Looking For a Little Sole

  I have a confession to make. I love shoes. There is no question that I own too many pairs. I would dare say that I may own more shoes than my wife and my daughters, combined.

   I took a very unofficial poll the other day, asking how many pairs of shoes people owned. Few gave me an exact number but most responded by saying “too many.” So what is it with people and shoes?

   The shoe industry, although a dying industry in the U.S., still does a great job of convincing us that we need shoes. Something for every occasion, in multiple colors and now designed to improve our health or at least the shape of our legs and butt.

  First we need an all purpose athletic shoe. Next, a shoe for leisure time and dress. My personal choice here is the boat shoe, even though I do not own a boat. For something a bit more formal, maybe with a blazer, I like the loafer and preference for the Bass Weejun. I can remember a time when you could return the Bass shoe to the factory and get the sole replaced at no charge. Times have changed.

   Not sure of the color to purchase? Then you may want to consider purchasing a cordovan colored pair and a black pair. And to be a bit more stylish, tassels add a nice touch, in cordovan and black of course.

   For the more formal attire, a shoe with laces is a must. Again, something in brown and black may be required.

   Stormy weather often creates a problem, so boots and foul weather footware are an important part of the collections. Here I recommend the LL Bean boot. Not only does it keep your feet dry, but also looks ‘pretty cool’ with a suit and tie. It is hard to give in to tradition, but the LL Bean boot or duck shoe, an offspring, have definitely moved from the woods to the board room with style.

   Sandals are an important part of the shoe collection. It is not so much a statement about foot ware as it is about the change of seasons. A few warm days and we know that summer is on the way.

   From this point on, the purchase of shoes and other foot attire becomes an irrational pleasure. Who can resist shoes on sale or something you already own in several different color. Seriously, how many pairs of tassel loafer does one really need, especially if you can only wear one pair at a time?

   If we were really honest, we would admit that there are probably only several pairs of shoe that we wear on a regular basis and we wear them because they are comfortable.

   My suggestion? Take those shoes that have never been out of the box or are covered with dust and give them to the Salvation Army or Good Will, There are many people who really need a new sole, even if it has a tassel.