My husband says I have a Shoe Problem. He thinks the Shoe Fairy visits me at night and blesses me with shoes he’s never seen before. I like to think of my shoe collection as a personal strength, as in “I’m ready for any shoe challenge you can throw at me.” (Maybe “throw” is a poor choice of words — there are a lot of shoes in that closet.)

Right now, though, I would like a new shoe. Just one. I know that there are websites that actually offer just one shoe, a blessing for amputees and others who have a genuine need. My situation is more of a wish than a requirement. On my right foot, I now sport Frankenboot. An unremarkable shade of industrial gray — and I’m being generous here — it matches nothing in my closet in hue and, more importantly, in height. Why is that? Shouldn’t there be a matching height shoe for the other foot? (Not to mention a more attractive offering for Footzilla. Just sayin’.) One comfy-but-not-quite-right Merrell Jungle Moc will have to do.

The resulting awkward gait has my children calling me “Peg.” (I’m perfecting my “Arrrrrhhhh!” and may add a faux parrot to my shoulder.) Worse, though, is the stress on the hip and knee above my broken ankle. And I’m not exactly the worst-case scenario. I have new respect for anyone with any kind of foot/ankle/leg issue.

So, folks at Aircast, here’s the challenge: are you up for the role of Shoe Fairy?