InStep came to life in 2003 when Tom Labisch and Bob Corby, both physical therapists, and John Ochsenwald, an athletic trainer, formed InStep Physical Therapy and Performance Footwear. The three envisioned a place where runners and walkers could not only come for injury rehabilitation, but also get fit with the right shoes. Thus, InStep became a one-stop shop for local runners and walkers, also offering biomechanical evaluations, massage therapy and custom orthotics. InStep quickly gained a reputation in the Milwaukee area running community as the "place to go" for expert advice on running injuries rehabilitation and prevention, as well as for the best-fitting shoes.

 

Three years later, the three partners decided to expand their business and take on more of a retail focus. In June, 2006, InStep Running & Walking Centers were opened in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee and downtown Delafield in western Waukesha County. Both locations feature InStep’s integrated running services: a full line of shoes, apparel and accessories while also offering the clinical element. InStep’s physical therapists staff both sites, where they conduct biomechanical evaluations and physical therapy services.

 

Later in 2006, InStep added a fourth location, InStep Physical Therapy & Performance Footwear, in Franklin, Wisconsin. The Franklin site serves Milwaukee’s fast-growing southwestern suburbs and has more of a clinical focus than the Running & Walking Centers.  It also carries a full line of shoes, apparel and accessories.

 

In addition to expanding their business in 2006, InStep’s owners brought on two new partners: Calvin Deutsch and Chris Ponteri. Calvin is physical therapist while Chris is an avid runner with an entrepreneurial flare. The two new partners, along with business manager Chris Larson, have enabled InStep to quickly become the premier destination place for runners in the Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha County areas.