ADVENTUROUS
SPIRITS—
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Jeff
Davis at Corey’s
Bootery in Kalamazoo. I am going to go on a photographic safari to Africa
in August. I knew that Jeff would be able to help me fi nd hiking boots
and sandals that would be appropriate for the adventure and appropriate
for my foot and back problems. He knew immediately what I needed on both
counts. As we talked, he explained to me how he can modify any shoes
that I would choose to my particular needs. He said that just like a
house “if the foundation’s not square, the roof won’t
be square.” In other words, squaring up your feet will make your
spine straighter and your whole body function better. He showed me molds
that he had taken of feet in much worse shape than mine — feet
altered by amputation or disease. Probably what I would need would be
an orthodic insert that would attend to my over pronation. Jeff Davis
is a pedorthist.“A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in
the assessment, design, manufacture, fi t and modifi cation of foot appliances
and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating
conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions
of the lower limb.” The pedorthist provides devices and footwear
to assist in: accommodation of foot 
deformities;
re-alignment of anatomical structures; redistribution of external and
internal forces; improvement
of balance; control of biomechanical function; accommodation of circulatory
special requirements; and, enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised
as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.
The older one gets the more need there is to find shoes that will accommodate
changes in the feet and back. I was afraid that having to buy “orthopedic” shoes
would mean that I would have to give up style. Jeff showed me that companies
such as Naot are on top of the situation and are designing shoes that
are in “cuter packages” and have a “red carpet” look.
So many more people in their 50s, 60s and 70s are climbing, hiking, walking,
and running all over the world. They are demanding higher style to go
with their active lives. Companies are hearing the call and are answering
with stylish, comfortable, and rugged shoes. 
With
Jeff’s help and
the discerning eye of my daughter, I picked out a pair of Dunham Clouds— waterproof
hiking boots fi t for the wettest brush land I would be traipsing in.
Yesterday, I went for a walk in the melting, slushy snow; the boots are
perfect. Next week, I’m going back to Corey’s for a pair
of sandals to be my “dress up” shoes for the markets and
the cities we will be visiting. With Jeff’s help, my feet and back
are ready for the trip. Now, if he could just do something about the
mosquitoes! 
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