Drew’s Shoes

This stupid documentary-style project is a love letter to intentionality. I'm a particular dude, and as a particular dude, I like my stuff to be kept my way. When it comes to personal philosophies, I find this mindset is most elegantly expressed through footwear.

While I care deeply about shoes, I'm neither a collector nor a sneakerhead. Instead, I'm drawn to footwear as a convergence of values: design meeting function, comfort embracing versatility, taste shaping motive. Having the right shoes is about preparation and purpose, about navigating each day with both intention and grace. I find nobility in preserving what's destined to expire, and beauty in properly wearing down what's meant to be worn out. It's about using the right tools for the right jobs, even if sometimes the best shoes are simply the ones you have with you.

Through evolving chapters of personal taste, I've discovered that certain pairs refuse to leave my closet. Some hold value through design, others through utility, and a select few through their stories. Not every pair is exceptional, but each deserves its moment of appreciation. This project documents that appreciation, examining the intersection of design, utility, and memory through the lens of personal style.

Preparation breeds confidence, and intentional choices pave that path. Being intentional isn't achieved by accident, just as creating a documentary about shoes isn't a casual endeavor. You might question why I'd call this project "stupid," but perhaps what reads as frivolous to some is precisely where others find their depth.

IRISH SETTER (RED WING SHOES)

WINGSHOOTER

Purchase Date: November 2020

Purchase price: $200

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 10/10 yes

I bought these boots the same week my wife and I closed on our house, which was on Halloween in 2020. A few days after signing, I went to a local farm & ranch store to invest in proper footwear for the mountain of house projects we faced. They're insulated, waterproof, durable, and above all, comfortable. What started as project boots have become my daily drivers, regardless of the task at hand.

These might be the best shoes I've ever owned. They've become my just-in-case companions, reliably finding their way into the back of my truck before any road trip. Even if they never leave the floor of the back seat, their presence is reassuring; a security blanket for the perpetual planner.

Their only flaw is that they're useless in snow. The flat, non-marking soles are perfect for work sites since they don't track dirt or debris, but they transform into sleds on ice. Still, even when facing the treacherous Colorado freeze-thaw, I reach for these boots first. When my time comes, please know I'd like to be buried in these boots. They've earned their place.


NIKE

PEGASUS TRAIL 5

Purchase Date: September 2024

Purchase price: $150

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 8/10 likely

In a parallel world, this project is strictly about running shoes.

As a high school and college runner who briefly flirted with professional aspirations (like, super-briefly), I've logged countless miles clomping across Asphalt America. During peak training years, I was burning through 10 to 12 pairs of running shoes annually. Those formative years shaped my approach to preparedness, competition, and personal philosophy.

The first lesson running taught me was about consistency: find what works and stick with it. When it comes to shoes, Nike's fit has always been perfect for my feet. Nikes are so perfect that I spent most of my training years running sockless with untied laces (an odd choice, I know, but it worked). Their aesthetic appeal matters too; in running, as in life, the convergence of form and function creates confidence. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you run good.

I estimate I've covered around 10,000 miles in various iterations of the Nike Pegasus, though somehow I still managed to order this particular pair a half-size too small. I chose the trail version for added durability since these serve double duty as training shoes and dog walkers. They're reliable enough that I'll buy them again, just with more attention to sizing next time.


VANS

CLASSIC SLIP-ON SHOE

Purchase Date: Summer 2022

Purchase price: $55

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 8/10 likely

I bought these Vans because Thom Yorke wears them (or wears something like them) in the "Lift" music video.

I'm a long time Vans wearer but these were my first pair of Vans Slip-Ons. I like them more than I thought I would. I like them because they prioritize function without truly sacrificing form. I don't think I'm the only one to have worn through one of the toes in a pair of Vans, which I think is a rite of passage in Vans ownership. I'm a firm believer that a well-loved pair of Vans is better than a brand new pair of Vans (but I respect the fact that a new pair of Vans can be churched up a little bit).

Vans are the cheese pizza of footwear: reliable, universally appealing, and impossible to truly mess up.


FUBUKI

NISEKO 3.0

Purchase Date: October 2022

Purchase price: $120

Frequency of use: Any time it snows

Purchase again? 10/10 absolutely

Congratulations everyone, we did it. We don't need to make any further attempts. We–as a human race–have mastered the snow boot, and it's this one. I'm hardly the first to celebrate Fubuki, and I surely won't be the last.

