I dug out these old sneakers during spring cleaning. I've been saving them for years because I can't bear to throw them away, at least not without paying proper tribute. My sneaker collection has increased steadily over the years, but rarely strays from these basic shapes. Canvas is preferable because it's tough right away without feeling too thick and wears perfectly over time.
I got the high-tops in 1997. Right away I wore them with rainbow laces which looked good with candy necklaces and glitter. These shoes have been with me through every phase of my formative years, so I am grossly protective and sentimental about them. The checkered Vans came around in 2002, following my long-time high school crush on Tony Sales, the grandson of Tyrone Power. He moved to my tiny town in Wisconsin and blew everyone out of the water with his bright blue hair and checkered shoes. He was gorgeous. The last two pairs were worn to practically every show I went to between 2005-2009, and have been stomped on by crowds of people dancing. I wore the black ones to Coachella and was met with disgust by the airport employee working the security check on the way home. I think she would have asked me to keep them on my feet had they not already been in the bin.
Now I have almost all new shoes. My feet feel nice in sneakers that are still crisp and clean. I'm starting to wear sandals and am considering new shapes, like wedges and platforms. I recently bought a new pair of black high-top Chucks, and they are the dorkiest thing I own. It's nice to have new things, but I will never love another pair of shoes as much as any of these.
