Since I discovered that I have flat feet and got orthotics, I mostly wear New Balance shoes. (The pedorthist said they’re about the only brand made to accommodate my feet. Wow, he knows how to sweet-talk a woman, doesn’t he?)
My first pair were plain white leather. They rubbed my toes. They weighed a ton. My feet felt as if they were in a sauna. Besides, who wants plain white shoes? So back to the store I went, where I tried on every single pair of New Balance walking shoes in stock, transferring orthotics, which are made to really fit — no slipping, no sliding, no ease of removing. Nothing worked for me.
Then I saw them. They were running shoes, and I’m not a runner. But they were lightweight. They had mesh everywhere to let my toes breathe. And they weren’t plain white. In fact, there’s no white at all on them!
I was in love. I bought them and have worn them every day since.
The only thing I don’t get is the laces. The walking shoes had normal laces. The running shoe laces are about a mile long. I have to make great big floppy bows, which I then trip on at least once a day. (And trust me — I don’t need any help tripping.)
Just as a lot of brand-new writers are convinced that published authors know the secret handshake that will get them published, too, I’m sure runners have some sort of secret shoestring tying method that they only share with other runners. They see me tripping along with the laces flopping, and they share a smile because they know the secret and I, obviously a poseur, do not.
That’s okay. I might not be able to walk the walk or talk the talk, but I’ve got the shoes anyway.
I tie mine in a double bow. They still flop around, but it isn’t too bad. I wear NB running shoes to walk in, too. They are the only brand that supports a wide toebox, but narrow heel. For years, I would get serious blisters on/between/under my toes when I would walk at Disney World wearing other brands–good brands, but not right for me. And then I RE-discovered NB. Ahhh . . . wonderful. If you walk about 3 miles a day, you might want to invest in a new pair at the six month mark.
I’ll have to try a double bow. I was thinking I should get another pair (they come in gray and orange, too!!), because I do wear these every single day.I still have a bit of a problem with rubbing on my right little toe toward the end of the day, but I’ve never worn shoes that don’t do that.Other than that, I love ‘em!
Marilyn–
My favorite shoe!
I wear those cuties out in less than a year. And I think they’re very reasonably priced.
(I go for the running shoes too!)
I knew you were a NB fan, too. I love ‘em. Wouldn’t mind having new feet, but since I’m stuck with what I’ve got, these shoes make the best of them.
Double bow is the secret, jmeg. And the only difference between a runner and walker is an entry form.
I’ll give the double some practice, since retying my shoes in the middle of the street, stepping off a sidewalk or in Walmart is going to get me plowed over.
Love the difference between a runner and a walker!! Thanks!