Going to try to start on 2 simple SS record players

[TC Chris]

I buy a new pair of running shoes about once a year. I can't run any more but I wear them for the daily after-work hike, about 3-1/2 miles. After a year the bottoms are worn out and, more recently, the tops too. There's always a hole on top where my big toes lift. The new pair gets used for the walking route and the old pair gets downgraded to utility service--weekend chores, working in the yard, etc. The uppers are less durable than they used to be and I gripe about that the running shoe store downtown. I have a vast collection of worn-out running shoes that are still mostly functional but not very classy because of the various holes. But gee, if you're painting or digging in the dirt or stuff like that, you don't want to wear good shoes. At the beginning of the pandemic when it was not clear what the primary mode of transmission was, I had a couple pairs reserved for grocery store trips and they came off as soon as I passed my door. They're still sitting in the back hall. I have enough shoes "good for painting" to survive ten full-house paint jobs. And I have a vinyl house.

Chris Campbell

[Firedome]

I bought a pair of orange Converse classic Chucks about 40 yrs ago, wore those out, bought a purple pair about 10 yrs later, and gave them to my son's friend with the same foot size about 2 yrs ago as they hadn't fit for a long time and like new. My feet got wider/longer. Used to wear 10.5, now 11.5 or 12, depending. For the last 20 yrs bought only cheap Avias or Gravis or similar on-sale walking shoes at Boscov's or the big Burton sale in VT, never for more than $20. Wear 'em for 3-5 yrs then they become lawn mowing shoes. If I have a say I'll never wear a leather dress shoe again, I have a pr of black Pro-Walkers for formal occasions: funerals, weddings etc. that are very comfortable, and a pair of 10 yr old Croc sandals for the beach and summer, and 35 yr old Birkenstock sandals. Even still have the black leather dress boot-style buckle shoes I got married in August 1971, over 50 yrs ago. Too bad they're too tight now, just can't bear to toss them.

[electra225]

Chucks, back in the 1960's were almost impossible to wear out. They had reinforced, double layer uppers and heavy, thick rubber soles. Basketball players, even in the NBA wore them back then. They weighed about five pounds apiece, but were durable to the extreme. When they came out with the Coach series, they were lighter and not as durable. Girls could wear them. Converse had the market sewed up until Nike came out. They brought out the Coach series, then later the "New and improved" All Stars to compete with Nike. The NBA had moved on to other footwear by that time, so their main source of sales evaporated. I sure wanted a purple pair in the worst way.