Stef Reid's Bold Quest: Single Shoes for Amputees from Nike to Puma!

Stef Reid, a former world champion in para-athletics, is leading a campaign to encourage major sports footwear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma to sell single shoes instead of only pairs. Stef's journey began with a deep love for sports, especially rugby, but her life took a dramatic turn just before her 16th birthday when she suffered a severe boat accident. The injuries forced doctors to amputate her right foot, changing her athletic path forever. Despite the setback, Stef tried to continue playing rugby, but she found it difficult to match her previous speed and agility. She realized that sometimes, life requires us to adjust our goals rather than cling to old dreams that no longer fit our reality.

Stef switched to athletics, using a carbon-fibre blade on her right leg. Her determination paid off as she became a world champion in long jump and sprinting, representing both Canada and Great Britain. She won medals, broke records, and was honored with an MBE. After retiring from professional sports, Stef embraced new challenges in acting, modeling, and broadcasting, even competing in Dancing on Ice. Now, she is channeling her energy into advocating for more inclusive practices in the sports footwear industry. Stef's main concern is that big brands often showcase athletes with prosthetic blades in their marketing, but do not offer the practical option of buying single shoes for amputees. High-end running shoes can cost around £200, and Stef had to buy two shoes even though she only needed one, resulting in wasted money and resources.

Stef's campaign is not just about cost; it's about principle. She wants retailers to match their inclusive advertising with real action, making it easier for amputees and people with different-sized feet to buy the shoes they need. While Nike has introduced a single shoe program, it is not widely advertised and requires customers to contact support, making it inconvenient. Adidas allows single shoe purchases in some stores, but not online, and Puma does not offer single shoes at all. Stef believes that selling single shoes should be standard practice in all stores and online. Some smaller businesses are already leading the way. Schuh sells single shoes for half the price of a pair, and Office allows customers to buy odd-sized pairs through their outlet site. Jo's Odd Shoes, founded by Jo O'Callaghan, provides a platform for amputees to swap or donate spare shoes, with retailers also contributing to the initiative.

Athletes like Jack Pimblett, who was born with club foot and needs different shoe sizes for each foot, face significant financial challenges. Jack often has to buy two pairs of shoes, spending around £150 each time, just to get the right fit. He wishes for a simpler solution that doesn't require paying double. Stef acknowledges that changing industry practices will take time and investment, but she urges companies to take the first step toward greater inclusivity. She believes that small changes can make a big difference for people who need single shoes, and she encourages others to join her in advocating for this cause. Stef's story highlights the importance of listening to customers and making practical changes that reflect the diversity of people's needs. By selling single shoes, sports brands can support amputees and others with unique requirements, promoting fairness and accessibility in the industry.

If you work for a retailer or are someone who needs single shoes, Stef invites you to share your experiences and join the movement for change. Her campaign is about more than just shoes; it's about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Stef's resilience and determination continue to inspire others, and she remains committed to making a positive impact in the world of sports and beyond.