Alban Ajdini, a 40-year-old driver born in Albania, has lived in Manduria (Taranto) for over thirty years. While his day job involves being behind the wheel, his free time is dedicated to something far more creative: inventing. His passion? Turning unique ideas into practical prototypes — on one condition: they must be original, never before created. One such invention? Shoes that fasten with just a finger.
Ajdini’s innovative shoes ditch traditional laces, which can be cumbersome, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. Instead, they feature two elastic bands that allow the wearer to slip them on effortlessly with a simple motion. This clever design earned him a patent from the Directorate General for Industrial Property after submitting his prototype.
Shoes Designed for the Elderly and Disabled
"The reason for this invention? I thought about people with disabilities, who might struggle to tie their shoes," Ajdini explains enthusiastically to Corriere. "With my invention, a single finger is enough. And that’s it."
He continues: "The idea became a project. And now, it can hit the market. My next goal is to find a company willing to mass-produce my shoes, making them affordable for everyone." Versatile and stylish, Ajdini’s shoes can complement any outfit — whether office wear or casual.
A Journey That Began in Brindisi
Born in Albania, Ajdini has spent nearly 34 years in Italy. He arrived in Puglia at the age of six, holding his parents' hands. Like thousands of others in the early 1990s, they viewed the Adriatic shores as a symbol of hope and a better future. He landed at the port of Brindisi on March 7, 1991, and has lived in Manduria ever since.
It was here, four years ago, that the 40-year-old came up with his shoe idea. "I drive for a living. But I love walking," he shares. "The idea actually came to me while strolling through town, observing elderly people and those with walking aids. With this invention, I hope to improve their lives."
Ajdini vividly recalls his early days in Puglia: "I have a clear image of the life we built when we arrived in Italy," he reflects. "I’ll always hold dear the support we received from Caritas — for both us children and our parents. I had a wonderful time growing up here and completed all my studies. I started university but decided to change paths after my first exams."
More Inventions on the Horizon
Ajdini balances work and his inventive pursuits seamlessly. And he’s not stopping at shoes: "I have other projects in mind. For example? When a truck or bus breaks down on the road, a crane and straps are usually needed to pull it out. To avoid that, I’ve thought of hydraulic devices that could fit underneath, supported by the vehicle’s electric system. This mechanism would lift the rear, allowing the vehicle to move again much faster."
For Ajdini, inventing is more than a hobby — it’s a heartfelt mission: "Creating prototypes is my favorite pastime," he concludes. "Driving is my job. I hold all types of licenses and can drive everything from motorcycles to trailer trucks. But in my spare time, I love coming up with inventions. My goal isn’t to get rich. I have a job, and I’m satisfied. What I want is to create useful things that can help people. I’d love to contribute to society this way. Time is the best judge — we’ll see what happens and whether these inventions truly make life better for the most vulnerable."