I've spent the majority of my professional life working in the snow sports industry, and as a young, hungry, hustler, it wasn't too hard to run through snow banks in blown out skate shoes or old leather boots (note: said leather boots are featured below). But, eventually, comfort triumphs over carelessness. I remember standing at the base of the X Games Superpipe on a frigid night in January, legitimately concerned that I was developing frostbite on my toes. And it may have been the first time I actually felt that I was getting too old for this shit.

I spent the following year trying to find the perfect pair of snow boots, and nothing quite checked all of my boxes. It wasn't until the release of "Is There Time for Matching Socks", a ski film by The Bunch, in a scene where Magnus Granier talks to the camera about a particularly sketchy feature while wearing a big pair of yellow rubber boots, that I found the ones I was looking for. Since then, my winter feet have never been happier and I've been flying the Fubuki flag ever since.

These are the type of boots that, when worn out, I'll replace them with the exact same pair all over again. A testament to finding that one thing that just works.


HOKA

anacapa breeze low

Purchase Date: July 2023

Purchase price: $150

Frequency of use: Sometimes

Purchase again? 4/10 not likely

These Hokas were a fun experiment. I bought these ahead of a 2-week production trip because I liked the way they looked and I thought they'd be durable and comfortable while on set. They kind of fit the oversized-techy-runner vibe that's been surging and I wanted to give them a shot. The reality, as it turns out, was less glamorous.

While working on that project, these shoes got blasted with dirt and sand and at the end of each day my feet were caked. I was literally taking them off after wrapping each day and driving back to the Airbnb wearing flip flops. Not exactly the high-performance fantasy I'd imagined (and it’s probably my own fault for wearing them in a working rodeo arena).

Eventually, I just ended up wearing my Irish Setter boots listed above (as I said, those boots are in the back of the truck for every trip). I'm glad I had them. Sometimes the reliable choice is the right choice.

I ran these Hokas through the wash when I got home and I wore them as my dog walkers for the rest of the summer. They're wide, flat, and unsupportive. The balls of my feet wore through the footbed before my heels did. I'd wear Hokas again as fashion sneakers, in fact I like the suede Cliftons and I love the Tor Summit 2 X Hidden Characters quite a lot.. but this was probably the last time I'll do any real work or exercise in a pair of Hokas.


HOKA

CARBON X3

Purchase Date: July 2022

Purchase price: $199

Frequency of use: Sometimes

Purchase again? 6/10 maybe

These Hoka Carbon X3's were the first pair of non-Nike running shoes I've had since high school. I was challenging my loyalty, trying to find an alternative to the ultra-corporate manufacturer I'd been attached to for so long. If nothing else, I wanted to do my due diligence to prove that Nike was, in fact, my shoe of choice.

I bought these Hokas ahead of a work trip to an outdoor event where I'd be standing and talking for the better part of a week. I always prioritize exercise while traveling, and running is a great way to get out of your hotel room and see a new place firsthand. On this trip to southern Georgia in the middle of June, I ran 7 miles on my first evening in town. The next day, I was so sore that I went to a Walmart and bought a foam roller, a yoga mat, and a bunch of bananas to help with my recovery.

I actually ended up liking these shoes. The carbon plating is nice, and since I'm a pretty strong forefoot runner, I do well with a stiffer, more responsive shoe. I wore through the sole a little faster than I liked, but I guess that comes with the territory. I would buy these again, but I'm partial to this design and style, which I'm not sure Hoka makes anymore.


VANS

SK8-HI MTE

Purchase Date: December 2019

Purchase price: $100

Frequency of use: Sometimes

Purchase again? 2/10 not likely

These Vans are flat and wide and they feel like wearing clown shoes. I’ll argue that these are not Vans at their best.

My wife and I bought each other this same pair of shoes as holiday gifts one year. We liked the way they looked, and it was a decision that seemed clever at the time. I think I wore these for a month or so before realizing the fit wasn't right and retiring them to the back of the closet. Truth be told, I'm not sure why I've held on to them, other than perhaps they feel too new and unused to part with. My wife doesn’t wear hers anymore, either, for the same reason.

Pretty quickly, I stole the laces out for some other shoes. Recently, I went back to use these on a slushy day when my primary shoes were wet and out of commission. For some reason, I still had a pair of laces from the original Forsake sneakerboots, which I'd bought on a deep discount at REI. I don't know where those Forsake boots are, but I have the laces and that's why these Vans look the way they do now.

