A Story About Sneakers and Me

     I use to always think, not so long ago, that people would think I was self-centered and arrogant if I focused so much on my fashion and how I looked. Those of you who know me well probably remember a time when I didn't really care about shoes, or the outfits that I wear with them. I used to be more concerned about my gadgets, video games, and more specifically, my music collection. But around February of 2013, that all changed.
     I was recovering from my second knee surgery around that time, and had grown a pretty decent beard and hobbled around in sweat pants and a baggy t-shirt, maybe 65% of the time. For one, the sweats were easier to get on over the bandaging on my leg, and two, they were comfortable. I was also not in the best of shape back then (still not where I want to be, but more on that later.), so the baggy sweats and tees covered up a lot of the fatness I had. Once I was able to walk around fairly good again after the surgery, I was out shopping with the family, and we went into the store my wife works at, and one of her coworkers said that I looked bummy. Truth be told, she was right, and this wasn't the first time I'd heard this. My brother and father had been saying for years that I just don't care how I look. But for some reason, I looked at myself differently and thought, maybe I should do something about how I dressed. I also began to like the Oklahoma City Thunder around that time, which led me to the shoes I've posted above here. I didn't think anything of it, but that was the beginning my journey into the shoe game.
     

   
The following month, the Jordan Retro 8, "Bugs Bunny," were released, and my big brother told me that I should go get them, after the previous week, I was unable to get the Jordan "Bred" 11's. I was able to go to my local Hibbett Sports, and scored these Retro 8's. Little did I know that it would be off to the races after that purchase. I'd bought shoes before that day in April of 2013, but never in the same manner as these. These shoes meant something. There was a history behind them, a legend, a meaningful story attached to these sneakers. And not only that, but these sneakers were also a fashion statement. When people see you in a pair of Retro Jordans, heads turn, and you get all kinds of extra attention. You also have to get an outfit to match the shoes that are on your feet. Accessories and things like that, are made specifically for each pair of shoes. I had no clue that such a world existed! I was blind to the world of sneakers before this point, but soon, I would catch on, and I'd be deep into it myself.
   

     Since then, I've accumulated more shoes in a year's time, than I had in the previous 28 years combined. It has almost become an addiction. Seeing the new shoes, wanting to buy a shirt to match, and socks to match the shirt and shoes. It's ridiculous, I'll admit that. But, there's a reason behind it now. I dress a lot better than I did before, and not only that, I feel more confident in myself when I step out. I've lost almost 20 pounds this year, and while that's still not quite where I'd like to be, that weight off makes me feel so much better everyday. Clothes fit better, my body feels better, I just feel good. So since I feel good, I want to look good as well. No more sweats and baggy shirts all the time. If I'm going on a date with the wife, I can put on a nice Polo shirt, jeans and a comfortable pair of Jordans, and feel good about myself. I've even come to have a favorite line of shoes, which is the Lebron James line from Nike. I'm slowly moving away from Jordan's altogether, thus, slowing down the shoe purchases, and saving myself money. I care about how I present myself now. I also care about the collection of shoes that I've grown over the past year or so. It's pretty impressive, and also fun. I've been told by a few folks that you can never have too many pairs of shoes. I believe that, because in my case, that's the beginning step in improved confidence about myself. Look good, feel good. And doesn't everyone want to look and feel good in the clothes they're wearing?
     There are some things that I'm not to proud of about this new sneaker hobby/passion. One thing is, it's expensive! Shoes come out all the time, and if you're not careful, you could go broke trying to stay up on new releases. Luckily, I was taught by my old man, to take care of my needs first, and my wants second. I can't just be buying sneakers and shirts, and my daughters aren't eating at night. That'd be stupid. Shoes aren't keeping the lights on. So You gotta take care of what's important first. But also, I've never paid attention to what everyone else is wearing more in my life. If I go to the mall nowadays, I always find myself looking down at people's shoes. And not just that, I find myself looking at how they wore the shoes, and with what outfit. I just people watch and check for different styles it seems. I've never done that before, and it seems weird to do. I don't like that aspect of things.
     Anyway, I've rambled on enough. I just wanted to share with you all my sneaker journey. I always noticed how cool my friends looked, and the confidence they exuded when we would go out before, from their attire, but I could never figure out what was missing for me. The way you dress, and new clothes, or new shoes can make you feel better about yourself. Getting a fresh haircut, and throwing on that new outfit, with the brand new Lebrons is a great feeling that I'd never known before. I'm sure as I continue to lose weight, and clothes fit even better, and I drop down to different pants and shirt sizes, I'll feel even better about myself. What do you all think? Do you feel more confident when you wear nice attire? Let me know, and as always thanks for reading. I'll talk to you all later. Peace.