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The last little feet shoemaker
On September 4th, a touching story unfolded in Harbin City. An elderly woman named Ai Mei, who is 90 years old, finally found the right pair of shoes after years of struggling to find footwear that fit her feet. Due to the unique shape of her feet, which had been bound in her youth, she had difficulty walking and even going out. After much effort, she reached out to Master Ma, a local shoemaker who still makes traditional foot shoes despite the fact that it's no longer a profitable business.
Although Master Ma doesn't make a living from making these specialized shoes, he personally crafted a few pairs for the elderly woman, fulfilling her long-held wish. This act of kindness highlights the deep respect and care he has for those who once endured the painful practice of foot binding.
It’s estimated that there are nearly 200 women over the age of 100 in Harbin, many of whom were once foot-bound. The tradition of binding feet was officially ended in 1999 when the last factory producing “three-inch golden lotus†shoes sent its final pair to a museum for preservation. This marked the end of an era, leaving many elderly people with feet that are no longer suited for standard footwear.
Master Ma, who originally came from Shandong Province, moved to Harbin at the age of 12 when his father settled there. His family had a long history of making traditional foot shoes, and he learned the craft from his father when he was 20. For 30 years, he worked as a shoe maker, but today, only a few artisans like him remain.
“Making foot shoes requires patience and experience,†Master Ma explained. “The feet of the elderly are often irregular, so the molds don’t work well. It can take two or three days to make a single pair of shoes, and if they don’t fit, you have to adjust them again and again.†A small pair of shoes might only sell for $35 to $50, and the profit is minimal.
He shared a heartbreaking story about an 86-year-old man who asked him to make five pairs of shoes. Unfortunately, the man passed away before the third pair was completed. “People in business would rather lose a customer than turn one down,†he said. But for Master Ma, most of his customers are one-time clients, and many of them are no longer around.
In recent years, Master Ma has stopped making small-foot shoes full-time to support his family. He now sells groceries in a morning market, but whenever someone reaches out, he still helps. Recently, an elderly man from Baoqing County asked him to make a pair of traditional shoes. Although he wasn’t sure if he should accept the request, he couldn’t say no. He spent extra time working on the shoes for the elderly man.
“There are fewer and fewer people who need this kind of shoes,†Master Ma said. “It’s not easy, but I don’t want to make money. If I can help, I will.â€
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**Additional Tips for Shoe Care:**
- Old shoes at home can be transformed into stylish boots by adding spikes or other decorative elements.
- Don’t throw away old shoes—instead, give them new life by repurposing them or using them for creative projects.
- Put a physical insurance policy on your shoes to protect them from damage or loss.
- Clean matte shoes with a soft cloth and mild soap to maintain their appearance.
- Wear breathable, antibacterial socks to keep your shoes fresh and odor-free.
- Sports shoes have a small tail that serves multiple functions—like improving grip or reducing pressure.
- High-heeled shoes can make noise; here are four tips to reduce the sound.
- Choose flat shoes during pregnancy to ensure comfort and safety.
- If your shoes become moldy, clean them with vinegar or baking soda to remove the mold.
- Wearing certain types of shoes in the summer can be harmful to your feet—be cautious.