Many polio survivors will tell you that their infection was difficult and even painful to overcome. The complications that arise, however, often result in lifelong challenges, including difficulty functioning in society on several levels ; and while those unaware may not realize it, even things like finding mismatched footwear require significant effort for someone with polio. Polio survivors groups have worked tirelessly to locate and even create resources for those with their unique needs.
Footwear is in fact a perfect example. Take, for instance, a casual jaunt to your favorite shoe store. If you ask the sales person for shoes of two different sizes, you will be advised to buy two pairs of shoes. Letting them know that you'd rather not spend so much extra money will result in a commission driven finger pointed to the shoe clearance rack. Or ask them if they have shoes shaped to fit a club foot, and you might simply be looked at uncomprehendingly. Shoe companies specializing in odd shoes such as here, makes it easier for you to find shoes that fit.
Encountering this scenario repeatedly is irritating, to say the least, if not outright demoralizing and for those with more serious cases (including severe muscle atrophy and skeletal deformity in the feet, at times similar to club foot), the entire process is fruitless. Small wonder, then, that polio survivors groups have developed means to help other polio victims find companies willing to address their specific needs, ranging from mismatched footwear to custom shapes.
Especially in this day and age, the Internet has made finding specialty commodities a far easier process than it used to be, and even a basic search for mismatched footwear reveals almost immediate relief for polio and clubfoot patients and others.
Thousands of odd shoes are thrown out daily. People with odd shoes with those who need odd shoes. Life is made a whole lot easier for users of this free website. You can list mismatched pairs of shoes or a single shoe for sale and search for other mismatched pairs of shoes or single shoe for sale in your own shoe size.
By Kent Smith
The above information thankfully comes from the Kent Smith at the following link.