The Shoe That Grows is an organization that manufactures versatile footwear, which aims to better the lives of children who don't have access to shoes in their sizes, which causes them to go without it all together, or sport shoes that are either far too small or large for them -- leaving them exposed to soil-transmitted diseases and parasites that can cause serious illnesses.
Although donating shoes is helpful, young children tend to outgrow their shoes in less than a year, leaving them exposed yet again. The Shoe That Grows combats this by changing with the children who wear them. The durable material that constructs the shoes is able to be adjusted with ease, expanding both length and width wise to accommodate them. The Shoe That Grows can adjust up to five sizes, meaning that children can sport the same pair for up to five years.
As most schools in very impoverished regions require children to wear shoes and are often great distances away, having durable and reliable footwear is necessary in securing their development and access to future opportunities, as well as their health.
Photo Credits: designboom, theshoethatgrows.org
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Durable Size-changing Shoes
- The trend of durable and customizable footwear for children, especially in impoverished regions, that can grow and change in size to offer reliable and constant support.
- Socially Responsible Products
- The trend of brands producing socially responsible products that aim to address specific social issues, like poverty and health, and help communities in need through functional and innovative solutions.
- Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials
- The trend of using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the production of footwear that lasts long and prevents waste and pollution from traditional fast fashion brands.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Philanthropic Organizations
- Philanthropic organizations that focus on designing and donating customizable footwear, using sustainable materials, and providing resources like education and healthcare to impoverished regions around the world.
- Fashion and Apparel Industry
- The fashion and apparel industry can embrace sustainable and customizable footwear products, and incorporate them into their existing lines by partnering with philanthropic organizations.
- Healthcare Industry
- The healthcare industry can work with philanthropic organizations to provide necessary medical attention and resources to poor communities and children who are exposed to soil-transmitted diseases and parasites caused by exposure to the environment without proper footwear.
