The evolution of Comfort Orthotics & Podiatry Clinic over the generations.

Fergella Shebib was a shoemaker in Lebanon in the late 1800’s. He moved to Cape Breton to make a better life for his family in the early 1900’s. He passed his trade on to his son Joe. Joe Shebib also set up a shoe making/ shoe repair business in Cape Breton. Joe passed the trade on to his son Francis who started to train his son Tom when he was only 15 years old.

Dedication to his profession, quality workmanship and a genuine desire to help people walk comfortably and in style is the foundation upon which Comfort Orthotics & Podiatry Clinic is based. Tom Shebib (Co-owner of Comfort Orthotics & Podiatry Clinic) is the 4th Generation in his family possessing this unique craftsmanship ability. Over the years the footwear industry has changed. Tom responded to this change and expanded his knowledge in the field of Orthotics. Educated in Pedorthic Management of the Foot at Ball State University (USA) and The Robert Palmer Institute of Biomechanics, Tom is a Certified Pedorthist and has been crafting quality orthotics since 1997. Tom and Lisa’s daughter Natasha Pieroway, has also recently joined the team in May 2023, making this a 5th generation business.

To meet the needs of our growing client base, Tom invited Emily Conroy to join the team in 2012 as Certified Pedorthist. Then, in 2013 podiatry services were added to our clinic. We now have 3 Podiatrists – Philip Sneyd, Anthony Fable and Gabrielle Bailey. Their kind, caring nature is evident to all of our clients who visit them for podiatry care. This enables the clinic to provide an extended range of services for our patients. With a total staff of 14 (2 certified pedorthists, 3 Podiatrists, and 9 support staff), Comfort Orthotics is one of the largest orthotic/footwear/podiatry/bracing clinics in Nova Scotia.

Physicians and health care providers have been pleased with the quality products, services and care provided by this team. While keeping customer service as the #1 priority, over 30,000 patients in the community are now walking comfortably.