NATIONAL ODD SHOE EXCHANGE was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1943.
The late Ruth Rubin-Feldman created the organization as a support for
polio survivors.
Herself a survivor of polio, Ms. Feldman had feet of significantly different sizes.
When wartime rationing made buying two sizes even more difficult,
she conceived the idea of a service whereby people with similar problems
could register their names and sizes. The registry served as a clearing-house
that put people with similar interests and tastes, but opposite foot sizes,
in touch with one another.
Together the new friends could buy footwear and share the cost.
No shoes were wasted and they saved money!
With many veterans coming home from the war as amputees, the service
grew and broadened its scope.
First Lady Elenor Roosevelt gave NATIONAL ODD SHOE EXCHANGE
nationwide recognition for providing such a valuable service.
Today, NATIONAL ODD SHOE EXCHANGE is no longer disease-specific, but assists
people with a variety of conditions and life-styles.
NATIONAL ODD SHOE EXCHANGE ships new, quality footwear to children, adults and
seniors across the United States and Canada
from its distribution center in Arizona.