A few years back, we came across a really cool project called The Shoe That Grows. The idea was to create long-lasting shoes for kids in impoverished countries. Because these kids don’t have access to new shoes whenever they outgrow their existing pair, they’re often forced to modify them or simply go barefoot. To remedy this, inventor Kenton Lee designed an ingenious sandal that could expand to accommodate growing feet. The project was a resounding success, and has since shipped shoes to thousands of kids in countries all over the world. The only problem? If you live in a developed country, you can’t really get them for your kid — until now.
Expandals are a newer version of The Shoe That Grows, redesigned with less of a focus on low cost and more on durability and style. Using a system of adjustable velcro straps, the sandals can be incrementally widened/lengthened on demand, so you won’t have to buy your kid a new pair of shoes every year. And don’t worry about the soles — they’re apparently made of ultra-durable rubber that can endure years of abuse without wearing down too much. Pretty brilliant, right?
