Gordon Shoes, now Shoe Fly Waterfront, is a shining example of an “Immigrant Success Story.” Benjamin Gordon was born in Vilna, Lithuania in 1871. Being born into a difficult and unforgiving environment, he had no way of knowing the difficulties that would await him throughout his childhood. His father passed away when he was very young. With little money, his mother did not send him to school.

Being in a world without the benefit of being able to read or write, Benjamin was eventually turned over to a master shoemaker. Imagine working as a young child of 9 or 10, in an environment with horribly deplorable conditions. His faith in “opportunity” was unwavering. He realized that he had acquired a very special gift – one that would guide him to a better life – the art of Shoe Making. Benjamin Gordon was bound for the America… the Land of Opportunity.

Via Ellis Island, Benjamin found his way to Pittsburgh’s Hill District, where in 1885 Gordon Shoes began. Gordon’s quickly became a mainstay for craftsmanship and “old time” values. The business grew and before long, Gordon Shoes became known as “THE” Shoe Store for fashion and affordability. Gordon’s remained in the “Gordon” family for three generations until 2021, when they partnered with Shoe Fly, also a family-run shoe store.