Maybe a pair of flip flops doesn't can't constitute an "era," but when you've been wearing the same pair as long as I have, they sort of become part of you. I bought this pair of Rainbows when I was a sophomore in college (that was TEN years ago, for those of you keeping track). And they've held up amazingly well. The leather conformed to my feet, and the straps were tight enough that they didn't fly off when I tried to run in them.
(Yes, this is the exact same pair of shoes in the same color, believe it or not. The good people at Rainbow make one helluva shoe. And I apparently walk around in mud fairly regularly.)
But after about a decade, my right big toe wasn't getting to join in the fun of having a barrier between it and the ground anymore, and the leather was so cracked that it was pinching the the bottom of my feet. Also, Trusty Boyfriend called them "gross" on more than one occasion and was visibly embarrassed when I'd wear them in public, so it was time for a new pair.
Oh, I agonized. I have a couple of pairs of Tevas and some Chacos I like pretty well, but man - the Rainbows were my faves. I went to Mountain High Outfitters during lunch yesterday, and tried on a few things. I even considered a pair of Tom's, but those just made me look homeless.
I was sad. I needed something new, but just couldn't bring myself to buy any of these flippies. So what did I do?
I bought the exact same pair.
(Yes, this is the exact same pair of shoes in the same color, believe it or not. The good people at Rainbow make one helluva shoe. And I apparently walk around in mud fairly regularly.)I guess when you find something that works, you should stick with it. So that's what I'm doing. This pair was $50 with tax, but if you factor that they last for 10 years, that price comes out to 1.3 cents a day. I mean, bargain!
What are your favorite, go-to casual shoes? These new Rainbows just won't be the same, but at least I won't have to touch the floors of public restrooms with my bare toe anymore.
Ten years for a single pair of shoes you love, priceless! $50 is a bargain. I have a red robe that my husband gave me for Christmas probably 15 years ago that I still wear. It has a tear in it that can't be repaired, but it's the perfect weight, some robes weight like 14 lbs. I'm sure people would think I look homeless in it too, but unlike your beloved flip flops, no one sees my robe.
ReplyDeleteMy husband got me a pair of Yellow Box flips for Mother's Day...and I love them!!!
ReplyDeleteDuh, same pair of rainbows as you, but in midget size because of my midget feet.
ReplyDeleteAw, I love Rainbows-- so comfy! My go-to casual shoes are the plastic $3.50 flip flops from Old Navy, but new pairs never compare to the worn in ones! :)
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason, this story makes me happy. God Speed old flip flops. God speed.
ReplyDeleteOh, if these shoes could talk...
ReplyDeleteAlex was right... ew! :) Glad you moved on... sort of.
ReplyDeleteI love my rainbows! Your older pair is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteOk seriously I had the same pair of Rainbows for 10 years, and I too wore out the area under the right toe. Mom came into town and threw them out (not only in the trash as I had retrieved them from there more than once, but straight down the trash chute at my condo). I just bought my new Rainbows a month ago and am in break them in mode - they still look too yellow and new.
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