The first time I saw the Adidas x BAPE Ultraboost first Green Camo sneakers, I just knew I had to get them. After all, I was a naive teenager blown away by American hype culture in 2016. After begging my mother numerous times, I got my hands on a pair of Ultraboosts.
I wore them everywhere — school, soccer camps, weddings and even funerals. But ever since I started university, my preference for sneakers has changed from hype pieces to comfort. From looking at Instagram to tracking what sneakers Travis Scott, Kanye West or Pharrell were releasing, to visiting a podiatrist for recommendations has been quite the transition for me.
This transition was not easy, multiple occurrences of foot pain and being uncomfortable throughout the day in my Nike runners pushed me towards this decision. I can recall the times when I would go to bed and my foot pain would keep me up for an extended period of time.
Since I purchased my On Cloudrunner 3s back in May, I have walked almost 100 km in those shoes, and they are still holding up great, although they are due for a wash.
Given that my pair of Cloudrunners have seen everything but snow, I have been considering getting a second pair from Saucony or Brooks. One brand that I will be avoiding is HOKA — for no rational reason, I seem to despise them. Ironically, all these shoe brands are associated with the culture of “Disney Dad” shoes.
Despite wishing to get another pair of practical shoes, I would be lying if I did not acknowledge that I have been fascinated by a canvas shoe like the Maison Margiela GAT replica, or the Adidas BW Army if I wanted to stay within my budget. But the problem with canvas shoes is that they do not fit my wide, structured foot, so I am left only with the option of sizing up, which I dislike doing.
I like to go to the Running Room on Pembina Highway for new shoes, soon I will stop by and pick up another pair of shoes that would provide me with the same comfort and heel support as my Cloudrunners.
When I have another $250 to spare, I might finally pull the trigger and buy another pair.
Writing about all this just makes me reminisce about my youth, when I never felt physical pain and thought I was indestructible in my hypebeast shoes.
