life, and get more comfort and longevity from every pair. Start with protection Spring is unpredictable. One day it’s warm and dry, the next […]

Justin Blair Partners With Coblr to Strengthen the Shoe Repair Industry

New Products, Special offers

We’re excited to announce a strategic partnership between Justin Blair & Company and Coblr, bringing together two companies dedicated to creating a strong future for shoe repair industry.  A Shared Commitment to Shoe Repair Both Coblr and Justin Blair & Company recognize the important role shoe repair businesses play in our communities, preserving craftsmanship, extending the life of cherished footwear, and contributing to a greener planet.  We’re united in our dedication to empowering these businesses, providing them with the tools and resources they need to flourish in the evolving digital landscape Streamlining Operations for Modern Shoe Repair Shops Coblr’s comprehensive business […]

BootRescue + Justin Blair: A Natural Fit

New Products

We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of BootRescue, the leading brand in all-natural care for shoes, boots & more! Why BootRescue? What This Means for You: Commitment to Innovation This acquisition not only expands our product offerings but strengthens our commitment to providing you with high-quality and innovative shoe care and foot care products. We are confident that the addition of BootRescue will further enhance your experience with us. Learn More Learn more about the BootRescue line of products here.

Justin Blair products on table

RECAP: 2025 Midwest Winter Shoe Shows

Events, , , , ,

January is a busy month for the footwear industry, and the Justin Blair & Company team was right in the thick of it, hitting the road to showcase our latest and greatest shoe care and foot care offerings at the Chicago Shoe Market, Michigan Shoe Market, and Des Moines Shoe Market, and we’re excited to share highlights from our trip! These regional shows are a fantastic opportunity for us to connect face-to-face with our valued retail partners, demonstrate our products firsthand, and get valuable feedback on what your businesses need to succeed. This year was no exception, and we were […]

How to Protect Shoes and Boots from Winter Elements

Events

Winter’s here, and that means a whole new set of challenges for footwear. Snow, slush, salt – they can all wreak havoc on leather, suede, and other materials. We’ll equip you with the knowledge and specialized product recommendations to help your customers protect their investments and keep their feet happy and dry all winter long. From preventative care to damage control, we’ve got it covered! Waterproof Footwear Protect footwear from snow and slush with water repellents like Ralyn Aquatec, Ralyn Liquid Silicone, or Tarrago Nano Protector. These products create a durable barrier against moisture, ensuring shoes stay dry all winter […]