Ornoth

Here I was, all set to post my first of these new “Memorabilia” blogpos, when this happened:

See that big black gaping hole in the toecap of my pine green Chuck Taylor sneakers? Yep, they bit it. Now let’s talk about why I care about a dirty old pair of Chucks…

Out of all the pairs of Chucks I’ve had, this was my only real custom order. Back in 2011, I used Converse’s custom sneaker configurator to build this pair up from scratch, with gunmetal grey stitching and eyelets, green highlight stripes, and a gingham patterned inner lining. But the topper was the silver embroidered “T2SP” on both outer heel panels.

The significance? It’s a reference to an old fable about a monarch who commissions a ring to make him happy in times of sadness. The ring is inscribed with the phrase “This too shall pass”… hence “T2SP”.

Although the story is Persian in origin, it echoes the central Buddhist doctrine of impermanence, anicca, one of Three Characteristics of Existence. Something well worth keeping in mind at all times!

While they were my favorite pair of sneakers for most of the past fourteen years, impermanence finally caught up with my Chucks this past week. Into the bin you go!

What size shoe do you wear?

Somewhere between 10 and 12. Unfortunately, because the shoe manufacturers can't abide by a very simple standard, every time I buy shoes it's a crapshoot. I probably own more ill-fitting shoes than I do properly-fitting ones. Such gross incompetence shouldn't be allowed to persist in a modern society.
 

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

19½. I own 6½ pairs of Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, four pairs of dress shoes, three pairs of other sneakers, two pairs of sandals, one pair of boots, one pair of cycling shoes, one pair of bowling shoes, and one pair of cycling sandals.
 

What type of shoe do you prefer (boots, sneakers, pumps, etc.)?

For years all I wore were Chucks, but I gave them up when the Converse factory outlet in Malden was closed. This year I tried switching to suede Pumas, but their sizing is so ludicrous that I probably won't be back. In recent years, I've become a sandal maniac, and you will almost always find me in my cycling sandals or my Tevas, even though Tevas are woefully passé.
 

Describe your favorite pair of shoes. Why are they your favorite?

Easily my favorite shoes are my Shimano SD-SH60 cycling sandals, complete with SPD cleats. They're elegant, efficient, comfortable, and durable. They're a sure conversation starter with other cyclists, who are always envious. And they give you the most amazing tan lines! I've ridden over 3500 miles in my first/present pair, and have every intention of buying at least two more pair in the near future. They're probably the single best purchase I've made in either realm: footwear or cycling gear.
 

What's the most you've spent on one pair of shoes?

I spent $259 for a pair of Allen-Edmonds wingtips for work back in 1996. They're okay, but I have no real emotional attachment to them. They're just shoes, as opposed to some of my more interesting but lower-priced purchases.