Drew Shoe — 150 Years of American-Made Comfort & Therapeutic Support

A Legacy Built on Care, Not Just Comfort

Drew's history dates back to 1875, when Irving Drew began hand-making fine welt shoes for women along the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio — the founding of what became the Drew Shoe Corporation. After a 1937 Ohio River flood, the company relocated to Lancaster, Ohio, where it still operates its warehousing, distribution, and administrative headquarters today.

Nearly 150 years later, that same commitment to craftsmanship has made Drew one of the most trusted names in orthopedic and therapeutic footwear. The brand has built an especially strong reputation among independent podiatrists, orthotic and prosthetic professionals, and specialty shoe retailers across the country.

Engineered for Feet That Need More

Every Drew shoe is built around what the brand describes as more than 20 performance features, including extra depth for orthotics and modifications, removable insoles designed to resist bacteria growth, and wide, accommodating toe boxes. Shoes are constructed from soft, full-grain leathers using traditional handmade techniques, and are designed to support people managing:

• Diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation
• Bunions, hammertoes, and other structural foot changes
• Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
• Arthritis and joint inflammation
• Needs related to AFOs (ankle-foot orthotics)
• General foot sensitivity requiring a gentler fit

Drew is known for having one of the most extensive width ranges in the industry — extending across Narrow through 6E — so more people can find a true, comfortable fit rather than compromising with a standard sizing run.

Prescription-Compatible, Insurance-Aware Design

Many Drew styles are constructed to meet the depth and width requirements associated with Medicare's A5500 billing code, which relates to therapeutic shoes provided under a certifying physician's prescription as part of a diabetic foot care program. This is a widely cited feature of the brand, and it's why podiatrists and pedorthists frequently recommend Drew when fitting patients for prescribed footwear.

Important: Whether a specific Drew style qualifies under A5500 for a specific customer depends on the individual's diagnosis, physician documentation, and insurance plan. We recommend confirming eligibility with a prescribing physician and insurance provider before purchase, rather than assuming automatic coverage.

Why Shop Drew

• Nearly 150 years of dedicated therapeutic footwear manufacturing
• 20+ performance features per shoe, including extra depth and removable footbeds
• Extensive width range from Narrow to 6E
• Podiatrist-trusted — a go-to brand for prescribed and orthotic-compatible footwear
• Style variety across dress, casual, athletic, and sandal collections
• Built for real conditions — diabetes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and more

Discover why podiatrists — and generations of comfort-seekers — trust Drew.