32 years old shoes

I bought these shoes when I went to Rome, Italy in 1994. In the Ferragamo store, I saw these on the clearance rack. No wonder no one was buying it, the size was rare very small under size 5 (22.5cm). Yes, I have very small feet, and finding my size is difficult so I don’t usually enjoy shoe shopping. Although it was over my spending budget, of course I bought them because they fit. I was only 21 years old and YOLOing life or didn’t know how to spend money. Japanese people loved high end brands back then around the economic bubble time. We admired all kinds of fashion brands even though we were not rich. Everyone was obsessed. So I guess that’s why I bought them.

I didn’t have much chance to wear though. My life didn’t turn out to be that fancy, lol. Today what I want is a mini farm homestead, not the nice shoes or handbags. But anyways, I kept these shoes. Because they never gone bad. Just look at them, this artisan made quality is real. Synthetic leather shoes never last this long. Real leather vs synthetic seems like a never ending debate. I never found another pair of shoes fit well like these. After 32 years still wearable holding shape… except, I just found today, the sole part is deteriorating. Ahh, plastic.

Maybe there is a way to get that part replaced. I’m not doing that now, but maybe in future. Or never. Starting seeing all kinds of plastic items breaking down to become microplastic makes me hopeless. The earth is covered with microplastic already. We fucked it up. Too late. 

For now I just adore this quality item made by those skilled human hands with precision. I appreciate it. Now I start wondering how to make shoes without plastic. Weave with hemp cords? Curve the wood? Or better being barefoot more often. Back to the primitive living is the only way I guess.

Stop buying Temu crap and save your money. Buy the items for life. 

(Wait, what? These shoes cost how much now?! Okay never mind, just forget it.)