In Sept. of 2007, Walmart instructed its stores not to sell a variety of Chinese sandals that the company carried in their shoe line because of mounting complaints from customers developing severe rashes and blisters from wearing these flip flops.

Kerry Stiles, an ex-Walmart employee from Ocklawaha, Florida suffered severe chemical burns and blisters as a result of wearing the sandals.  She went to see the general manager of the Summerfield Florida Walmart store where the shoes were purchased to complain of her injuries. The manager referred her to Mike Seidel of the training department.

Kerry was asked to meet with Seidel, apparently at the request of the company's insurance carrier.  At first, Walmart had indicated that there were less than a dozen complaints regarding these sandals.  However, Kerry has documented over two dozen similar cases on her own website.  

She was treated rudely by store management according to her account.  Seidel refused to look at her injury and complained of  Kerry having bought the sandals back in April of 2007.  Seidel reluctantly completed an incident report and Kerry had to threaten to remain in his office in order to get a copy of the report.  She has posted the incident report on her own website. 

   Photo: Sandals sold by Walmart

Kerry paid $2.44 for the flip flops at Wal Mart. They are rubber with a bright pink strap, and a yellow bottom with white flowers on the base.

Kerry informed Seidel about the sandals causing burns to her feet. She indicated in the conversation that she is not allergic to rubber or latex, the usual materials of which the sandals are constructed. Seidel appeared to be less than sypathetic, even quiping, well, what do you want me to do about this? He refused to look at her injuries during the course of their conversation.

The redness on her feet appears to be some form of chemical burn, not unlike the burn one got years ago in carrying a leaky refillable cigarette lighter in a pants pocket. The skin redness follows the path of the thong straps.

  Photo: July 3rd Redness developing

The irritation appeared on Stiles feet after having worn the sandals for less than a day according to her account. She noticed only a tingly sensation when having first worn them, passing it off as her feet getting used to the first 'flip-flops' of the year. 

However, the sandals began a painful ordeal of swelling, soreness, blisters and misery that would last well over three months.

  Photo: July 9th Severe blisters forming

Stiles had additional problems getting medical treatment for her injuries because of her low income status and Walmart provided no assistance.

Kerry's attempts to contact the manufacturer of the sandals CMI,  proved fruitless as they refused to return her calls.

  Photo: CMI the Sandal Manufacturer                                      

Despite having known about the problem with the Chinese sandals since Kerry's July 2nd incident report, it was August 31st, 2007 before Walmart began pulling the sandals from their shelves.

However, some stores continued to offer the sandals as $1.00 sales items during this same time. Even though the sandals had been identified for recall at the checkout register, some Walmart stores like Broken Arrow, OK were overriding the register and selling the sandals as late as Sept. 13, 2007.

Seven months after the initial injury, Kerry's feet are still showing scars and some peeling and there is still some redness to the injured areas. Her feet occasionally swell depending on her activities. She has sought legal action through an attorney.

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