I went looking for some new footwear. I fought the heat and the traffic and the crowds and four hours later came back home empty handed because I couldn't get myself to spend 150-250 dollars for some fucking sandals. I think the next stop is K mart and some cheap ass footwear that might last me two years if I am lucky.

[–] Dave 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I would normally quote the Boots Theory, but $150-250 for good quality sandals still seems like too much.

[–] BalpeenHammer 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

That's what merrel, teva, keen, birkenstock etc cost.

[–] Dave 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Well it turns out I'm poor, because I've never heard of any of those brands 🤷

[–] BalpeenHammer 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Really? You haven't heard of those brands? I find that astonishing.

[–] Dave 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Not even a tiny bit! I have no recognition of those names at all. I can't say I know much about shoes though.

For fancy (or at least non-budget) shoe brands, I can think of Nike, New Balance, I think there's one called Ecco (might have that wrong, but the brand I'm thinking of has a store in Wellington). There's a fancy boot store in Wellington too (not work boots, but boots a person might wear to work in an office). I can't remember what it's called though. Someone's name. Robert? Oh, and Sketchers, though I don't think I've ever owned any.

And that's about the end of the list of shoe brands I can name.

It's not like I buy super cheap shoes, I buy shoes that last me a few years or more. But normally sneakers TBH. I'm guessing I'd recognise a few more sneaker brands if I heard them.

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Merrell, Teva, Keen are more outdoors brands. They do a lot of shoes, boots and sandals for walking, hiking and such.

Birkenstock not so much, but has been around a long time and known for quality and comfort (and price). I remember my sister getting gifted some from my grandparents when we were kids. An expensive sandal for kids for sure.

[–] Dave 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Honestly I probably still won't remember these brands even after having a conversation about them!

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Birkenstocks were seen as hippie sandals or dad sandals, but have become really popular in the last few years. You might recognise them if you saw a pic of them

[–] Dave 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Probably not, how often do you look at a man's shoes?

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Maybe it’s me then, but I do notice peoples shoes/clothes, particularly if it’s something popular.

Birkenstocks are pretty obvious for the cork soles and chunky leather straps, unlike most regular jandals/sandals people wear.

[–] Dave 2 points 9 months ago

It was a Shawshank Redemption reference but I also don't notice these things. I don't pay much attention to clothing.