My wife tells me, "Go to Comfort One for new shoes."
I say, "But I don't want to go get nerdy shoes there."
Like in most arguments, my wife wins and in I march, reluctantly, to the store.
First, they take this scan of my feet (something that looks like the picture above) to show me where my foot is getting pressure (and pain).
Okay, well I already know this, but when you see all the red on the picture, I guess it helps to scare you to getting an expensive new pair of orthopedic-like shoes.
But first, they sell me on some arch supports that slides into the shoe...they seem to feel pretty good, and in fact, after walking around in them for a little while, I actually miss them when I finally take them off.
Give me back those darn arch supports, will ya?
Next, we see these amazing Mephisto shoes (with "soft-air technology")...made in Europe...the salesman says, their built like a tank.
My wife says, "Oh, my aunt told me to get those too!" We now have a bona fide endorsement.
I pick up the shoe on display and it look like it is pretty rugged with all the right support for walking around...maybe I got to get over that it looks to me like old people shoes (from Haband).
Hey, what do you want Andy--to feel good on your feet or to look like your 18 again.
Okay, I try them on...with the arch supports inserted...and what do you know, I am walking a heck of a lot better.
Well, what about the price...holy crap, I can get 3 pairs of cool shoes at REI for one of these nerdy pairs.
Oh darn it, I have no choice...I am walking better, especially with the hip surgeries from last year still looming behind me.
I get the shoes, I get the arches...I pay the money--too much money!
I feel nerdy or so nerdy, but maybe I'm going for the healing power, G-d willing, of a good pair of supportive shoes.
My wife was right again, and I hate to admit it, but please don't tell her I said so--it's bad for her ego and mine. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
