Our Start
Sherman Brothers was founded in 1953 by brothers Herbert and Edwin Sherman, who launched the business with a $5,000 loan from their father, Benjamin Sherman. Operating out of a small storefront on Mole Street in Center City Philadelphia, the brothers specialized in selling closeout and canceled footwear.
In the 1950s, Herb and Ed would remove the back seat of their DeSoto and drive seven hours to the shoe factories of New England, returning with the car packed full of quality footwear from respected manufacturers such as E.T. Wright, FootJoy (Brockton Footwear), Bates, Alden, and Walk-Over. By purchasing discontinued styles and factory cancellations, they discovered a niche in hard-to-find sizes and widths, including A and AA widths and sizes ranging from 5 to 15. Before long, Sherman Brothers became Philadelphia’s trusted destination for men with hard-to-fit feet.
As the business grew, younger brother Martin Sherman joined the company at just twelve years old, beginning by cleaning the store and stocking shelves before eventually becoming a salesman and the third “Sherman Brother.” Around the same time, Bruce Rubin started as a stock boy while attending high school, later working his way into sales and management.
About
By the 1960s, Sherman Brothers had earned a reputation as one of Philadelphia’s premier men’s shoe stores. With as many as seven salesmen on the floor at a time, the store was often standing-room-only during weekday lunch hours. Their loyal clientele included mayors, councilmen, state representatives, athletes, entertainers, and businessmen from across the region.
Sherman Brothers built its reputation on exceptional service, expert fitting knowledge, and a dedication to helping customers find the perfect shoe, especially those who struggled to find the right fit elsewhere. Generations of customers have continued to return for the personalized experience and quality craftsmanship that have defined the company for decades.
Today
In the early 1980s, Herb’s son, Ken Sherman, and Marty’s son, Jeffrey Sherman, joined the family business. Today, the cousins own and operate Sherman Brothers, continuing the tradition and values their fathers instilled in them from an early age.
Ken is known for his passion for customer service and personalized attention, building lasting relationships with customers while maintaining the exceptional quality and fit that Sherman Brothers has been known for for generations. Jeffrey is equally respected for his deep product knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction. Together, they share a strong commitment to carrying forward the family tradition with integrity, expertise, and care.
ShermanBrothers.com launched in January 2002, with just five pairs of shoes sold online during its first month. Today, the online business ships thousands of pairs each year, serving customers nationwide while continuing the legacy that began on Mole Street more than 70 years ago.
As we begin our next chapter in Ardmore, back on the Main Line, we are excited to welcome our longtime customers and introduce Sherman Brothers to a new generation of clients. The Main Line has been an important part of our history, and we are thrilled to return to the area while continuing to serve the customers who have supported us in Center City and throughout the Philadelphia region. Our move to Ardmore marks an exciting next chapter for Sherman Brothers, but our commitment to exceptional service, quality footwear, and the relationships we have built over generations remains unchanged.
