Ep 7. Shoes That Grow

Innovation Nation is a show dedicated to exploring the latest and greatest innovations in science and technology. In season 4 episode 7, entitled "Shoes That Grow," viewers are introduced to the remarkable story of how one man has designed a shoe that can expand up to five sizes, providing a solution to the problems faced by children in impoverished communities around the world.

The show begins by introducing Kenton Lee, a social entrepreneur who was inspired to create this shoe after seeing children in Kenya walking around barefoot or in shoes that no longer fit. Lee realized that many families in developing countries cannot afford to buy new shoes as children grow, leaving them with shoes that are too small, uncomfortable, or even barefoot. He saw the need for a solution that would allow children to wear shoes that fit properly, no matter how quickly they grew.

Lee came up with the idea for the shoe after observing a group of girls in an orphanage in Nairobi. He noticed that one of the girls had on shoes that were too small for her, and her toes were sticking out of the front. This sparked an idea in Lee's mind - what if there was a shoe that could expand to fit growing feet? He spent the next few years developing a shoe that could do just that.

The shoe that Lee eventually created is called "The Shoe That Grows," and it comes in two sizes: small (which can expand from kids' size 1 to size 4) and large (which can expand from kids' size 5 to size 9). The shoe is made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, and it's designed to be both comfortable and practical. The straps can be adjusted to fit children's feet more securely, and the rugged sole provides good traction for walking on all kinds of surfaces.

In the episode, viewers get to see how the shoe is made and how it works. Lee takes the audience through the production process, which involves using special molds to create the shoe's sole and upper. He explains that the shoes are made from a special rubber material that is waterproof, flexible, and long-lasting. Then viewers get to see one of the most impressive parts of the shoe - the adjustable parts. Using snaps and a buckle, the front and back sections of the shoe can be expanded and contracted as needed, providing a custom fit for growing feet.

Throughout the episode, Lee shares stories of how the shoe has made a difference in the lives of children all over the world. He tells of a girl in Uganda who was able to walk to school for the first time thanks to the shoes, and of a boy in Nicaragua who was able to run and play with his friends without worrying about his shoes falling off.

But the shoe's impact extends beyond the individual children who wear them - it also has the potential to change entire communities. In many developing countries, children are unable to attend school if they don't have shoes to wear. The Shoe That Grows makes it possible for more children to attend school by providing them with a reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting pair of shoes.

Overall, "Shoes That Grow" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode of Innovation Nation. Viewers will be amazed by the ingenuity and dedication of Kenton Lee, and they'll be touched by the stories of the children whose lives have been changed by The Shoe That Grows. This episode is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation is used to create solutions that improve people's lives.