Anybody want them? I'll send them to you. I'll stick to the classic Vans.


CROCS

CLASSIC CLOG

Purchase Date: 2007

Purchase price: Gift

Frequency of use: Sometimes

Purchase again? 8/10 likely

Crocs are great, man.

I got these Crocs as a gift from my dad when I was a sophomore in high school. He snagged them as samples out of a bin when he worked in the corporate office of a sporting goods retailer. At the time, Crocs was only known for making this one design, and I remember they’d launched the “Ugly Can Be Beautiful” campaign (which seems a little heavy handed in retrospect).

I've worn these Crocs within an inch of their life. They've been my companions through summers as a lifeguard and camp counselor, days painting houses, afternoons mowing lawns, as pre- and post-workout footwear, and arguably in their best form: après ski shoes (assuming the parking lot is dry). If you look carefully, you can see remnants of the paint color from my childhood bedroom flecked across the toes: a geographic history in plastic.

Don't sleep on Crocs. They serve a wonderful variety of needs. And they float, which is great if you spend any time near water.


TIMBERLAND

EARTHKEEPERS

Purchase Date: Winter 2012

Purchase price: $150 (est.)

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 8/10, likely won’t buy again.

These Timberland Earthkeepers are one of the two or three pairs of shoes that inspired this entire project.

During my college years, while first dating my now-wife, I was searching for casual boots to wear when visiting her family for the holidays. I'd owned ski, hiking, and snow boots, but these were different. I wanted them as a a deliberate fashion choice. I first spotted the Earthkeepers at a department store, hesitated because of the price, and walked away. I regretted it later. When I returned, the boots were gone.

What followed was a mission. My wife and I spent an entire day traversing Colorado Springs—mall to department store to specialty retailer—hunting for these specific boots. We finally discovered them on sale at a Macy's. We were both relieved.

I wore these boots for years. They accompanied me on production trips across the U.S., weathering miles and memories. Eventually, I wore them to their limit. The photos reveal their well-loved state: split soles and inserts stolen from a pair of Nike Lunarglides, a testament to their resilience and my determination to keep them functional.

I've kept these boots as a reminder, though the precise sentiment remains elusive. They represent more than footwear; they mark a transition from a life of skate shoes to something more intentional. Perhaps they symbolize a subtle evolution of taste, or simply capture a moment when my greatest concern was a shopping expedition with the person who would become my wife.


SPERRY

TOPSIDERS

Purchase Date: Summer 2007

Purchase price: $65

Frequency of use: Frequently (formerly)

Purchase again? 6/10, not likely, still special

Boat shoes occupy a curious space in my personal fashion narrative. They're a relic of late 2000s style that has since evolved (or devolved, depending on perspective). For me, boat shoes carry a deep significance, rooted in family tradition and the working-class ethos I've long admired.

My dad embodies this spirit, wearing boat shoes as his go-to house and summer shoes. I can still hear the distinct shuffle of his feet through Home Depot's dusty, concrete aisles while browsing hardware or fasteners or paint brushes or wood glue. I can also hear the soft echo of his feet in his basement workshop where he wrapped Christmas gifts, tied flies, and helped my sister and me with school projects. These shoes represent more than footwear; they're a symbol of purposeful, hands-on living.

For these reasons I think of Topsiders as the footwear choice of the off-the-clock working man. Shoes for those who drink black coffee, keep pencils sharp, build campfires, and carry pocket knives. They're for problem solvers who find joy in utility and who work hard to enrich other people's lives. My appreciation for versatile footwear stems from watching my dad seamlessly transition between work and play, all while wearing a trusted pair of Sperrys.

When I once asked why he chose Sperrys, his answer was quintessentially practical: "Because they're leather, and I can wear them barefoot and they won't stink." He then shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me. He asked, "Have you ever worn boat shoes on a wet dock?" 10-year-old me was confused. When would I have ever been in that scenario? "Try it. You'll be amazed. You'll feel like Spider-Man." A recommendation from a man who understood that being prepared means being ready for anything, distant slippery surfaces and all.


