The Nail in Walt Disney’s
Boot
Walt Disney did his best to not ask his parents for much.
Elias and Flora Disney raised a frugal family in the Midwest,
first as failed farmers and later as struggling business
owners. But when he spotted a pair of leather boots with
metal toes, young Walt had to have them. They were a
practical gift, he reasoned, and would help with his job of
delivering newspapers—especially when it snowed.
In a rare instance of indulgence, his parents caved. That
year at Christmas, lying beneath the tree, was a pair of
leather boots waiting for Walt. He wore them every day and
could often be seen tramping around downtown Kansas City
in them, as any proud kid with a new prized possession
would do. He also kept his promise, wearing them morning
and night to deliver the paper.
One spring day, just after finishing his route, Walt
crossed the street to join some friends at the local soda
fountain. As he did, he noticed a piece of ice lying in the
middle of the street and couldn’t resist the temptation to kick
it. As Walt’s foot collided with the block of ice, something
sharp struck his boot, and a surge of pain raced up the boy’s
leg. Looking down to see a horseshoe nail sticking out of
his boot, he screamed. The nail had penetrated the leather
exterior and drove straight into his big toe, freezing his foot