Eneslow
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear retail |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Founder | Edward and Nellie Stone Low |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Robert S. Schwartz (CEO), Michael Schwartz, Rachel Schwartz |
| Products | Shoes, foot care products, personalized orthotics |
| Website | www |
Eneslow (pronounced N-S-LOW) is a specialty footwear retailer based in New York City, established by the Low family in 1909. Recognized as the largest pedorthic retailer in the United States, Eneslow offers both off-the-shelf and custom-made shoes, foot care products, and personalized orthotics. The company also manages the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute, a premier educational and training center in the field of pedorthics.
Founding and Early Development
Originally founded as N.S. Low by Edward and Nellie Stone Low in 1909, the business began on Avenue A, selling trusses, surgical supplies, and footwear. Nat Low became part of the enterprise in 1914, formalizing the company structure. By 1926, the shoe segment had expanded considerably, prompting the establishment of Eneslow as an independent entity and relocating to 220 East 23rd Street.
During the 1940s, Paul Schwartz, proprietor of Apex Foot Health Industries—a wholesale supplier specializing in orthotics and arch supports—partnered with Eneslow to offer an integrated selection of footwear and orthotic solutions.
1968–1999 Developments
In 1968, Paul and Charles Schwartz purchased Eneslow and shifted its headquarters to 695 6th Avenue. At that time, Eneslow maintained stores in Brooklyn (operating since 1949) and the Bronx (since 1937). Robert S. Schwartz joined the company in 1973 after ten years in sales and marketing roles. By 1975, Robert and his brother Richard each held equal ownership stakes in both Eneslow and Apex.
Following a division with his brother in the mid-1980s, Robert assumed sole control over Eneslow’s retail operations, expanding it into a regional network comprising eight outlets. However, reductions in New York State Medicaid reimbursements for medical footwear and orthotics led to a 50% drop in revenue, compelling Schwartz to shutter all locations except the main store at 924 Broadway.
In 1983, Robert acquired Richard’s shares to become sole proprietor of Eneslow. Two years later, in 1985, Eneslow purchased Classic Mold Shoe Company, incorporating custom molded orthopedic footwear into its offerings. The Eneslow Pedorthic Institute was founded in 1995 by Dr. Justin Wernick, DPM, alongside Robert S. Schwartz to promote advanced education and training within pedorthics.
From 2001 to Present
In 2003, Eneslow expanded by acquiring a retail outlet from Selby Fifth Avenue located at Horace Harding Expressway in Little Neck, Queens, rebranding it as an Eneslow store—the company’s second location. The headquarters moved from 924 Broadway to Park Avenue South at East 32nd Street in 2006. By 2009, a third store was launched on Manhattan’s Upper East Side between 78th and 79th Streets.
In 2016, Michael and Rachel Schwartz—children of Robert Schwartz—joined the firm, marking five decades of family stewardship and over one hundred years of continuous operation for Eneslow. The current flagship location opened its doors in 2019 at 1319 Third Avenue between 75th and 76th Streets.
Education
Eneslow’s educational programs primarily serve two groups: professionals who spend significant portions of their workday standing or walking, and specialists involved in diagnosing gait abnormalities or prescribing specialized footwear.
The Eneslow Pedorthic Institute (EPI), established in 1995 by Eneslow along with Dr. Justin Wernick, DPM and CEO Robert S. Schwartz, specializes in teaching the design, production, alteration, and fitting of shoes and foot orthoses. EPI provides pedorthic courses, conferences, and workshops that attract an international audience including podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and shoe fitters. Accredited by both the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC), EPI delivers pre-certification education and exam preparation led by Robert S. Schwartz alongside experienced instructors.
Moreover, Eneslow’s custom department carries out structural as well as aesthetic modifications to footwear while fabricating orthotics tailored to individual requirements.
Charitable activity
Eneslow demonstrates its dedication to social responsibility by partnering with the nonprofit organization Soles4Souls, providing shoes, socks, and insoles to aid relief personnel, individuals affected by disasters, and those experiencing homelessness.