the shoe that grows (or why didn't i think of that?)

The Idea

The Shoe That Grows started when Founder and Executive Director Kenton Lee was living and working in Nairobi, Kenya in 2007. One day while walking to church, he noticed a little girl in a white dress next to him who had shoes that were way to small for her feet. That led to questions about why.  And finally an idea: 'Wouldn’t it be great if there was a shoe that could adjust and expand – so that kids always had a pair of shoes that fit?'  And just like that The Shoe That Grows was born.

The Solution

Over 2 billion people in the world suffer from soil-transmitted parasites and diseases.  The Shoe That Grows is a better solution to help children protect their feet than just regular shoes, shoes that don’t fit, or no shoes at all.  The Shoe That Grows adjusts five sizes and last five years – providing better protection and better health for children.

Information

The Shoe That Grows is a patented design of an innovative shoe that adjusts and expands.  It was developed in part by a shoe development company in the Northwest called Proof of Concept. 

These children in Kenya had just received their shoes

Kenton Lee is brilliant. He's also unassuming and kind and just wants to get his "shoe that grows" out into the world, particularly in developing countries. The first batch of shoes sold out in a heartbeat, and his next shipment isn't due to arrive from the factory until the end of July. But, Change the Truth has been promised 75 pairs! They will travel with me to St. Mary Kevin Children's Home on August 30th. As soon as the larger sizes are delivered later this year, we'll get 75 pairs of those, as well, so our older children can sport the shoe.

A photo I took at SMK in 2008

Not only do the children outgrow their shoes (if they have any) quickly , their shoes get so beat up. "The Shoe that Grows" is going to last a long time. Five sizes, five years! Such a wonderful concept… and one that we are very excited about!