Walk a mile in some shoes.
written by Julie R. Neidlinger 5 comments link this postIt's not a recent post, but one I've been keeping my eye on.
What is the deal with shoes, anyway?
The first thing I notice when I meet a woman is her shoes. I don't know what guys check out when they meet someone new, but I look at the footwear. I used to tell my friend Sarah that you could tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wore.
I like shoes that aren't typical, though they must be inexpensive. Pointy-toed high heel boots, classic 1940's ankle strap high-heel shoes, loafers (not really meant for loafing), tennies held together by tape, bright yellow vinyl rain boots, Ropers, red leather boots, velvet slip-on flats from Germany, shoes from the second-hand store that I have altered into oblivion...I dress dowdy but the shoes get to sing.
But wearing shoes for attracting men? Huh? Do they even notice? I've long thought women only wore cool or exotic shoes to get other women to ask where they got them so they could perpetuate the cycle. I really didn't (and still kind of don't) think guys even notice the stupid things on the feet of women. Why would they? They're shoes. There are sweaty, stinky feet inside. Yuck. Women wear shoes to impress other women. That's my theory.
"We became best friends over a pair of shoes."
"I lost my best friend over a pair of shoes."
I wonder if guys ever realized how common the phrase "I like your shoes" is among women, and the secret meanings behind it. These meanings are:
- I like your shoes so I don't like you.
- I like your shoes, but I bet you have bunions.
- I just like your shoes.
- Boy, she's an idiot to be wearing shoes like that. Her feet must kill.
- I wouldn't be caught dead in those ugly shoes.
- Show-off.
- Ha. I'd like to see her get away from an assailant in those shoes.
- What a waste of money. How many outfits are going to go with lemon yellow pumps?
- I like her shoes, therefore I think I'll like you.
- I'd like to borrow your shoes but I'm concerned about athlete's foot.
But now, in light of GirlFriday's post, I wonder. I wear high heels because (dramatic pause here) - I'm really short. It seems a practical solution to looking people in the eye, those higher heels. They also give me a chance to trip and fall, an activity I'm known for, which is good for keeping me humble. Plus, as all women know, no matter how depressing and impossible it is to go shopping and find clothes that both fit decently and modestly, you can always find a pair of shoes that will fit.
That, or a book.
You should see my book collection. Do books attract? At least there's nothing sweaty and stinky inside. Except maybe in something written by Michael Moore.
| tag: shoes |
Copyright (c) Julie R. Neidlinger 5/02/2006 12:00:00 AM
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5 Comments:
You're short?
By 
Nodak Jack, at
2/5/06 08:08
Ha ha, that's cute.
Almost 5'3" to be exact.
Perhaps I've always worn high heels. MY POINT EXACTLY. Ha.
By Julie, at
2/5/06 18:09
The PC reference for short is "Vertically Challenged".
By 
, at
3/5/06 09:10
I'm impressed. Your post touches on an interesting facet of human interaction amongst (most specifically) Women. I would certainly agree with you, in that the simple phrase "I like your shoes" contains a tidal wave of potential meaning. In any case, I found this blog on accident but it looks like you have an insightful viewpoint on life. Keep on blogging and remember: The most important thing in the world is to find beauty and happiness in the world, no matter the circumstances
By , at
26/4/07 12:46
you can always find a pair of shoes that will fit.
Unless you're cursed with wide feet. Try finding any remotely stylish heels with those. Short + flats (which for some reason they seem to make not so narrow) = still short. :3
By , at
8/6/07 15:11
