Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Leg Braces Used by Franklin Roosevelt
Artifact IDMO 1947.93.405.1-5
Object Type
Brace, Leg
Maker
Unknown
Maker
Florsheim & Company
(American shoe brand, founded 1892)
Dateca. 1933-1945
Mediumbraces: metal (aluminum) leather
shoes: leather, cord, metal, wood
box: wood, metal, paper
shoes: leather, cord, metal, wood
box: wood, metal, paper
Dimensionspart a (each leg brace) H 35 3/4 in x W 7 1/2 in x D 4 3/4 in (90.8 cm x 19.1 cm x 12.1 cm )
part b (shoes) H 3 3/4 in x L 12 in x W 4 in (9.5 cm x 10.2 cm x 30.5 cm )
part c (case) H 13 in x W 32 1/2 in x D 6 5/8 in (33 cm x 82.6 cm x 16.8 cm )
part b (shoes) H 3 3/4 in x L 12 in x W 4 in (9.5 cm x 10.2 cm x 30.5 cm )
part c (case) H 13 in x W 32 1/2 in x D 6 5/8 in (33 cm x 82.6 cm x 16.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA set of leg braces and shoes used by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1-2) A pair of full-length aluminum leg braces for the left and right legs. The braces follow the inner and outer contours of the legs. A rounded metal bar behind each knee acts as a release mechanism to unlock the braces so the legs can bend. Leather padding and straps are located at the upper thighs and above, behind, and below the knees. Etched on the inside of each brace is FDR's name: Pres. F.D. Roosevelt. The overall weight of the pair of braces is 6 lbs. 9 oz.
3-4) A pair of black leather Florsheim shoes made especially to be used with leg braces. Inserted into each shoe is a wood and metal shoe tree.
5) A custom wood traveling case made to hold the leg braces and shoes. The case has a hinged lid with a metal handle and latches. Paper travel tags are attached to the handle.
Historical NoteFDR could not stand without the support of leg braces. They were strapped to his legs and locked at the knees. In order to appear to walk in public, Roosevelt used a cane and a strong companion’s arm to support his weight while he pitched his body forward. This required skill and considerable upper body strength, developed through practice and exercise.1-2) A pair of full-length aluminum leg braces for the left and right legs. The braces follow the inner and outer contours of the legs. A rounded metal bar behind each knee acts as a release mechanism to unlock the braces so the legs can bend. Leather padding and straps are located at the upper thighs and above, behind, and below the knees. Etched on the inside of each brace is FDR's name: Pres. F.D. Roosevelt. The overall weight of the pair of braces is 6 lbs. 9 oz.
3-4) A pair of black leather Florsheim shoes made especially to be used with leg braces. Inserted into each shoe is a wood and metal shoe tree.
5) A custom wood traveling case made to hold the leg braces and shoes. The case has a hinged lid with a metal handle and latches. Paper travel tags are attached to the handle.
This set of leg braces and shoes, used by FDR on presidential trips, was one of his last two sets of braces.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view
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