A new shoe that grows for children

Summary

Kenton Lee, inspired by his experience in a Kenyan orphanage, created a shoe that grows with children to address the challenge of ill-fitting footwear, especially for those in poverty. Many children suffer from infections due to improper shoes, which impacts their health and education. Lee's nonprofit, Because International, collaborated with a former Nike executive to develop shoes made from leather and rubber that expand up to five sizes. The initiative has already provided thousands of pairs to children globally, aiming to improve their health and opportunities.

Takeaways

• 👟 Many parents face the challenge of buying new shoes frequently as their children grow.
• 👶 The problem is particularly severe for families living in poverty.
• 🇰🇪 Kenton Lee noticed this issue while volunteering at an orphanage in Kenya.
• 👧 He saw a girl with shoes so small that her toes stuck out through cuts in the front.
• 🌍 Kids without proper shoes risk infections from soil-transmitted parasites, affecting two billion people globally.
• 💡 This inspired Lee to design a shoe that grows with the child, providing a practical solution to the problem.
• 🚫 Lee's attempts to create a prototype failed, and major shoe companies were initially uninterested in the idea.
• 👟 Lee eventually collaborated with a shoe development company led by a former Nike executive to create the shoe.
• 📈 The resulting shoe expands five sizes and is made of leather and rubber, helping children stay healthy and attend school.
• 📦 So far, 3,000 pairs have been distributed, with 5,000 more on the way, and there are plans to develop an enclosed version for better protection.

Q & A

What inspired Kenton Lee to come up with the idea for shoes that grow with children?

Kenton Lee was inspired to create shoes that grow with children after seeing a little girl in Kenya whose shoes were so small that she had to cut the front open to let her toes stick out.

What problem do children in poverty face with footwear, according to the transcript?

Children in poverty often face the issue of not having shoes that fit, which can lead to health problems like infections from soil-transmitted parasites.

How does the World Health Organization relate to the issue mentioned in the transcript?

The World Health Organization has reported that soil-transmitted parasites, which can affect children without proper footwear, impact two billion people globally.

What materials are used to make the shoes that grow with children?

The shoes are made of leather and rubber.

How do the shoes grow with the child?

The shoes expand five sizes by adjusting in the front with a post, on the sides with snaps, and on the back with a buckle.

How many pairs of the shoes have already been delivered to children?

3,000 pairs of the shoes are already on children's feet, and 5,000 more are expected to be delivered soon.

What challenges did Kenton Lee face when trying to develop his idea?

Kenton Lee initially faced challenges when his prototype attempts failed and shoe companies were not interested in his idea.

Who eventually helped Kenton Lee develop the shoe that grows?

A shoe development company, founded by a former Nike executive, helped Kenton Lee by donating time and technical expertise to develop the shoe.

What is Kenton Lee’s nonprofit organization called?

Kenton Lee's nonprofit organization is called 'Because International.'

What future plans does Kenton Lee have for the shoe design?

Kenton Lee is working on a more enclosed version of the shoe to offer better protection for children.