VASQUE

BREEZE GTX

Purchase Date: Summer 2008

Purchase price: Gift

Frequency of use: Sometimes

Purchase again? ?/10 opt for something newer

My dad bought these boots for me before a small camping, fishing, and backpacking trip we took the summer after I graduated high school. I remember sitting on the shoe floor of an REI, trying on different pairs of boots while my dad weighed the merits of more expensive waterproof Gore-Tex boots. In the end, he decided investing in quality was the smarter choice, and I remain grateful for his wisdom. It rained during our trip.

The following summer I wore these boots on a 150-mile trek of the Appalachian Trail through central and northern Maine. It rained relentlessly during that trip, too. For as long as I've owned them, these boots have been tough, reliable, and (relatively) dry. They've accompanied me on a number of memorable adventures, and though my current lifestyle doesn't demand frequent trail excursions, I keep them readily accessible in my garage. After all, preparedness means being ready when opportunity or necessity calls.


GIRO

VENTANA FASTLACE

Purchase Date: Summer 2018

Purchase price: $130

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 8/10

My knowledge of bike shoes is limited. I wear them frequently and understand they need to be moderately comfortable for hiking, primarily because I spend more time pushing my mountain bike around challenging features than I care to admit.

When purchasing these shoes, I sought something versatile, like the bike shoe equivalent of a Hollywood spy capable of blending seamlessly into any environment. Mountain biking remains my preferred riding style, though I spend more time on the Peloton and find gravel biking more accessible from my home. These Giros were purchased as my universal solution, the proverbial one pair to handle multiple cycling scenarios.

My critique remains minimal, largely because my expectations are straightforward. They perform adequately across the activities I pursue, successfully executing my mission to be a two-wheeled chameleon. If anything, I'm considering a road or gravel-specific pair for the future, anticipating they might maintain a cleaner profile. I feel guilty every time I track mud from trail shoes into my in-laws' pristine basement during Peloton sessions.


SOREL

GRIT SNEAKER CHUKKA

Purchase Date: Winter 2018

Purchase price: $100

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 6/10

The winterized and weatherproof sneakerboot category holds a mysterious allure that I've yet to fully understand. I want to like them, and sometimes I can convince myself that I do. Perhaps they represent the intersection of taste and utility I value most? Though, I'm not entirely certain that explanation holds true.

I appreciated these Sorels during the few seasons they were in my rotation, though they fell from use more quickly than expected. They still have life remaining, but for reasons I can't quite articulate, I no longer reach for them. Something about their design lacks staying power, adding to the growing enigma of this category. Maybe one day I'll unravel its complexities.. though I wonder if footwear therapy is a legitimate option.

I wore these shoes to the hospital when my daughter was born, and my feet ached throughout the entire experience. Since then, I've offered a simple piece of advice to expecting fathers: choose practical shoes for the delivery and recovery rooms. You'll be on your feet a lot.


L.L. BEAN

BEAN BOOTS, 10” SHEARLING LINED

Purchase Date: Winter 2015

Purchase price: Gift

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 9/10 very likely

These boots were a gift from my grandparents the year after I moved to Colorado. At the time, I was still new to my job and getting accustomed to winter life in Boulder. I can't quite remember if it was the same year or back-to-back years, but my grandparents gifted me these boots one year and a set of snow tires the next. To this day I’m struck by their generosity, and the underlying symbol of "traction" isn't lost on me. Without a doubt, my grandparents have been some of my biggest fans and supporters, and I credit them with helping me get started as an adult. I know that isn't something everyone has as reliably as I do.

These Bean Boots are good—not great—in snow, but that doesn't mean they don't serve a purpose. I've had to reposition them in my footwear lineup since they don't fit their original role. These boots are the Julian Edelman of my collection, they’re the quarterback turned kick returner turned slot receiver and Super Bowl MVP. I love them for their sentimental value, but their evolving functionality has surprised me in the best way. I think my grandparents would be pleased to know how much these boots have meant to me.


VANS

AUTHENTIC

Purchase Date: Spring 2021

Purchase price: $55

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 8/10

I'm a sucker for gum rubber, which makes it hard not to like these Vans. Two memories stand out.

The first unfolded during a work trip to Mammoth, CA when the company pickup truck broke down, stranding me and a friend for an unplanned four days. When I got the call that the diesel mechanic had finished working, I ran in these shoes to retrieve the truck. Desperate to return to Colorado, we drove the roughly 16-hour journey straight home while listening to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Audible.

