In 1959, Davids…Shoes On First, located at 75 First Street, Cambridge, MA was established by David Sobel. Prior to opening the business, David Sobel worked for many years at Wilbars Shoes in downtown Boston. In the early years, Davids…Shoes On First sold shoes, leather coats, rented roller-skates, and housed a shoe repair shop. In the 70’s and 80’s, it was known as the place to go for the best deals on brands like Bass, and Rockport, and being situated directly across the street from the old Lechmere Sales store, it was always busy. In fact, in the 80’s, Davids…Shoes On First sold more Rockport shoes than the Rockport flagship company store located at Fanuel Hall. 

In 1977, Robert Valway, (the current owner of David's…Shoes On First) at the age of 16 began working in the shoe business for National Shoe, located in Wellington Plaza, Medford MA. In the 80’s, he worked for Louis Klane Shoes, located in Malden MA, a third generation business. (see picture, inside of store with leopard skin chairs, made in 1929 and Shaynor Klane, back left) NOTE: the leopard skin chairs are still used today in the current store.

In 1989, Robert Valway began working part time for David's…Shoes On First, where he learned every aspect of running the business, and in 1994 agreed to purchase the business from David Sobel. In 1996, David Sobel passed away at the age of 86, but his long time employee and friend, Nicholas Valas, stayed on to help Robert run the business until he passed away at the age of 98. Nicholas, a Marine from World War Two, along with the rest of the incredible staff (Ernest Jones, Joe Serino, Tom Sargent) all provided the best of service over the decades and is the reason why customers kept coming back year after year.

On June 3rd. 2023, the original location at 75 First Street closed to make way for a new residence building. On September 1st. 2023, the new location at 117 First Street opened, ready to continue to service the community for many more years to come. So…be apart of history, sit down in our hundred year old chairs and try on a pair today. The legacy continues…..