If the shoe fits, wear it. If one does and the other doesn’t––order a different size. Now you can, at zappos.com. The shoe company’s latest big news is that single shoes and mixed-size pairs are for sale. In an effort to find a fit for everyone, Zappos offers the option to buy either a single shoe or a mixed size pair from six designated brands, in all sizes and widths––from toddler to adult.
Tony Hsieh helped get the online shoe sale giant off the ground nearly 20 years ago. From the beginning, Hsieh believed so much in Zappos’ vision of hassle-free online shoe sales that he invested millions of his own dollars to keep the company on its feet. Two decades later, Hsieh is still running with the vision of selling shoes that meet a variety of needs. He realizes that one size doesn’t necessarily fit everyone. That’s why he is making sure that there’s a perfect shoe for everyone. He wants people to feel comfortable in their shoes––exactly how God created them.
“Buying shoes online can initially be a scary process for people,” says Hsieh. It can be even more overwhelming if your shoe needs differ from the majority. Hsieh heard a plea for help when listening to potential customers. In 2017, Zappos expanded its mission to provide functional and fashionable clothing and shoes through its “Zappos Adaptive” division. A grandmother searching for appropriate footwear for her grandson with autism sparked the idea for the adaptive line of apparel. The shoes and clothing offered are designed to make life easier for people who have trouble getting dressed, especially due to sensory issues.
It’s three years later and Zappos is introducing the new single shoe service. The company developed the option to serve people with amputations, prosthetics, or disabilities that necessitate one shoe rather than a pair.
Hsieh strives to lead Zappos well. He seeks to use his leadership skills, gifts, and expertise to help meet the needs of people—both inside and outside the company. His business model is simple: Happiness is key. The Zappos website describes Hsieh: “Ultimately, he has showed how using happiness as a framework can produce profits, passion, and purpose, both in business and in life.”
Christians know the difference between happiness and true joy. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances. Joy comes from the Lord and isn’t shaken by hardship. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” How good it is when we use our gifts to meet needs, encourage one another, and share Christ’s joy!
