The Best Treasures Are Off The Beaten Path

Let’s Visit A Vintage Sole

When I heard there was a barn in the middle of the woods in Benzie county with a vault of vintage shoes for sale my first thought was, what? How have I never heard about this? So I made it my mission to learn more, visit, and hopefully snag a pair for my closet. Check, check and check.

Still Reeling From the Discovery

Just a week ago I stumbled upon, or should I say the algorithm served me, a reel on Instagram from an influencer claiming she was driving in the woods in the middle of nowhere in northern Michigan to find a barn filled with vintage shoes. Turns out this place is practically in my backyard and I had no idea. Time for a daytrip.

Where it all Began

A Vintage Sole is a one-of-a-kind shoe business with quite a story to tell. And the store owner, Jim Brouwer, loves to share stories. He’s a fourth-generation shoe salesman. His great-grandfather was a cobbler who immigrated from the Netherlands and established their family business in Grand Haven, followed by his grandfather who moved the family to Wisconsin. It was Jim’s wife Carol who introduced Jim to Benzie county, and where their shoe venture went off the beaten path.

They heard about a shoe store in Frankfort that was looking to sell. If you live or ever spent summers near Crystal Lake you probably went shopping at Classens. I remember waiting while my mother browsed the shelves for new styles and bought sandals to replace what I’d outgrown over the winter. I’d marvel at the walls stacked neatly with boxes, higher than I could reach. Little did I know, that was the tip of the iceberg.

What the Brouwers discovered in the basement was row upon row of shoe boxes. Boxes dating back to 1930! You might be wondering how on earth does a business accumulate so much inventory? Mr. Classens did not believe in running sales. So when new inventory would arrive, the unsold stock would be removed to the basement. Decades later the Brouwers were looking at 6,000 pairs of vintage women’s, children’s and men’s footwear, and they had a decision to make. It was their daughter Libby who came up with the plan to open an online shop. In 2014 A Vintage Sole was born.

A Visit to the Shop in the Woods

After learning of their unique business I set-up an appointment to visit their showroom in search of vintage treasure. If you’re familiar with northern Michigan it’s just a short dirt drive through the woods off Maple City highway on Fewins Rd. If you’re not from here, enjoy the drive, and keep an eye out for the shoe trees cleverly noting you’re on the right path.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the open barn door revealing row upon row of cardboard boxes. While the setting is quite unusual, Jim and his dog Blue offer a warm welcome. I set about exploring the shelves stocked with all shapes, sizes and styles while Jim shared his history and footwear fun facts.

Let’s Talk About Shoes Baby

I learned that wedge heels were developed to support the arch when steel was diverted to the war effort. And did you know shoes used to be made with “straight” forms, no left or right, until the 19th century? A walk through the rows at A Vintage Sole is like a walk through time. The stacks are organized with the oldest shoes in the front, while you work your way up the shelf from the smallest sizes to the largest. Women’s shoes range from size 4-10, Men’s from 6-12, along with width options ranging from AA-D. In fact, if you’re a size 6 or smaller you’ll find the most selection. Whereas anyone with size 10, you may be out of luck.

I found several pairs and took a seat on a folding chair arranged over an oriental rug. Not sure what to expect, I brought a pair of socks and some footies from home to try on the shoes. But with the service you’d expect at an old school shoe store, Jim offered new knee high nylons, something not easy to find these days. Unlike most vintage shops the shoes at A Vintage Sole have never been worn. His grandfather would be proud, as he believed wearing someone else’s shoes is akin to sharing a toothbrush.

I Shop, You Shop, We Should All Shop Vintage

While my heart pined for a sharp pair of ivory and tan heels from the 1950s I knew I’d break an ankle trying to walk in them. Instead I scored stylish black pumps with a stacked wooden heel, and a pair of lace-up HiBrow loafers with a rubber sole.

There’s much to be said in favor of thrifted and vintage shopping. The goods are built to last, trend-setting and you won’t see another copy walking down the street. You’re giving life to something otherwise destined for the landfill. So it’s win, win, win.

In May of this year Jim and his daughter decided to close their online store. Visits to the showroom are their primary source of sales. Currently everything is on sale. Before I left I asked Jim what’s next for A Vintage Sole. Is he looking to sell off all the inventory and finally retire? Is he hoping another TikTok influencer will ring his phone off the hook and drive more people to his door? Does he want to keep sharing his love for footwear with the visitors of northern Michigan? He said, “Yes.”

So if you want to see these stylish shoes for yourself don’t wait. Do a little shopping and get a dose of history while you wander. While you still can.

A Vintage Sole is located in Benzie County not far from the Platte River Fish Hatchery, just a few miles off the beaten path near US 31 in Interlochen. Call 231-275-1525 or email hello@avintagesole.com to make an appointment.