New Chucks.

I have had some low-cut Chucks since 2004. They are black, since they match my favorite socks, which are puke/lime green. They were super dorky and too-clean for a long time. Then they got broken in a little. I discovered that they are the best cycling shoes; at least, that I like them best. This year, finally, they were awesome. Falling apart and beaten-up just right. But the week before last, I realized why my feet were so freaking cold. A big ole’ hole in the back of my right shoe.

So I started all over and bought some new ones. I kicked around a dozen colors, from red (”chili”) to tan to green. I picked grey. “Charcoal.” I debated tying them to my bike and running them through some mud and road dirt, but that just felt kind of inauthentic and stupid. And that I might rip them and have to buy more. The color makes them look almost faded already, and I’m not one of those dorky dudes with shiny Chucks. Plus, they totally match those socks.