The aim of my project was to research and develop aesthetically pleasing footwear while allowing the user to comfortably place shoes on without using their hands. The footwear I designed ensures independence for individuals who encounter limited joint mobility in the hips and lower back for an easy solution to place shoes on and off their feet for walking around the home or short outdoor travel and walking.

My concept was originally inspired by my personal experiences having undergone two hip surgeries myself due to injuries arising from competitive training in Judo. Due to the recurrence of the injury at the start of 2023 going through a tricky recovery process and encountering many challenges throughout the year, unfortunately, I needed to take time off from university. My journey throughout this time gave me a great first-hand insight into what some people may experience with limited joint mobility, impacting everyday living. The most important aspect of every day is getting dressed, therefore I developed a pair of hands-free shoes.