Patent
shoe problem
I
AM writing with regard to the new patent leather shoe policy (Air
Force News, November 18).
Since being fitted with a very high-arched orthotic I have been
unable to wear the standard service dress shoes that I was issued.
I was asked to have a suitable pair of black shoes identified
at a shoe shop and the procurement section purchased them. They
were $200, of which I paid the normal price for a pair of service
dress shoes.
To my knowledge there are no patent leather shoes that would be
suitable for me to wear or purchase. How will this circumstance
(and there would be more people in a similar situation) be overcome?
SGT
Terry Cheesman
SNCOIC ALS
75SQN
Official
response
ADVICE
from DMO staff in Melbourne is that the patent leather shoe is
a deeper shoe than the plain leather version and therefore the
insole can be removed to accommodate a wide range of orthotics.
Some members have advised that taking a half size larger can also
help with the fitting of orthotics.
If the SGT still has problems, he should contact the local clothing
store staff to arrange for a special measure pair of shoes to
be supplied by the manufacturer.
Air Force personnel should also remember that the plain leather
shoe may still be worn on ceremonial occasions and as a working
dress item until December 31, 2006 and as a working dress item
after that date.
