I figured out how to make a lot of money. I mean lots! I might become a millionare if I learn to manufacture and sell infant/toddler/childrens shoes in Wide. I get it, orthotics are not worn by everyone, or possibly even a mere fraction, but that doesn’t mean children in general wouldn’t benefit from Wide shoes. Adults have them… why not the little ones. And, when designing shoes, do they read about orthotic requirements at all? I doubt it. Almost ALL toddler shoes have velcro straps…a big no no in the orthotic world, as the shoes need to be consistently tight and tied for the AFO’s to work properly. Well…velcro can be undone easily (by a child) making the effectiveness of orthotics, well null.

So are Wide, laced shoes out there? Sure! At the lovely store of Stride Rite, a.k.a. $50 bucks and up per pair. We didn’t mind this at first, but it’s starting to get old, not only because it’s so expensive, but because there is very little selection. Not that I feel C-Man has to be a fashionisto, but I end up buying the same shoes over and over in different sizes. Why not add a tish more variety? Is there no market for it? I believe so. Stride Rite is the only company I even know of that sells Wides – I believe Nike has some, but you can only get those at Zappos.com and what really is Wide in their Nike opinion? Not as Wide as Stride Rite, I assure you.

The bottom line is, all feet are different… I hope someone is willing to make a few million and manufacture and market some shoes for children with special needs. I know I would buy them. Oh, and could you make them cost around $25? That would be lovely, and I would even recommend you to a few hundred other Special Needs moms that would be most appreciative.