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The Shoe That Grows: Sandals That Could Last Poor Children Up To Five Years

With over 300 million children in the world without shoes, Kenton Lee invented low-cost sandals for the developing world

Having a pair of shoes that fits probably doesn't seem like much of a luxury.

But for 300 million children around the world, spending your days walking to school in painfully tight shoes or even barefoot is a harsh reality.

Kenton Lee came across this hard truth when working in Nairobi, Kenya and upon his return to the US decided to do something about it.

Many children in the developing world rely on shoe donations to protect their growing feet from soil-transmitted diseases and parasites but, as any parent knows, kids have barely worn in a new pair of trainers or school shoes before their feet have grown a whole size.

The Shoe That Fits has three adjustable straps and can last a child up to five years [The Shoe That Fits]
The Shoe That Fits has three adjustable straps and can last a child up to five years [The Shoe That Fits]


For most of us, what this means is another trip to Clarks but in countries like Kenya, Rwanda and Ecuador new shoes are a luxury many familes simply cannot afford.

"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?" thought Lee, and The Shoe That Fits was born.

The simply designed but incredibly practical sandal is made up of a rubber sole and adjustable leather straps that expand in three ways so that one pair can last a child up to five years.

Practical compassion is the mantra of Because International, the company behind these life-changing shoes and they've already helped children in Ghana, Haiti and Guatemala to name but a few.

They're now looking for donations of $10, about £6.70, to place their next order of 5,000 shoes.

Founder Kenton Lee (left) came up with the idea after working in Kenya [The Shoe That Fits]
Founder Kenton Lee (left) came up with the idea after working in Kenya [The Shoe That Fits]



Because International are not the only company who take an active role in providing shoes for the world's poorest children.

Toms canvas slip on shoes are not just a fashionable pair of kicks. The company's One-For-One campaign means that for every pair of Toms they sell, they give a pair to a child in the developing world.

To date, they have donated over 35 million pairs of choes to kids in Liberia, Peru, Malawi and all around the world.

What do you think of these new shoes? Let us know in the comments below.

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