User:Shandals

Shandals® were designed and named in 1991-2 by Alan James Raddon – Shoemaker. Alan was making Nature-form shoes at the time and a client asked him to design a shoe that would help straighten her big toe which was pointing into the middle of her feet, she had bunions. The technical name for this condition is Hallux Valgus.

After many experimental designs Alan decided to make three designs, a Lace-up design, a Buckle design and a Slip-on design.

Shandals have a straight inside edge (sculptured under the arch), a wide Big Toe thong guiding the big toe straighter, leaving the four toes free. They are broad over the widest part of the foot - the Metatarsal arch, and have a low heel.

Although designed for damaged feet because Shandals are designed around normal healthy feet any one can wear them. I Over the years Alan has been making Shandals his clients have experienced many healing benefits and enhanced vitality.

The Slip-on Design was first launched at The Shoe and Sock Awards run by The Council of The Society of Chiropodist on Thursday 26th of November 1992.

The Shandals Trade Mark was registered on the 7th of October 1992.

I asked Alan about other shoes named Shandals. “They are not Shandals®.” said Alan. “I invented and registered the name back in 1993 and the name relates specifically to my Designs, so I have defined what the word Shandals mean. Manufacturers in other countries have copied the name and put it onto their trainers. They are not Shandals but sneakers masquerading as Shandals®."