God Feet sandals: Making a positive impact on the world, one step at a time

GILBERT, Ariz. - Have you heard of these? They're called God Feet sandals and they're being made here in the valley. The goal of this new local business is to make a positive impact on the world, one step at a time.

"We're looking to bring American made footwear back to the United States," said God Feet's David Gillete.

God Feet sandals are made by hand in David and Shannon Gillette's garage in Gilbert.

"This is a clipper that we use to cut out all our patterns. Our upper or our sponge, is a memory foam sponge, so it can actually mold to your individual foot," explained David.

While the shoe is handcrafted here in the valley, the straps are woven by workers in a Guatemalan village and this helps give the impoverished community an economic boost.

"The straps are made in Guatemala, the rest of the sandal is manufactured here in the God Feet garage. We make every pair by hand," said Shannon.

David says he got the idea for the business one Sunday after church.

"After I was listening to a sermon by my pastor Bill on serving God and serving people and at the end of the day, we were able to come up with a business model where we can develop footwear," said David.

The company has partnered with the international Christian relief organization Food for the Hungry to help the artisans in Guatemala earn enough money for their families.

"Guatemala is known for its chronic malnutrition. It has high rates of malnutrition among it's children," said Andrew Crawford of Food for the Hungry. "Trying to give people who are already hard workers who have a great work ethic can plug their skills into something that provides additional income."

Their goal is to make a long lasting product. These leather sandals show it's possible to help support a valley business as well as folks abroad at the same time.

Online: www.godfeet.com