The Second 50

I don’t know about you, but I find it’s the small things that bring comfort, ease stress, and make the day tolerable, even pleasurable.

And although I haven’t thought much about it until now, shoes play a major role in that for me. Shoes set the tone, the mood, the approach. Energy and confidence from the ground up.

Shoes are the foundation of my entire day. I hate buying them. Goes against the stereotype I know. But they are necessary, so I buy with ‘function and form’ in mind.

Purchasing based on ‘function and form’ supports my core need to wear shoes that are not only appropriate for the day / event / activity, but also my desire to wear something super comfortable.

My shoe of choice? I find comfort in low heeled boots, flat ballet / court shoes, sandshoes, and hikers. I like a shoe that I can coordinate with many outfits, and that can get me where I need to be…fast.  Perhaps that’s why I’m less keen on sandals and opened toed shoes. I can’t dart from ‘a to b’ with the same pace in those, as I can in a low heel or flat sole.

And I can’t stand smelly shoes. Dirty shoes, I don’t mind – particularly my hiking boots that are layered in mud, dust, and dirt from many a trip. They are a badge of honour and a nod to the amazing places once traversed. But smelly shoes. Urgh. Immediately no. Time for washing, in-sole replacement, or throwing in the bin if they are beyond redemption.

Brands and trends. Not for me, really. I could care less about whether it’s a $20 pair from a discount store or a $300 pair from a brand that has a tick, swoosh, circle, big cat or some other well recognised logo. If I see a shoe I like, it fits well, and I can see it coordinating with my wardrobe and lifestyle, then I will hand over my money regardless of whether they are insta-worthy.

For me, shoes must be selected based on ‘function and form’ regardless of brand, price, or trend, as they provide the ultimate strategy for comfort and confidence for the day ahead. Agree or Disagree?