The second memory came that summer when my then-16-year-old neighbor discovered skateboarding. I skated as a kid, and we spent evenings together doing ollies and kick flips in our cul-de-sac before dinner. It was an unexpectedly pleasant way to reclaim a slice of childhood. Now relegated to yard shoes, these Vans remind me that I can still land a frontside flip, even if it hurts a little more than it used to.


ATOMIC

HAWX ULTRA XTD 130

Purchase Date: Winter 2020

Purchase price: $799

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 10/10

Do ski boots count? I think they have to. I spend enough time wearing them, and I think the guideline about intentional decision making holds up (plus it’s my rules so whatever, I say yes).

I love these boots, but the first time I wore them was during a backcountry photoshoot with Chris Davenport. I crushed my toes into the front of these boots and lost four different toenails. Larry the Bootfitter in Boulder punched them out, and they've been incredible ever since. Stiff and lightweight seems to be the backbone of my perfect piece of footwear.

These boots are great, but the lace-up liner is a downside. I didn't grow up ski racing, so the liner feels more like a hassle than a feature. The boot boards cracked and broke, now held together by duct tape. What gives, Atomic? All told, it's probably time for new boots.


NORDICA

ACE 3 STAR

Purchase Date: Fall 2016

Purchase price: $699

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? 8/10

I'm extremely fortunate because my formal ski education came from U.S. Ski Team athletes. Growing up and into the first few years at Spyder, I was a passable park skier and diehard cultural contributor to new school skiing, but I knew next to nothing about ski racing or its history. I was a confident skier, but not a good skier by any definition. Working alongside U.S. Ski Team members exposed me to high-performance skiing, and eventually, I learned to ask for help while trying to keep up during photo shoots.

At the time, former U.S. Ski Team member TJ Lanning worked for Spyder and skied for Nordica. We worked and traveled together for a few years. TJ was hugely helpful in my ski education, and I credit much of my improvement to his patience and kindness. He also set me up with these ski boots, my first pair of professionally fit boots, selected by someone who knew me and my skiing style.

These are great boots. They're heavy, which can be a good thing, and they're stiff and powerful. I really learned how to ski in these boots. I still can't decide if the 45º buckle is cool or impactful, but I'm happy with them all the same. Thanks, TJ.


ROSSIGNOL

BANDIT B16

Purchase Date: Fall 2007

Purchase price: $—

Frequency of use: Frequently

Purchase again? ?/10

These were the second pair of ski boots I owned, bought used off a buy-sell-trade forum on Newschoolers.com during high school. I'm holding onto them for their sentimental value and as a reminder that orange boots will always be cool.

While researching for this project, I found these same boots listed for $40 on eBay.


BIRKENSTOCK

BOSTON CLOG

Purchase Date: Winter 2012

Purchase price: Gifted

Frequency of use: Daily

Purchase again? 10/10 definitely

These Birks are my house shoes. I had to take them off to snap these pictures.

These clogs were a birthday gift from my wife over ten years ago and they're still going strong. I have another pair of the exact same ones I wear out of the house—a funny habit, because I'll sometimes come home, take off those clogs, and put on these clogs.


DANNER

MOUNTAIN LIGHT BOOTS

Purchase Date: Winter 2018

Purchase price: Gifted

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 10/10 definitely

As seen on r/BuyItForLife.

Officially the nicest pair of shoes I own, these were a collective holiday gift from my wife's family in 2018. They must really love me.

It took me a while to get these right. I've lace-swapped them a few times and struggled with the hippy-wander-travel vibe these boots seem to inspire on digital moodboards. I'm not against hippies, wandering, or travel, but I care about these boots for their craftsmanship and rugged outdoor work appeal rather than Instagram likes.

These are incredible boots that will, without question, trigger the metal detector at airport security. It doesn't matter if you have TSA Pre-Check or Clear, these boots will have to come off. Fly at your own risk.


NIKE

AIR MAX LD-ZERO SUEDE

Purchase Date: Spring 2017

Purchase price: $180 (est.)

Frequency of use: Never

Purchase again? ?/10 not likely

I bought these Nikes on SNKRS in spring 2017, at what could have been the peak of my "sneakerheadedness". I bought these alongside a pair of triple black Air Max 90s. While I wore the Air Max 90s frequently, I never quite figured out how to wear these LD-Zeros. I think I wore them to the office once, maybe twice.

