Forest Bootery

Forest Bootery is located in downtown Lake Forest's Historic Market Square and also in Downtown Libertyville's Historic MainStreet District.

Fact: Forest bootery has been located in downtown Lake Forest, in the same location since 1949!

In 1976 paul garrison purchased the store from Mort Gibbion, making him the 3rd owner. At that time there was one other shoe store on the square called "Jensons", which is now Williams-Sonoma.

Around 1980 business was so good, and our reputation had grown so much that Paul decided he needed a second location, and Paul opened a Forest Bootery in Highland Park with a partner.

In the 80's the original Forest Bootery in Lake Forest went thru a huge remodeling and aquired an additional store front, expanding the sales floor by aprox 1/3.

In 1996 Cara and Cristina purchased the Lake Forest flagship location from Paul. They took the store through a huge remodel in 1999, and again in 2004.

In 2004 Paul's partner in Highland Park bought out Paul, and changed the name to "The Bootery". This gave Cara and Cristina full rights to the Forest Bootery name and trademerks, and allowed us to open our sensational Libertyville Location in 2005.

So as you can see, Forest Bootery has a Long history of serving customers fine footwear and apparel on the North Shore - and we aren't going anywhere! In fact...

We Just Keep Getting BETTER.

And it is our Mission to be THE Family Shoe Store in Northern Illinois!

With our extensive selection and extended hours we provide one stop shopping for the whole family.

We have what you're looking for: shoes, boots, sandals, athletic shoes, coats, hats, handbags, and socks from all the top brands such as Ugg, Dansko, and North Face.

Whether you're looking for a high end brand like Aster, Allen Edmonds or Stuart Weitzman, or trying to find a pair of reef flip-flops, we've got you covered.

Check with us, your local family shoe store- it will be a worthwile trip. Because where others may crow about how "cheap" they are, we emphasize Fit, Personal Service, Huge Selections, and Value.

That's because at Forest Bootery...You're Family Too.