Fashion For the Ages!

Converse shoes. Nearly every teenager nowadays has a pair... or two... or three (like me!).

The great thing about these shoes is that they change with the ages. The original canvas models were made for basketball players to support their ankles on the court. Now, they come in all sorts of colors, styles, and materials: leather, canvas, suede, high-tops, low-tops, ultra high-tops, and everything in-between.

I have the misfortune of being cursed with loose joints, which has led to weak ankles. Converse high-tops have been the most stylish support solution (as compared to dull black braces in normal gym shoes). They're great for kicking back and hanging out. Another great thing: they're machine washable! Except for the leather ones...

The best part is that they have a shoe for every person, style, and outfit imaginable. Some of my friends have walked the school hallway in denim shoes, marked-up leather, purple bedazzled kicks, and even microchip/cyborg style sneakers. (I must admit to possession of black-and-red plaid textile, flower watercolor canvas, and basic black leather high-tops. I love them all!)

Not only are these shoes manufactured to be varied- but they are customizable to! Most of the shoes have a white (or other pale color) rubber toe. A creative application of ink pens and Sharpies in the back of a boring class can lead to instant artwork! Some of my friends have even used their shoes to collect phone numbers from new buds at summer camps or to write down their BFF's birthday. If you want a completely custom shoe, go to the Converse website where you can design and order your own pair. You can even get your name stitched onto the heel!

Sam, the main character in my upcoming short story, JUST ONE OF THE GUYS, loves her pink high-tops, as shown on the cover (left). They go with absolutely everything!

So what are your favorite shoes? Do you have Converse or do you prefer another brand/style? I want to know how you like to dress your feet!

Top photo courtesy of myshoeblog.com

Iris Black

enter Sam's Space now!
JUST ONE OF THE GUYS coming soon from Quake Publishing!