How And Why Buy Comfortable Shoes On Any Budget
Wisdom or common sense?
If you come from a family where clean and shiny shoes are the norm, then the thought of comfortable shoes is, too.
However, shoes are the priority when you’re poor or homeless; fit and clean come second or third. If you can get them on, they fit, I was told.
That stayed with me for a long time. When I was told I looked like “crap” and made a complete transition, I still didn’t include comfortable on the list of importance.
One day, I saw a pair of shoes I liked in a Johnson & Murphy shoe store window. I went in and ordered a size 12. He said, “I don’t recall seeing you in here before, and you’re not wearing J&M shoes, so I must measure your foot.” I said, “Very well, please do.”
To our mutual surprise, I was a size 13 C. I said, “Let’s see how they fit.” When I tried them on, there wasn’t a chorus of angels singing in the background, but I did hear (in the back of my mind) a distinct ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Walking was different. I never knew you could walk, wear shoes, and be comfortable simultaneously. Wow.
At seventy-seven, I still have my feet measured when I buy shoes. At age seventy or seventy-one, my shoes became a size 14 regular. That may seem big to you. One of my sons wears a size 15.
The point is comfort. At this age, it’s comfort. I’ve been so blessed that this is just one of the many comforts I enjoy. Shoes.
Lesson: Comfortable shoes can be worn at any level of income or station. Comfort is a fundamental right. Pick better than you have in the past.
Summary: Did we discuss some wisdom of the ages? Is it wisdom if you hear something you already know or practice? If I already know something, it’s hard to remember that it's fundamental wisdom.
This story was inspired by my long-time friend Gary L. Friedman (FriedmanArchives.com). This is one of the first of many lessons on wisdom—insight you may or may not have. Please subscribe. Ask yourself, “Can you ever have too much wisdom?” (My wife said, “Or too many pairs of shoes?”)
Thanks for reading,
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©DR Rawson
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