Shoes

So I did the unimaginable yesterday. For me anyway.

I bought my first pair of sport shoes.

“These will be great for walking AND running!” said the very handsome and extremely fit sales guy. Don and CC, my experienced sport shoe-shopping companions, immediately burst into loud laughter at the very thought that I would EVER willingly run.

Undaunted, the sales guy explained the mechanics of arch support and sponginess, the flare of heels for stability, and the importance of a comfortably wide foot-bed.

I said, “But do they come in black?”

Patiently pulling down another (boring white) pair, he said that I might like the lightweight feel of the materials, the breathe-ability of the fabrics, and the extra lace-up holes for tighter cinching.

I said, “Hmmm…the lime green accents on these are kinda cool…and look—there’s silver on those..although I really wear more gold…”

He looked askance at me, and then questioningly at Don and CC. Seeing their amused expressions, CC’s head shaking, and Don’s “I can’t help you here, man..” shrug, the sales guy began to catch on that I was not a typical athletic shoe-shopper.

So began the trying-on process. At the rare sight of me pulling on white athletic socks in preparation, CC said, “Oh man, I wish I had the video camera!”

So I tried pair after pair of the several footwear possibilities. I rocked on my heels to feel the sponginess. I felt the difference in heel stability and importance of a wide foot-bed. I appreciated the light weight materials, fussed over the way the supports missed my insteps, and complained about the tightness of the laces on my high arches.

Finally I had the perfect fit on my feet. I asked hopefully again for black, accepted the inevitable answer, and settled for white and blue. (Bleh.)

Saint Sales-guy appeased me slightly by finding different colored shoelaces, but then shocked me at the total price of shoes and arch inserts.

I gasped. Don pulled out the credit card and said “Really, Honey—these will be worth it. And investing in these shoes for you may just save us from future Podiatry expenses.”

“Plus,” said CC, “the shoes are guaranteed to last 500 miles—which will take, like, the rest of your LIFE!”

I walked away with the shoe box under my arm—and mourned at the wonderful, impractical, (black) high-heeled shoes I could now NOT afford to buy in Spain……

Can it be that I have come at last to the point in my life when I must finally choose function over form?

Sigh.

:)xo

Adagio

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August 7, 2005

Hahaha! Oh man. See, you should have done this shopping trip in the mid 90’s when black athletic shoes were The Thing! 😉 Be well,

August 7, 2005

Ahhh, basic black athletic shoes…not easy to come by these days. :o)

Hahahahahahahahaaaaaa! I would have given ANYTHING to have watched this transaction take place.

I had no idea that your sister can sing like an angel. Oh my…. Of course I wept like a baby and prayed my heart out for the parents for whom this song was written. Then I smiled because you gave me such a beautiful gift! Tell your sister her song is on my iPod and it’s one of my favorite favorites and she’s so beautiful.

August 7, 2005

“The REST of your LIFE!” AHAHAHAHAH. Hah. Ahahah. *wheezes and wipes eyes* Heh. That poor misguided soul. Speaking of shoes, I really could use a good pair for walking. Because I should start getting some exercise. Because I have so much time to work out, you know. 😉

August 7, 2005

Oh, dear. Since I’m on my feet and moving the entire 8+ hours of work, I am far too familiar with sponginess, flair and cinch. I recommend NewBalance. I think they may carry black.

Warning: They are addictive in their comfort. Honestly.

Shi
August 7, 2005

When it comes to my feet, I have no vanity below the ankle. Comfort, comfort, comfort is my watch word. 🙂

August 7, 2005

When I finally broke down and bought ‘real’ athletic shoes (as opposed to $10 boys’ sneakers from WalMart) last year, I was distressed to discover they ONLY come with laces….no Velcro!! And never, ever in purple

August 7, 2005

Oh you were lucky, lady! There’s a shop in London called Run And Become where they make you run up and down the street while they all stare at you and then decide what trainers would be best. Ooooooh, you’re off to Spain!

August 7, 2005

Shoes – I love shoes. I have too many shoes….. Trouble is, being how I am on my feet all day at work I need incredibly comfortable, hard-working shoes that can put up with much abuse. Shoes that fit this bill are not only the function over form type but cost $$$$$’s – hence, not much left over for the form types that are so much fun! GRRR. Never mind, the summer sales are on….. LOL : )

Cat
August 7, 2005

Your first pair ever? Really? Congrats!

oh man, I so know. what woman in her right mind would wear bright white shoes?? they make your feet look bigger! they are an eyesore! they dont match with anything unless you wear all white tennis outfits! Since black workout pants are the most popular, wouldnt black shoes to match be the smartest thing to make?? I just look for black or mostly colored shoes, even tho my feet are size 7.5.

oh and pullease! all those laughing men, as if they would wear bright white brand new shoes!! ever notice how there’s no such thing as a totally white shoe for men? at any rate,you picked a good color choice.adding some color in there is helpful. and no, you can still mostly choose beauty over function. thank goodness for those new sleek biker styled shoes. “what not to wear” girls approved.

August 8, 2005

Yes, the other side of 50 makes us shop for function not fashion! Don’t listen to me on that one, I know you will always love your more fashionable footwear rather than a boring old arch support!

August 8, 2005

LOL! You’ll end up with a collection in no time!

hahahahaha!!! I love this. I ONLY wear athletic/sports shoes, but not because I run (used to run, but creaky legs now forbid it). I would love to have been there with you. I love black tennis shoes. I think I’ll treat myself to a pair for fall and winter.

August 8, 2005

…do I detect some foot problems in the making??? And…are you heading for Spain soon??? With comfy shoes…you’ll really be going places!

August 8, 2005

I can’t believe it took you so long to try them. I love the comfort!

August 8, 2005

I am the very same way. I have been shopping for sneakers lately too, because I joined a gym, and I can’t find a pair of sneakers that I like because “those one’s are ugly.” 🙂

August 9, 2005

ryn: Nope- just the opposite. It’s supposed to curb the desire for alcohol (especially in alcoholics). Not sure how it works, only that it does (in laboratory gerbils). : )

August 9, 2005

As the victim of past podiatry expenses, I applaud your decision. As a victim of similar loves for impractical shoes and abhorence of running unless chased, I weep with you.

August 9, 2005

Whuh? You mean you haven’t glued sparkle and wings on them yet??? We’ll see who laughs last then by gum! 🙂

Hey big Sis, ever hear of black shoe polish? BRO

September 7, 2005

Oh, my gosh – heeheehee! This is hilarious! (How in heck have I missed your updates?!?) Well, all I can add in here is that as slim as you are, perhaps NOT having running shoes has been your secret, as all your other muscles concentrated on keeping you balanced (and thus trim! Hee!) I do feel tremendous empathy on the white shoes, though. I always feel like I’m wearing white gunboats in mine!