Over the course of a lifetime each of us will likely wear many pairs of shoes.
Some will collect a closet full. Countless more will get by with a favorite few. And others will simply be thankful to have protection for their toes.
Some shoes will be cheap. Others too expensive. Some will be bought to impress while others will be declared your Sunday best.
But which ones truly fit you?
The red ones or the black ones. The durable ones or the comfortable ones. The shiny, fresh-out-of-the-box ones or the well-worn, scuffed up pair.
Our footwear choices speak volumes about our journeys, but the truth is our shoes choose us as much as we choose them.
Athletes pick a sport, and the shoes accompany that commitment. From softball spikes, football cleats and wrestling shoes to basketball high-tops, track spikes and golf shoes, the options are plenty. And the list goes on, covering everything from hunting boots, bowling shoes and figure skates to ski boots, roller blades and roller skates.
Your employment will have a say in your shoes, too. Steel-toed work boots will be worn if you’re navigating jobsites. You’ll wear combat boots if you’re standing guard. You might wear dress shoes or sneakers to the office, and maybe even slippers if you’re working from home.
What’s your favorite pair for leisure? Sneakers, sandals, flip flops, cushy-soled Crocs, cowboy boots, boat shoes, hiking boots or slippers.
Some shoes are for dreamers that hold out hope Prince Charming will arrive with the missing glass slipper that fits. Or maybe they’re fantasizing about the ruby red ones.
From wedges, flats, open-toed and high heels, women have lots of options to wear for fashion and fun. While ballet slippers, cross-trainers or soccer cleats are worn to chase down goals.
The condition of one’s shoes tells an even greater story. A worn out pair of ballet shoes is a sign of the exhaustive hours spent striving for the perfect pirouette while those mud-caked boots speak for themselves.
Some believe one’s choice of footwear can make or break a date if they give off a bad first impression. Same might be said for that all-important job interview.
Almost every step of the way our shoes are quite revealing.
If you’ve worn the same type of shoes as someone else, then you’ll be able to relate to them, but no two pairs fit exactly the same. As such we should always reserve judgment because based on how many shoes one will wear in a lifetime, everyone’s path is distinctly different. You’d have to walk well beyond a mile in someone else’s shoes to fully grasp the essence of their soul.
So what do your shoes say about you? What stories are they telling?
How many different pairs have you slipped on so far? And which ones do you still aspire to try on for size?
Did your shoes choose you along the way or did you choose your shoes?
Do you know which shoes fit you best?
Whichever ones you wear, lace them up tight and take long strides with confidence. And know that it’s a privilege to even have any shoes at all.
