Nike. Reebok. Adidas. New Balance. Brooks. Trax. Keen. Doc Marten. Avia. Puma. Keds. Converse.

So many famous brands of shoes dating back all the way to the early 1920’s, and over the years I’ve worn them all at one time or another. Currently, my go to brand is Brooks, of which I own multiple versions of the brand originally founded in 1914 by John Brooks Goldenberg in Philadelphia.

Tradition?

On the subject of shoes, I can’t help but wonder if your parents also placed restrictions on wearing new shoes bought after the yearly ritual of “school shopping.” I remember desperately pleading with my mom to let me wear them early, just so I wouldn’t have to face the embarrassment of showing up to school in white kicks that were so bright they could be seen from space. It was certainly a tough situation for me, and I can imagine how that might have made you feel too.

What Is My Favorite?

Sorry I digress. Getting to the crux of today’s prompt, I would have to emphatically declare that my favorite shoes I’ve ever had in my life were a pair that, in hindsight, took their inspiration from bowling shoes, and were oh so very patriotic.

Age-wise, I must have been about 9 or 10 years old at the time. I don’t recall where they came from (because I was probably entranced by simply their appearance).

So, what exactly were these shoes that were so memorable that I still think of the fondly after nearly 50 years?

They were red, white and blue, and I honestly don’t believe they had any sort of logo (good God, they may have come from K-Mart!). In looking down at your feet, the left side of the shoe was bright red with the left side being equally bright blue, with a white stripe separating the two other colors going right down the middle from the shoe’s tongue to the front of the shoe’s sole.

After working out that last paragraph, I’m wondering now if my parents actually just bought me a pair of bowling shoes, although honestly I don’t recall any obsession in my youth over bowling shoes.

Anyway, I literally wore those suckers out, and with any outfit. I wish I had the photo, but I fear it’s lost with time, but there was a pic of our family on vacation at the time, me sitting on a fence with my siblings, wearing my favorite sneakers with a pair of plaid green and yellow bell bottoms.

Looking back, those memorable red, white, and blue shoes represented more than just a fashion choice; they encapsulated a time of innocence and joy. Every playful moment spent in them, whether it was racing down the street or hanging out with friends, is etched in my memory. Though the years have gone by, the spirit of adventure they carried still inspires me to seek out new experiences, one step at a time.

Now It’s Your Turn

I’d love to hear about your own favorite shoes and the adventures they’ve taken you on! Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the memories that our beloved footwear holds. If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, please like this post and subscribe to my blog for more nostalgic reflections and engaging prompts. Your stories matter, so don’t hold back!