Bespoke dress shoes for disabled vet/double amputee

[Rugger]

Bear with me, I will try and make this very very long story short.

• Good friend of mine joined the army, was blown to pieces in Iraq by an IED
  
• Literally by the hand of God he survives. His body was absolutely mangled. Initially had less than 5% chance of survival after he had already arrived in hospital
  
• Both legs didnt need amputation because they were already gone
  
• After several months of fighting for his life, he stabilizes and he is fitted with prosthetics
  
• He has since rejoined society and does very prominent work for vets, federal and state governments
  
• PROBLEM- He has specially fitted black Asics walking shoes for his prosthetic feet. They do not look good with his business suits.
  
• Collaborating with his wife, I would like to surprise him with custom 'dress' shoes that still provide the support his prosthetic feet require.

Where you come in-
I need contacts. I need any ideas of people who would be willing to help out. I have no idea where to start. I am going to begin gathering info about the shoe requirements from Walter Reed and the manufacturer, but once I have those I need somewhere to turn. I am thinking they will need to pretty much be tennis shoes made to look like dress shoes.

Any tips, contacts you can provide is dearly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[ter1413]

...

 

[CousinDonuts]

I can't help you with ideas but I salute what you are doing. Good luck!

 

[Achilles_]

So you have a contract who knows his measurments? What is your budget?

 

[Rugger]

Originally Posted by Achilles_

So you have a contract who knows his measurments? What is your budget?

If his wife doesn't have them, she can get them for me from Walter Reed Hospital. Budget...I'd say there isn't one.

 

[NORE]

I would think it to be prudent to first explore what materials can and can't be used. I imagine the Asics because the soles are rubber/softer and allow for a much smoother range of motion. I'm thinking it may be difficult for him to walk in leather-soled shoes.

Once that's ironed out, I'd bet any maker could pound out a pair of shoes provided there are foot-like structures at the extremes of his prosthesis. You may also wish to contact Chay Cooper of Alfred Sargent who posts here as "Alfred Sargent".

Hope all goes well.

 

[Rugger]

Originally Posted by NORE

I would think it to be prudent to first explore what materials can and can't be used. I imagine the Asics because the soles are rubber/softer and allow for a much smoother range of motion. I'm thinking it may be difficult for him to walk in leather-soled shoes.

Once that's ironed out, I'd bet any maker could pound out a pair of shoes provided there are foot-like structures at the extremes of his prosthesis. You may also wish to contact Chay Cooper of Alfred Sargent who posts here as "Alfred Sargent".

Hope all goes well.

Right on. While his prosthetics are some of the most technologically advanced you can get, and include onboard computers, there are still limitations. I know that he needs the heel to tow roll that trainers can provide, which is why commissioning dressy shoes is such a challenge. Thank you for the tip on Alfred. I will certainly reach out.

 

[Metlin]

I do not know any shoemakers, but I did want to applaud you on your effort. Bravo!

 

[ljrcustom]

Unfortunately I can't help you, but I did want to say that what you are doing for your friend is a very kind and caring gesture that I'm sure he will be very appreciative of.

-LR

 

[Young Pro]

Allen Edmonds has done a lot of work for American politicians and is a proud American company. I would think they would jump at the chance to help out. Their new CEO has posted here from time, might be worth contacting him.

Alden might also be worth a try, especially since they already make an orthotic line.

 

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by Young Pro

Allen Edmonds has done a lot of work for American politicians and is a proud American company. I would think they would jump at the chance to help out. Their new CEO has posted here from time, might be worth contacting him.

Alden might also be worth a try, especially since they already make an orthotic line.

AE recently started making an orthotic line, too.

 

[IronRock]

What you are doing is fantastic, a great idea. I am sure you will get plenty of advice from where ever it was your friend had his prosthetics fitted but I thought you might want to try and give Selly Oak, http://www.qaranc.co.uk/rcdm.php in Birmingham UK a call. This is where they do all the rehabilitation for British servicemen and women with similar injuries, pm me if you need the name of a doctor. They might be able to point you in the right direction for a British shoe maker. Just a thought.

 

[anginaprinzmetal]

You're a good friend

 

[apropos]

I think Nike once collaborated with (?)Kenneth Cole to produce a line of comfort dress shoes, perhaps they might jump at the chance to produce something like this. I've heard feedback that they were extremely comfortable, and not too bad looking too IIRC. Cheers by the way for a real swell gesture.

 

[Swededude]

Have nothing to help with unfortunately, but want to salute the nice gesture for your friend. Hope we can see the results when they are ready!