OMAHA, Neb. — Dana Anderson, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, wore out her brand-new sneakers mere weeks into the school year thanks to her irregular gait.
At a Foot Locker over the summer, Anderson’s parents emphasized she needed the most durable shoes available, stressing that most of Anderson’s previous footwear fell apart quickly. They held up her last tattered pair, pointing out holes through the soles.
“This keeps happening year after year,” complained Anderson’s father. “I really thought the brands would be able to keep up with her.”
When Anderson tested the shoes in the store, she was initially impressed. However, she quickly identified the weakness: a less fortified piece of rubber along the insides of the soles, right where she pronates.
“I didn’t even try that hard,” said Anderson with a shrug. “I just walked normally. At least my shoes last year made it to October.”
The manufacturer was stunned by its failure.
“We tested those shoes over and over again with different athletes, dancers, and members of Stomp,” fumed the CEO, tapping the sole of a new pair in frustration. “How did she do this?”
The R&D division of the company reportedly called an emergency meeting last week upon hearing the news, and hasn’t been seen since.