Shoe Bus bringing quality footwear to town
A cosy lineup of winter boots on display from Manitobah Mukluks, showcasing warm, stylish options perfect for the colder months. Raven Katsit’siio Edwards Brown The Eastern Door
Meagan Teiotsistokwahte McComber has spent years navigating chronic foot pain due to various injuries. That journey toward healing led her to barefoot footwear designed to let the foot move naturally and eventually to the idea of bringing them directly to her community.
“I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for a long time, maybe two to three years,” she said.
As she participated in online barefoot-shoe forums, she kept hearing the same thing: people in the Montreal region didn’t have anywhere nearby to try these specialty shoes in person. That gap sparked her vision to open a mobile shoe store that could roll right up to powwows, homes, or community events.
McComber’s dream bus did arrive, but with unexpected problems. She is exploring environmentally-friendly options like a solar-powered mobile bus as her long-term vision. “The vision would be to go to powwows and take orders, because I can’t be carrying around a lot of shoes,” McComber says. She also imagined using the bus to serve people with mobility issues or mental health conditions that prevent them from easily leaving their homes.
Still, the setback didn’t halt her mission. In the meantime, she opened a pop-up location in the heart of the community, and The Shoe Bus began to take shape without the wheels.
Inside her shop, the old Hamburger Heaven, she carries many brands like Merrel, Stride Rite, Jan and Jul, Stonz, Manitobah Mukluks, Injinji, Red Pine Outdoor, Xero Shoes, Saguaro, and Peerko including Slovakian styles from Be Lenka and Shapen.
The Shoe Bus storefront welcomes customers with bright signage and an inviting atmosphere with multiple options of footwear from a variety of brands. Raven Katsit’siio Edwards Brown The Eastern Door
“Each shoe is very specific, especially the ones that are from Czechoslovakia, because they’re handmade,” she explains. “They’re not like a standard shoe. I would actually have to measure your foot before telling you what size you are.”
McComber is also partnered with many Canadian brands like Buncha Farmers, FlapJack Kids, Juddlies Designs, Lulujo, Stonz, and Zoocchini.
“My overall goal would be to provide a service for the community, as well as employment,” she said. She already organizes delivery days for customers with mobility and mental-health needs and plans to expand that once the business grows.
Even after only a few months, the community response has been strong.
“So far I have good reviews,” she said. “People are really happy they don’t have to travel to Ottawa.”
Her store caters to men, women, and children. Her offerings include everything from children’s shoes to specialized accessories, like toe socks designed to enhance foot function and improve foot mobility.
“It’s so convenient, especially for people in town. You can get your Christmas shopping done really easily,” said Ni:ne McComber, Meagan’s aunt and a supporter of The Shoe Bus.
“The Shoe Bus isn’t just about the product, it’s about accessibility and reducing the hassle of winter shopping.”
Ni:ne herself is no stranger to quality winter footwear.
“I have a pair of Manitobah Mukluks, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with them,” she said.
Her enthusiasm highlights how products available through The Shoe Bus meet the practical needs of residents while also offering comfort and reliability in harsh winter conditions.
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The Shoe Bus is currently located on the Old Malone Highway across from Da Store (former Dustin’s) and can be found on Google Maps by typing in The Shoe Bus. Its hours of operation can be found on the store’s Facebook page.
