As I was perusing the morning paper, a shoe ad caught my attention.
The quarter page blurb screamed out at me:
"The shoe that breathes"
An image of the well-crafted shoe - bottom, front, and back - hinted at sure comfort, style, and practicality.
But, a shoe that breathes?
The shoe was designed by Mario Moretti Polegato.His family history suggested that if he was going to do anything with a shoe, it might be along the lines of stomping a few grapes.
After all, Mario Moretti Polegato, was originally destined to take over the family wine-making business.
With that goal in mind, Polegato graduated from the Agricultural Faculty and joined the family business in hopes of expanding its market.
While at a wine industry conference in Reno, Nevada, he went for a jog in the dry heat. His rubber shoes were great for cushioning and support, but were like a heat chamber for his feet.He had an idea to cut a couple of holes in his outer soles to add what he refers to as "breathability".
Eureka, as they say!
Needless to say, Polegato developed his ground-breaking idea into a viable product, with the help of his small family-owned leather goods business.
The first shoe with a perforated sole was born - which not only allowed the foot to breathe - but prevented water from penetrating the outer shell, too.
International sales have been phenomenal.
The idea was a shoe-in, obviously!
