So I was looking at my sandals that are beat all to hell, and I realized that they are in such terrible shape because they are so well-worn and well-loved.
When I started grad school, I lived in a cold climate, and I kept having issues with my right ankle. The ankle issues weren’t exactly new–I’ve had problems with my legs for years. When I was younger, it was attributed to growing pains. But I knew, for instance, at a very young age to elevate my leg if it were giving me trouble. I can vividly remember spending the night at my friend’s house (when I was 9? 10?) and being in tears because my ankle hurt and having to elevate it to go to sleep.
Right. So not new to ankle pain.
Anyway, I thought it had been acting up because of the cold, but it was bad enough that the doctor prescribed me orthotics. The orthotics were all well and good until I moved to the balmy clime of Florida, land of the flip flop and sandal. Oh, and I could no longer blame the cold for my ankle issues.
More doctor visits, and this time I was instructed to get some sandals/shoes with good support. More specifically, it was recommended that I get some Birkenstocks.
I am on my third pair of these. I don’t understand people who have had the same pair for over 20 years, since the longest mine have lasted is maybe three, and that includes getting them re-soled. Probably because I can’t deal with the grody foot bed. But I digress. source
Doing so changed my life. I can teach in my Birkenstocks and not be in pain at the end of the day. This is HUGE. I can also walk around theme parks without wanting to throw in the towel before the day is over.
It’s pretty great.
It also showed me that I had to invest in good footwear. My personal budget for footwear was around $50-60, and that was for sneakers. I never wanted to spend more than $20 for sandals. And that was a lot! And it also meant no more flip flops. Or whatever other super flat sandal is in style and adorable and that I want. But to kick it back to yesterday’s letter A post, I had to accept that those types of shoes would not serve me. Even if they would look amazing.
Oh well.
So, yes, I am grateful for Birkenstocks, the sandals that helped save my ankle.
Blogging from A to Z is a challenge that runs through the month of April.
For the Blogging from A to Z Challenge this year, my theme is gratitude. Every day, I am going to post about something I am grateful for. Tune in tomorrow to see what I pick for C.
Love this challenge !
I love, love, love Birks. They have helped me remain moving, safely, for years now. I get that they’re frumpy and hippy-dippy, but I don’t care. They are much more sane than heels, and I suspect will keep me walking long after my peers who wore 4″ heels all the time are shuffling along on bad feet in the nursing home corridors. [Me? Snarky?! Really?]
Yesssssssssss. I also had a rolling backpack in college and one of my friends said she was too cool for that, and I was like, “Honey, I’m beyond cool.” I also just bought a pair of sensible flats from Dansko because that’s the brand the nurses wear. I’m not that pressed to be cute.
“Honey, I’m beyond cool.” Best line of the day! ????
If you’re teaching, comfortable shoes are an absolute must. I know that from experience.
John Holton
A to Z Challenge Co-Host
The Sound Of One Hand Typing
When I lived and taught at ASU, Birks were almost a requirement. At a place where one could literally fry an egg on the sidewalk, it was a necessity to wear sturdy, protective, stable footwear for getting through the day, and Birks met all those requirements. I couldn’t live without them. Ouch, the only thing I hated was breaking them in. Talk about blisters!!