Hirokazu Nagao, a 58-year-old shoemaker from Fukui Prefecture in central Japan, is dedicated to creating rain boots that accommodate people with foot problems. Inspired by a TV drama about a shoemaker helping an athlete with a prosthetic leg, Nagao began working in the footwear industry in 1995. He initially produced orthotic devices for children with cerebral palsy but found it challenging to meet customers' specific needs due to outsourcing constraints. In 2000, he opened his own workshop to address these issues directly.
Nagao's modified boots, called Suppori Saurus, feature a widened opening and a special water-resistant fabric, making them easier to wear for individuals with limited mobility. The name combines the Japanese word for 'to fit snugly' and a nod to Fukui's dinosaur fossils. The modification service costs 13,200 yen for a pair or 10,780 yen for a single boot.
Motivated by news reports of flooding in Japan and overseas, Nagao aims to improve the boots' waterproofing. After heavy rainfall damaged northern Fukui in August, he realized the current model's weakness when submerged for long periods. He also considered the potential use of his boots in unpaved areas during Thailand's severe flooding in September. Nagao expressed hope in developing a fully waterproof version to donate to those in need.