Our Story
Paradise Footwear was built on a simple idea: most people are wearing the wrong shoes—and they don’t even know it.
We’ve helped customers dealing with foot pain, knee discomfort, back issues, and everyday fatigue caused by poor footwear choices. Over time, we’ve learned that comfort isn’t just about the shoe—it’s about proper fit, support, and understanding how each person’s feet actually function.
As a locally rooted business in downtown Medford, we’re proud to serve the community that supports us. Many of our customers aren’t just visitors—they’re neighbors, families, and friends we see every day. That connection matters to us, and it shapes how we operate.
Meet Our Team
The people behind your comfort.
Sean Rimes
Owner and Lead Fit Specialist
Sean became the owner of Paradise Footwear in 2022 with a commitment to preserving the personalized service, expert fitting knowledge, and community focus that have made the store a trusted part of downtown Medford for decades. What stood out to him most was the opportunity to help people improve their comfort, mobility, and quality of life through genuinely caring customer service. Before purchasing Paradise Footwear, Sean built a successful career in manufacturing and engineering. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas and worked in industries ranging from advanced materials and laser technology to engineered wood products. Owning a business had been a longtime goal, and because his family enjoys living in Southern Oregon, Sean wanted to invest in a business that was deeply connected to the local community. Although he never expected to enter brick-and-mortar retail, Paradise Footwear felt like the perfect fit because of its strong reputation, loyal customer base, and mission of helping people every day. Today, Sean is focused on building on that legacy while continuing to make Paradise Footwear a welcoming, trusted resource for customers throughout the Rogue Valley.
Sarah Gustafson
Store Manager
Sarah Gustafson joined Paradise Footwear in 2004, bringing with her more than two decades of footwear industry experience and customer service expertise. Since then, she has become an integral part of the Paradise team, helping guide both customers and staff with professionalism, knowledge, and care. As Store Manager, Sarah plays a key role in creating the welcoming, personalized experience that Paradise Footwear is known for throughout the Rogue Valley. Her deep understanding of quality footwear, fit, and customer needs helps ensure that every visitor receives attentive service and thoughtful recommendations. Sarah’s leadership, reliability, and commitment to the local community have helped make Paradise Footwear a trusted destination for comfort, support, and specialized footwear in downtown Medford.
Julian Minch
Certified Pedorthist
Julian Minch joined Paradise Footwear in 2007 and later earned his certification as a Pedorthist, expanding his expertise in foot health, footwear fitting, and customer care. Over the years, he has become a trusted resource for countless people throughout the Rogue Valley seeking relief from foot pain and mobility issues. Julian’s combination of advanced training, hands-on experience, and genuine compassion is rare to find in Southern Oregon. His dedication to helping customers improve their comfort and quality of life has made him an essential part of the Paradise Footwear team and a familiar face within the local community. For many customers, working with Julian means receiving a level of personalized care and knowledge that is difficult to find anywhere nearby. Paradise Footwear is proud to have his experience and commitment serving the Medford community every day.
Our Commitment to Medford
We believe a business should be more than a storefront—it should be part of the community it serves.
Paradise Footwear is committed to supporting the people of Medford through thoughtful service, long-term relationships, and a genuine investment in local well-being.
That’s why we created our Rewards Program.
Instead of treating rewards as just discounts, we give our customers a choice: use their rewards toward future footwear purchases, or donate them back into the local community through participating programs and initiatives.
It’s our way of saying thank you—and of reinvesting in the people who make downtown Medford strong.
What Makes Us Different
We don’t operate like a typical shoe store. Instead of rushing purchases or focusing on trends, we focus on outcomes.
Proper foot evaluation before anything else
We start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique biomechanics.
One-on-one fitting with trained specialists
You receive dedicated attention from experts who prioritize your long-term comfort.
Recommendations based on comfort and alignment
Our guidance is rooted in anatomical science, moving beyond guesswork to real solutions.
A curated selection of orthopedic footwear brands
We only carry trusted brands that meet our strict standards for durability and medical-grade support.
Our Promise
We believe that if you’re going to trust us with your comfort, we should earn it. That means:
Taking time with every customer
Listening first, recommending second
Prioritizing long-term comfort over quick sales
Staying actively involved in the Medford community we serve
Because when your feet feel better, everything else gets easier—and when our community thrives, we all do.