Converse

I’ve worn Converse high-tops since I was a teenager. It’s not just because they were the “alternative” shoe. I have a connective tissue disorder and have always had ankle issues. I also struggle with knowing where I spatially. Converse prevents my ankles from rolling and gives me a “signal” about where my ankles relative to everything else. I also have a hard time with swelling, and I can let out the lacing in the toe box to accommodate that. There have been times when All Stars were the only shoes I could wear after an injury.

The only time I felt uncomfortable about the brand was when a political candidate ran a campaign where All Stars were allegedly a “secret signal” of support. Unhinged people online decided the different colors meant you supported one candidate over another. I love red Converse because I like the color red. Older ladies would glare and make mean comments. If the shoes looked like their candidate’s shoe colors (according to the cheat-sheet they made), they’d walk up and talk in a weird code. They’d also show their recently-purchased shoes and say they were uncomfortable. I really wish companies would stay out of politics completely, especially now that some people are so violent about it.

To me, Converse are comfortable once you break them in.

I bought a pair of pink sparkle Converse after that. I don’t know what they symbolize politically, but they were on Clearance for $20, and I was elated.