Shoe collection keeps inventor Kathryn Lyons on front foot

Being in a wheelchair has never stopped Logan inventor Kathryn Lyons from stepping out in style and putting her best (Manolo-clad) foot forward.

Kathryn Lyons with her Adventure Time shoe from her collection. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

LOGAN inventor Kathryn Lyons is always putting her best foot forward.

Although confined to a wheelchair, the 196cm-tall designer makes sure she always steps out in style.

She has a collection of more than 70 pairs of shoes to suit all occasions. And as the shoes never touch the ground, they are all in mint condition.

● KATHRYN IN ROYAL FLUSH

Being in a wheelchair gives Kathryn a great reason to wear very high heels.

From Manolo pumps to sneaker style stilettos which she wore in the Queens Baton Relay to the Giuseppe Zanotti and Valentino, all her shoes tell a story.

Kathryn Lyons in her stiletto trainers which she wore for the Queens Baton Relay. PHOTO: Richard Walker

Like the shoes she picked up for a bargain in Sydney’s prestigious Queen Victoria building after attending the Australian Human Rights Awards in 2016.

Or the rainbow Mimco “Alchemy” stilettos with matching clutch or the “Adventure Time” heels she bought as a reminder of watching the TV show as a child.

“I am an inventor, who just happens to love stylish shoes and fashion,” she said. “Sometimes it’s a bit tricky to balance this out as I am in a wheelchair. I discovered that by wearing stunning heels, I attracted a lot of positive attention. No longer would I be a wallflower.

“Another benefit from wearing heels, was that they help reduce the pressure on my hips when sitting for long periods of time. I am quite tall, the last time I had my height checked I hadn’t quite finished growing. At the time I was 196cm tall.”

Her Toileting with Dignity project for people in wheelchairs using public toilets, thrust her on to the world stage after it caught the eye of The Duke of York, Prince Andrew.

“In the audience at these events are some incredible people, media magnates such as Rupert Murdoch, businesswomen such as Sarina Russo, inventors including John O’Sullivan who co-invented wi-fi, and, of course, the Duke of York,” she said.

Military-style dress for a function at Government House with Sarina Russo.

“Sorting out what to wear at multiple events, not knowing who would be there, was daunting at first.

“Having the Duke of York compliment me on my military style at Government House on the last night was surprising. Although I was determined to stand out, I really didn’t expect him to notice.”

Not content to sit around waiting for her invention to take off, the 27-year-old is on the front foot again — this time with hopes of addressing the UN later this year.