Woman Could Only Wear Sneakers for Years Due to ‘Serious’ Foot Injury. Then She Took Matters into Her Own Hands (Exclusive)

**Inspiring a New Approach: Rebecca Chen Launches Shoe Brand Amatoe Following Injury**

After a significant injury changed her relationship with footwear, New Yorker Rebecca Chen transformed her quest for stylish yet comfortable shoes into a thriving business. At 33, Chen never envisioned herself as an entrepreneur; her sole ambition was to rediscover the joy of dressing up while effectively managing her foot pain.

In September 2023, during a seemingly innocent figure skating session, Chen encountered a sesamoid fracture—a delicate injury affecting a small bone in the ball of her foot. The injury not only curtailed her active lifestyle, which typically included tennis, pickleball, and rock climbing, but it also compelled her to rethink her fashion choices entirely.

Chen explained, “Comfortable sneakers became my go-to during recovery, yet I found myself longing for something more stylish.” Dressing in a way that boosts her confidence has always been essential for her creativity, and the injury, paired with the limitations it imposed, made this an uphill battle. “I’m the quintessential day-to-night urbanite,” she stated, reflecting on her pre-injury wardrobe crafted for spontaneity, where shoes played a significant role in her overall ensemble.

The transition to comfortable shoes was pragmatic as she navigated her recovery. Chen relied on sneakers’ cushioning to facilitate her daily walks around the city. However, as she grasped the nuances of her injury, she realised her needs were more specific than merely comfort—she required a zero-drop sole that would alleviate pressure on her injury site.

“It’s undeniable that sesamoid injuries are tricky to heal, especially since the pressure on the bottom of your foot is unavoidable in everyday tasks,” Chen remarked. As she endeavoured to reclaim her sense of style, her search for alternative footwear revealed a glaring gap in the market—shoes that offered both aesthetic appeal and physical support.

Reflecting on the last time she wore heels during her courthouse wedding in August 2023, Chen recounted her disappointment when even minimalist sandals led to blisters after brief outings. “I refused to believe that comfort had to mean a compromise in my self-confidence,” she stated, driving her frustration to seek innovative solutions.

Thus began her journey into shoemaking. Taking private lessons with Keiko, the founder of Brooklyn Shoe Space, Chen learned the fundamentals while gaining insight into foot anatomy and the influence of varied shapes on shoe design. This educational immersion led her to conceptualise a shoe with a foot-shaped wide toe box and a snug heel, alongside an emphasis on zero-drop construction.

Understanding her foot structure, which she noted is common among many women and especially those of Asian descent, further inspired her resolve to create a shoe that deviates from traditional designs, often built on male foot structures. Chen aimed to develop a shoe that would look stylish while accommodating a wider toe area without sacrificing elegance.

“Products on the market either lack aesthetic value or don’t appreciate the unique designs that can come from a wider toe box,” she pointed out, highlighting how she embraced this attribute as a design feature rather than a limitation.

Despite her initial creations being crafted with no intent to commercialise, a chance encounter with a curious passerby sparked a realisation: Chen’s challenges echoed those of countless others searching for footwear that harmonises stylishness with comfort. “The moment someone asked where I got my shoes transformed my perspective on the project entirely,” she admitted, discovering that she might be on to something bigger.

From this newfound determination emerged her shoe brand, Amatoe. Named after the Italian word “amato,” meaning “loved,” the brand’s mission centres on providing footwear that prioritises foot health without compromising personal style.

Currently, Chen’s flagship product, the Maxey flats, are available online for pre-order at a price of $295. The collection comes in a palette of carefully chosen neutrals, including black, oxblood, chestnut, and espresso brown, designed to complement any wardrobe without appearing overly basic.

Reflecting on her journey, Chen expressed a profound sense of fulfilment. “Creating Amatoe has clarified its purpose: we want to allow individuals to give love to their toes without diminishing their style,” she shared. Her story resonates with those caught in the struggle between comfort and self-expression, proving that innovative solutions can emerge from personal challenges.