I’ll admit, I have issues with my feet. It’s not the size or the fact that they’re kind of flat that bothers me. Rather, it’s the unnerving twitch I get in between my toes every time I walk past a pair of beautiful shoes. It’s a strong physical reaction and I know I’m not the only one out there who experiences it. Although I know I should really get help, I wonder why shoes have such power over people’s lives?
Whether you have a thing about shoes in one colour or enough to put Imelda Marcos to shame, either way, people have issues with their shoes now more than ever.
Bernard, 23 – The Soloist
People have asked why I only own one pair of shoes. The answer – they’re my favourite. They’ve been with me through almost everything! We’ve formed so many memories together it’s almost as if they’re my best friend. So much so that I never felt the urge to go out and get another pair of shoes. Why go ruin such a beautiful relationship? And of course it helps that they’re black and white-those colours never go out of fashion! I feel that shoes are the best way to express myself. I can get quite reserved when I’m in an unfamiliar place with strange new people and striking up a conversation with people on their shoes usually helps with breaking the ice. I’m not into flashy colours or shoes with lots of bells and whistles. So for me, comfort is key. One day I might get another pair but I don’t see that day coming for a long time.
Adila, 22 – The Brand Fan
It started off when a friend of mine was working at an Adidas store. She always gave me a good discount whenever I wanted to get shoes and it was just so convenient that I think I just got used to wearing Adidas shoes. I just really like shoes from Adidas. It’s just that the shoes they come out with always seem to fit so well and at the same time look so good. My friends constantly tell me that all my shoes seem to look the same, guess they are sort of right. If I find something I like, I’ll buy it in triplicate, just in different colours. Same goes for my clothes as well. I never used to be so picky about shoes. I do have shoes that aren’t Adidas but I only wear them once in a blue moon. I’ve had people call me ‘Adidas’ instead of ‘Adila’, guess it’s easier to remember and it’s also very appropriate.
Hattie, 24 – The Fanatic
It’s my grandma’s fault really. She bought me my first pair of boots. Of course my mother didn’t like them, but I loved them so much and wore them so many times, I’ve had to bring them to the shoe repair shop all the time. I’ve got close to 300 pairs of shoes; half of them I’ve worn only once or twice. I usually get a pair a week. And when my pay cheque comes in, most of it goes into buying shoes. My favourite pair would be these furry platform boots with teeth. I got them instead of going to Schoolies. They’re a bit of fun but I’d be scared if I saw someone wearing them. I usually don’t really care about brands, just as long as the shoe is interesting. The most I’ve ever paid for a pair of shoes is $1800. They were a collector’s item and were part of the 1999 Mercedes Australian Fashion Week. I’ve worked at Shoobiz and Scooter since I finished school. It does sort of help when I’m buying shoes. If my shoes could talk, they’d probably say I’m a really fun, groovy chick to hang out with.