These Boots Are Made For Walking

A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lau-tzu

When a new baby arrives in our family, the first thing I want to do is inspect the feet. There are two distinctly different foot categories in our gene pool. One is short, wide, with a high, thick instep and abbreviated toes. For these owners, we could throw away the shoes and let them wear the boxes. Strong and stable, these feet provide a solid, secure base for the athletes they belong to. They are at their happiest when barefoot. The other foot category, aristocratic and elegant, is often found on dancers and dreamers. Slender and flexible with toes that look a lot like fingers, these feet are often crammed into inappropriate sizes. This type may develop bunions, corns, hammer toes, etc. If shoes of the proper style and size are available, these feet do not like to be unshod.

Among our immediate family, we find five of the “fat-feet” shape and ten of the “skinny feet.” The two new great-grandchildren born last month have “skinny feet.” Neither category is “better” – just “different.” Special care must be exercised when buying shoes for either of these extremes.

At this point we stop and say a prayer of thanksgiving for Kepner-Scott Shoe Company in Orwigsburg, PA. Established in 1888 on the premise that all children deserved footwear that was flexible, breathable and comfortable, the company has distinguished itself for 125 years keeping tiny feet safe while walking, running and skipping. We have all worn shoes made by Kepner-Scott.

This company continues to produce leather shoes for toddlers and tykes, including babies’ first walking shoes, kid saddle oxfords, and black lace-up ankle boots for Amish children. Workers produce 200 pairs of shoes daily which retail for about $50.00 per pair. Made in sizes 0 to 3 for newborns to age 8, and in widths from B to EEE, the shoes’ uppers and lining are supple leather which provides support and comfort for tender young feet and toes. The owner of Sammi’s Shoe Box in Philadelphia has sold Kepner-Scott shoes since 1937 because of the beautiful workmanship. “The shoes are practically hand-made”, he says. “The company is a jewel.”

My family sends Kepner-Scott our sincere thanks and appreciation!