About Us

Owners - Pat and Kate Blake

"I wanna say to my sisters and brothers"

Growing up in a musically inclined family of seven, Kate and Pat Blake have always had an appreciation for the arts, especially fashion.  While Kate and Pat were kids their parents formed the Blake’s Night Train Band and all five siblings performed on stage at least once (like the Partridge Family, but cooler)!

Blake's Night Train Band (circa 1984)

Pat - age 6

Kate - age 8

Their mother was a professional studio photographer giving Kate an early start on creating outfits and modeling them, most often in her fresh 80s and 90s styles!

so coordinated

supergirl power

Pat did his fair share of modeling and posing as well. When Pat was a wee lad he would be Kate’s live mannequin, her muse if you will, often dressing him in her or her sister's clothes.  That explains a lot about Pat, now doesn’t it? :)

Sure he is pretty wild, but also has this innocent, buttoned up side:

Truth; they had a fantastic childhood with many artistic outlets that are responsible for crafting their connection to style and fashion. 

How bout this gem?:

Blake kids. Kate left. Pat middle.

Kate graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from Western Carolina and worked in the footwear industry for a decade, first as as a shoe buyer for department store Belk and following that up a sales representative for a few different shoe brands. She absolutely embodies the role as buyer/president/shoe diva!

Kate has an keen intuition that has allowed her to test the limits of fashion and using this sense she has brought season after season of jaw dropping footwear to Wisconsin. She is the best buyer of cool looking, comfortable and unique footwear for women and men in the State hands down.  

And Pat loves it!

When the Madison store on State Street was open he sold the fabulous footwear to (shoo)’s awesome customers!  He is a live wire, a bundle of energy and he likes engaging with his customers! Sometimes to a fault, talking it up and sharing with customers just about anything. He is a former stock options trader in Chicago, and has been a professional disc golfer and disc golf course designer for 15 years. Pat’s wears hats of of CFO, CTO, and VP of (shoo).

Kate is married to superhuman Matt Holtz and together they live in the Milwaukee area raising their son Blake (7) and glorious dog Morticia!

Pat is married to the gorgeous Britta Johnson and they live with the trolls in Mount Horeb raising their two boys, Alexander (13) and Tenzing (6). They have three cats, and the ever famous shop dog Bernard!

Kate and Pat - 2010

The (shoo) crew - aka (shoo)bies

(Shoo) employees, often referred to (shoo)bies or the (shoo) crew are key to the cultural fabric at (shoo).  It’s a fun work environment.  How could it not be?...Surrounded by great footwear and even better people. We have valued diversity, dynamics, and collaboration.  With that we have grown a culture that is caring, full of pride and inclusivity.  We love all people! Especially interesting, fashionable people, who love shoes like we do!  We are forever grateful to the many (shoo)bies who have contributed to the growth of this culture over the years. 

crew MKE

crew MAD

 

Kate and Pat 2020

 

 Kate and Pat - 1982

 

Kate and Pat - 1978

The Shoes

Comfort, Quality, Style, Fashion. Kate has carefully curated a selection of classic silhouettes that can work seamlessly with any wardrobe. Expect to discover fashion forward pieces that push your stylistic comfort zone! We hope you enjoy Kate's thoughtful selections.

 

 

 

  

Milwaukee 

Opened in 2005, (shoo) Milwaukee is in the heart of the Historic Third Ward.  Located just south of downtown, The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District. It offers the city's most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and unique boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk, the Milwaukee Public Market, and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design are all about a one minute walk away.

 
 

Madison Story

 

 (shoo) Madison opened in 2010 on the popular and vibrant State Street. This destination street is famous for its unique shopping, events, and people and connects the Wisconsin State Capital to the University of Wisconsin campus.  (shoo) was located just off the Capital Square on the first block of State.
2020 presented multiple challenges to the business in Madison that led to the permanent closing of the store. Thank you to all of our customers in Madison who have shopped and supported us over the years! We will continue to offer our stylish selection here and at (shoo) Milwaukee.