Method and apparatus for displaying and testing self-service shoes

摘要

A coiled shoe connector (14) is provided to connect a first shoe (10) to a second shoe (12). The coiled connector (14) has a relaxed length (L) and an expanded length (L2). The pair of shoes (10 and 12) are interconnected by the coiled connector (14) for display with the connector (14) in its relaxed length (L). To test the pair of shoes (10-12), a customer may walk in the shoes by repeatedly stretching the coiled connector (14) between its relaxed length (L) and its expanded length (L2). In a preferred embodiment, the coiled connector (14) is reusable and is therefore, connected to the shoes (10-12) by a separate fixing element (36). After a customer has tested the shoes (10-12) and decided to purchase them, the shoes (10-12) are deposited with a sales clerk. The sales clerk may then cut the fixing elements (36) in order to retain the coiled connector (14) for reuse. The coiled connector (14) thus provides a convenient method for connecting a pair of shoes for self-service display that allows a customer to test-walk the shoes without fear of injury due to tripping over a connecting cord.