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    • The Karavel Story

    Karavel was founded in 1937 by two close friends, Bob Karotkin and Irving Ravel (Kar+Ravel = Karavel). We've been around for 88 years as a family-owned, local Austin business.

    Congress Avenue - Downtown Origins
    Karavel Shoes Congress Avenue location, showing downtown in the 1930s.
    Founders of Karavel, Bob and Irving standing inside the store. Buster Brown Shoes employee standing in front of Karavel Shoes. Founders of Karavel, Bob and Irving standing inside the store. Buster Brown Shoes employee standing in front of Karavel Shoes.

    The original location of Karavel Shoes was iconic - at 717 Congress Avenue between the historic State and Paramount Theaters, just down the street from the Texas State Capitol building.

    Karavel was the first Buster Brown children's shoe store in Texas, the second in the U.S.

    Over the years, Karavel expanded into multiple locations, offering a full range of men's, women's, and athletic shoes, as well as certified orthopedic shoe customizations and services.

    Burnet Road Home in Central Austin
    Exterior view of the Karavel Shoes store on Burnet Lane.
    Exterior view of the Karavel Shoes store on Burnet Lane. Buster Brown Shoes employee standing in front of Karavel Shoes. Founders of Karavel, Bob and Irving standing inside the store. Exterior view of the Karavel Shoes store on Burnet Lane.

    In 1960, Karavel expanded into a new location in central Austin at 5501 Burnet Road. Irving bought a multi-use retail property, and leased out space to other businesses, such as a _____Tire store, Slavin Nadal Ballet company, and Atomic Tattoos.

    Karavel settled here for over 60 years in the uniquely shaped and well-known building. It is here on Burnet Road that Karavel became known for its expert fitting services, internationally sourced footwear, and a leader in foot health. During this time the company was handed down to Rick Ravel, son of Irving, who continued the commitment to local family values and high quality services.

    After making it successfully through the Covid pandemic, Karavel was postured for new growth and expansion. It was time to move again and get more space!!

    NEW HOME - on Anderson Lane
    Karavel Shoes location, Anderson Lane front entrance.
    Karavel Shoes entrance with two people walking in. Buster Brown Shoes employee standing in front of Karavel Shoes. Karavel Shoes entrance with two people walking in. Founders of Karavel, Bob and Irving standing inside the store.

    Karavel relocated in 2023 to our current location at 1011 W. Anderson Lane. We have 22,000 square feet, ample parking, and a beautiful showroom to host all of our top quality brands and loyal customers.

    The company recently launched a new run specialty division called Karavel Run, and has plans to grow other athletic lines, and expand their medical services offerings.

    If you haven't found us, we are eager to serve you with our unmatched service, selection, and styles.

    READY.STEP.GO!

    Into the future

    Karavel has continued to evolve, and find firsts for its customers while never losing sight of our core competence - Top quality product and UNMATCHED SERVICE.

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