Shoe-Fitting Fluoroscope

[rostasi]

S-F Fluoroscope

[Christiern]

  rostasi said:

S-F Fluoroscope

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I remember them well from my time in the US as a child (1941-44). I recall having fun wiggling my toes in those things. In later years, I have often wondered how dangerous that was.

[rostasi]

Yes, well, just wondering, because it seems a bit dangerous -

not that anyone would need to be fitted for shoes all that often...

[Christiern]

That's right, of course, but most of the time I played around with the machine it was just for fun. Kids would check it out while their parents were looking at shoes, so it was possible to get quite a bit of exposure.

Back in those days, we used to drop in just to try the machine and see our skeletal feet (I used to go to a shoe store on Austin St, in Forest Hills, NY).

[7/4]

  Christiern said:

That's right, of course, but most of the time I played around with the machine it was just for fun. Kids would check it out while their parents were looking at shoes, so it was possible to get quite a bit of exposure.

Back in those days, we used to drop in just to try the machine and see our skeletal feet (I used to go to a shoe store on Austin St, in Forest Hills, NY).

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There has to be a musical use for this device...

[Christiern]

I doubt it--other than skinless toe-tapping videos, of course.

[vibes]

Thanks for posting this, rostasi. I'd never even heard of such a device before today.

[Ron S]

Maybe the Transportation Safety Administration could use them--no more taking off your shoes at airport check-ins.

[jazzbo]

[jazzbo]

One of your best, Ron!

[JohnS]

I remember these in the early 50s (?). A lot of fun, I still have the right number of toes so I don't think they did much harm to me.

[Peter Johnson]

But do your feet glow in the dark?

  JohnS said:

I remember these in the early 50s (?).  A lot of fun, I still have the right number of toes so I don't think they did much harm to me.

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[SGUD missile]

  Christiern said:

That's right, of course, but most of the time I played around with the machine it was just for fun. Kids would check it out while their parents were looking at shoes, so it was possible to get quite a bit of exposure.

Back in those days, we used to drop in just to try the machine and see our skeletal feet (I used to go to a shoe store on Austin St, in Forest Hills, NY).

←

I too am sufficiently old enough to recall these things from my youth in the '40s. I don't really remember whan the disappeared, but I don't recall them in high school ( early 50s )

[Christiern]

  Peter Johnson said:

But do your feet glow in the dark?

No, they don't glow. I do have to use a different shoe size for each foot, however:

[rostasi]

ewwwwwwww -that's nasty!

[Ron S]

You know, Chris, they have all sorts of new ointments for treating Athlete's Foot like that.

[Christiern]

Thanks, I think I've tried them all, including NumbA-Toe™, which is mostly used by PayLess Shoes customers. Someone recommended a solution of finely ground horse radish, sardine oil and acetone, so I will be trying that this weekend.

BTW, the photo was taken during a India ink treatment that didn't work.

[couw]

[StormP]

Thems are Rahdegoos

[Ron S]

  Christiern said:

Someone recommended a solution of finely ground horse radish, sardine oil and acetone, so I will be trying that this weekend.

And even if it doesn't work on your feet, it'll still be a terrific salad dressing.

[BruceW]

  rostasi said:

Yes, well, just wondering, because it seems a bit dangerous - 

not that anyone would need to be fitted for shoes all that often...

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Well, I am old enough to remember those machines, and you did need fittings quite often, because shoes did not last that long in those days. We "walked" to schools (elementary, middle, and high school) in those days. You either patched the holes in them or placed cardboard inside your shoes for awhile. However, the point is that those machines were very dangerous. I have a couple stunted toes from the so called "fun" exposure we kids had from constantly going back to the shoe stores to see our feet. Anyone got information on a class action suit??? By the way, someone mentioned Detroit and that is where I was over exposed to said machine.

Edited September 11, 2005 by BruceW

[Free For All]

This was my favorite shoe "back in the day". My beloved PF Flyers.

[BruceH]

  BruceW said:

  rostasi said:

Yes, well, just wondering, because it seems a bit dangerous - 

not that anyone would need to be fitted for shoes all that often...

←

Well, I am old enough to remember those machines, and you did need fittings quite often, because shoes did not last that long in those days. We "walked" to schools (elementary, middle, and high school) in those days. You either patched the holes in them or placed cardboard inside your shoes for awhile. However, the point is that those machines were very dangerous. I have a couple stunted toes from the so called "fun" exposure we kids had from constantly going back to the shoe stores to see our feet. Anyone got information on a class action suit??? By the way, someone mentioned Detroit and that is where I was over exposed to said machine.

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In my case, I've got stunted toes from wearing shoes that were too tight.

Never saw one of those machines, but I've heard about 'em. Would love to get a look at one. There's something fascinating about old technology, and the sheer wrongheadedness of this product (irradiating your feet?) just adds to the fascination.

[BruceW]

Hey Bruce H

Maybe our first name means "he who has stunted toes!"

[Ron S]

Or maybe it's that you're both left coasters.