Business · Companies · 22 hrs ago
Japanese shoemaker adapts rain boots for people with mobility needs
Hirokazu Nagao runs a footwear workshop in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan.
He modifies ready-made rain boots for people who have foot problems, difficulty bending their ankles or use orthotic devices.
Standard boots often have narrow openings and stiff shapes around the foot and ankle, which can make them hard to put on.
Nagao cuts and widens the upper part of each boot, then sews in water-resistant fabric.
His service costs from 13,200 yen for a pair or 10,780 yen for one boot.
Recent flooding in Fukui showed that water can still seep in if the boots stay submerged for a long time.
After following news of flooding in Thailand, Nagao said he hopes to develop a fully waterproof version and donate boots to people in need.
Hirokazu Nagao modifies ready-made rain boots to make them easier to wear for people with foot problems or limited mobility.
His changes include widening the boot opening and sewing in water-resistant fabric.
The modified boots, called Suppori Saurus, are made in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
The service costs 13,200 yen for a pair or 10,780 yen for one boot.
Flooding has prompted Nagao to work toward a fully waterproof version that he hopes to donate to people in need.
- Who
- Hirokazu Nagao, a Japanese shoemaker.
- What
- He modifies ready-made rain boots to make them easier to put on for people with foot problems or limited mobility.
- When
- He began working for a prosthetic and orthotic device manufacturer in 1995 and opened his workshop in 2000.
- Where
- Fukui Prefecture, central Japan.
- Why
- He wanted to better meet customers’ needs and make rain boots that more people can wear.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I want to make rain boots that anyone can wear
I would be delighted if I could successfully develop a fully waterproof version and donate the boots to people in need
Nagao began working for a manufacturer of prosthetic and orthotic devices in Fukui.
Nagao left the company and opened a small shoe workshop.
Heavy rainfall damaged northern Fukui and highlighted that water can seep into the boots during prolonged submersion.
After severe flooding in Thailand, Nagao considered how his footwear could help in areas with unpaved, difficult-to-navigate roads.
- Shoemaker
- Hirokazu Nagao
- Workshop location
- Fukui Prefecture, central Japan
- Boot name
- Suppori Saurus
- Pair modification price
- 13,200 yen ($83)
- Single boot modification price
- 10,780 yen
Sources
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