I remember my boss stopping me in the hallway and saying, "those shoes don't really feel like you". Which would sound rude if it wasn't true. I stopped wearing them not because of what he said, but because they never felt quite right. For the record, my boss and I had (and still have) a good relationship, even though I don't work with him anymore.

When I pulled these shoes out for this project, I found I liked them more than I remembered. The silhouette holds up. Maybe it's just the full Air bubble that doesn't resonate with me, but who knows? Perhaps I'll try these again sometime soon. I wonder if I've grown into them.


SPYDER

licensee SNEAKER PROTOTYPE

Purchase Date: Winter 2019

Purchase price: Sample

Frequency of use: Once

Purchase again? 0/10 never

I received these prototype shoes on a trip to New York City to visit Spyder's parent company at their Empire State Building office. They were licensing the Spyder brand and planning to introduce a line of activewear and footwear, so I flew out with the VP of Marketing to get a hands-on look at the products and discuss marketing strategy.

To be honest, these were tough. As a choosy footwear guy, it was hard to wrap my head around the link between my role as a premium ski outerwear marketer and these off-brand sneakers in cosplay. Obviously, to some extent, that's the job, but privately, it never made sense to me. I didn't like these shoes.

The parent company gave me and my boss each a pair, asking us to try them out and provide feedback. Little did they know that my boss was a former footwear tester for Nike and I was coming off a semi-professional running career. We gave them detailed notes but I'm not sure they listened to our feedback.

One of my best friends lives in Brooklyn, and after I was done in Midtown Manhattan I jumped on a train and spent the weekend at his apartment. I wore these shoes to get groceries one day and I think that may have been all the testing I needed.

I keep these as a personal reminder that not every brand extension makes sense, and sometimes good intentions miss the mark. Also it’s a fun story.


NIKE

KILLSHOT

Purchase Date: Winter 2019

Purchase price: $90

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 6/10

I got these Killshots at a J.Crew in a mall (back when those were places I went to), and I've certainly gotten my money's worth. They're sneaky-good office shoes that fit nicely in a small suitcase, walking the line between boardroom and bar (and indoor soccer field and skatepark? Why not). As I said earlier, I'm a sucker for gum rubber.

I lace-swapped these with laces from a pair of all-red Nike Roshe Run Flyknits, giving the Killshots a slightly more interesting look. The Roshe Runs are currently retired and laceless, waiting to be reincarnated.


NIKE

HYPERDUNK LOW 2018

Purchase Date: Fall 2018

Purchase price: $110

Frequency of use: Weekly

Purchase again? 6/10

I started going to open gym basketball runs at a rec center in 2018 and it was awesome. I'm sure it was exactly what you're picturing: old guys with knee braces and goggles, high school players out of season, women that could shoot, skinny guys in running shoes, and guys like me that wanted to win at something at 10pm on Wednesday nights.

I bought these Hyperdunks at a Dick's Sporting Goods, and they served the purpose really well. I'm not an extremely talented basketball player, but I'm passable, and I didn't want to wear something signature and flashy that said "I know what I'm doing please send your best defender". I wanted the shoes that said "maybe leave that guy open and we'll let him miss".

Those open gym runs stopped during COVID and my wife and I moved later that year. I dream of finding another open gym, dust billowing off these Hyperdunks as I emerge from retirement—a grizzled gym legend turning a ragtag crew of daytime nobodies into midnight basketball heroes, my mythic performance echoing through fluorescent-lit courts, immortalized in whispered lore and phantom highlight reels.


HAVAIANAS

BRAZIL LOGO FLIP FLOPS

Purchase Date: Fall 2014

Purchase price: $26

Frequency of use: Often

Purchase again? 6/10

There are three things I never travel (or pack a suitcase) without: A hoodie, a hat, and a pair of flip flops. Equally viable for the spa at the Sonnenalp in Vail or for the parking lot pool at the Motel 6 in Destin, Florida. You just never know when a hot tub will make itself available.

Note: I showed this to my wife and she said (quote), “Gross. I hope I never see you wear those again.” 🤷‍♂️


FINAL thoughts (that probably only matter to me):

I have some shoes that didn’t make the cut for the first version of this documentary, but a few of them are mentioned in the write-ups, above. In a sense, I think I’m still uncovering what I have (rather, what they have) to say. I’m sure there will be an update–a second season–to this project that includes the remaining pairs, and if I’m lucky, some new ones, too.