Goodbye to My Boots

This is sad, y'all, and if it were cowboy boots, this would be a hit Country song. I've had these here boots for almost 20 years--I know, 20 years! And now it's time to say goodbye. Can't wear 'em anymore because of my dang right foot. I've tried everything I know to make them comfortable again, but it hasn't worked.

So I've bought some new Harley boots, and they seem to fit right, at least for now. But will I have them 20 years later? This is silly, I know--they're just boots. Funny how we get attached to things. It isn't the boots themselves but what they represent.

I could shine these boys up and wear them with most anything, and I always looked sexy (*wink*). They're tough and have held up for years. They're actually Air Force boots that I bought in an Army-Navy surplus store. I've worn them everywhere, while hiking and while on the motorcycle. They've been covered in mud and soaking wet, and reheeled at least 3 or 4 times.

If it weren't for my delicate big toe bone, I could keep wearing them. Ah well, rest in peace my loyal boots. You served me well! I know it's probably just the codeine I'm on for my cold, but I--I got a little something in my eye...

Goodbye to My Boots

This is sad, y'all, and if it were cowboy boots, this would be a hit Country song. I've had these here boots for almost 20 years--I know, 20 years! And now it's time to say goodbye. Can't wear 'em anymore because of my dang right foot. I've tried everything I know to make them comfortable again, but it hasn't worked.

So I've bought some new Harley boots, and they seem to fit right, at least for now. But will I have them 20 years later? This is silly, I know--they're just boots. Funny how we get attached to things. It isn't the boots themselves but what they represent.

I could shine these boys up and wear them with most anything, and I always looked sexy (*wink*). They're tough and have held up for years. They're actually Air Force boots that I bought in an Army-Navy surplus store. I've worn them everywhere, while hiking and while on the motorcycle. They've been covered in mud and soaking wet, and reheeled at least 3 or 4 times.

If it weren't for my delicate big toe bone, I could keep wearing them. Ah well, rest in peace my loyal boots. You served me well! I know it's probably just the codeine I'm on for my cold, but I--I got a little something in my eye...

What To Do With My Old Boots?

I love a good pair of boots. In fact, I have this one pair, my favorite, that I've had since the early 90s, almost 18 years. They've been so comfy, sturdy, reliable, sexy-lookin' and great for riding the motorcycle or even hiking. I bought them in an Army Surplus store and I was told they're actually Air Force-issue boots.

Today, they're obviously worn and nicked up, but I have showered care on them, keeping them polished and reheeled. We've been through a lot together and in all kinds of situations and conditions. But a couple of years ago, I noticed that one in particular wasn't as comfortable. The doctor said it was just age (great, doc, thanks) and my foot was changing, so I might want to consider buying new shoes in general. I did, but I kept wearing the boots. Just a little discomfort now and then, nothing serious. Nothing worth buying new boots over.

But the boots have grown more uncomfortable. I've tried different kinds of heels, inserts, thicker socks. These solutions might work for a while, but eventually the foot pain returns. (I don't have this pain while wearing my other shoes or while barefoot, FYI.) Despite all this, I just can't get rid of these boots! I've thought about it, and I've checked out other boots, but haven't made the leap yet.

I've been wearing them all this week, and so it's occurred to me that nothing lasts forever, and it's time for new boots. Who knows--I may discover a new favorite pair.

So here's my question: Can people be like old boots?

What To Do With My Old Boots?

I love a good pair of boots. In fact, I have this one pair, my favorite, that I've had since the early 90s, almost 18 years. They've been so comfy, sturdy, reliable, sexy-lookin' and great for riding the motorcycle or even hiking. I bought them in an Army Surplus store and I was told they're actually Air Force-issue boots.

Today, they're obviously worn and nicked up, but I have showered care on them, keeping them polished and reheeled. We've been through a lot together and in all kinds of situations and conditions. But a couple of years ago, I noticed that one in particular wasn't as comfortable. The doctor said it was just age (great, doc, thanks) and my foot was changing, so I might want to consider buying new shoes in general. I did, but I kept wearing the boots. Just a little discomfort now and then, nothing serious. Nothing worth buying new boots over.

But the boots have grown more uncomfortable. I've tried different kinds of heels, inserts, thicker socks. These solutions might work for a while, but eventually the foot pain returns. (I don't have this pain while wearing my other shoes or while barefoot, FYI.) Despite all this, I just can't get rid of these boots! I've thought about it, and I've checked out other boots, but haven't made the leap yet.

I've been wearing them all this week, and so it's occurred to me that nothing lasts forever, and it's time for new boots. Who knows--I may discover a new favorite pair.

So here's my question: Can people be like old boots?