When you’re 6′5 and have a size 13-16.5 shoe (you’d be amazed at how much it varies), finding something that fits the first time is impossible. Aside from my late pair, I haven’t been able to walk into a store and try shoes/boots on in a decade. Instead, I have to order online and that definitely leads to a lot of returned products. However, tonight I opened a magical gift from my dad…steel toed, steel shanked, and even waterproofed Tim’s. I really wanted the John Deere version of these boots but they are out of stock until March at every store in America…trust me on that one. However, I can’t wait that long and that’s what leads me to this post.
A man grows fond of his boots with time. The first time they slide onto your feet, he thinks son of a *****, these things are not comfortable! But wearing boots before, he knows with time they will be a part of his body. For me, this part of my body happened to be a pair of Wolverines I did actually find in the Anderson’s (please note this was a once-in-a-lifetime situation). They were size 13, which I never thought I could get my big ol’ foot in ever again. These were not comfortable at all, but the price was right, and after my mom sold my $178 pair to some Hispanics at a garage sale for $20, I was in need.
After 4 years, these boots were a part of me. Finally broken in and the most comfortable pair of anything I’ve ever had on my feet. Plastisol ink, mud, dog poo, fertilizer, mulch, tree chippings, vomit…everything you can imagine has graced these boots. Last winter though, they took a turn for the worst. Walking to teach a class in -29 degree windchill weather led to the “waterproof” leather cracking. From there, water started to pour in like an open dam. About three weeks ago, I noticed my left toes were rather chilly. Upon further research, I discovered the sole was no longer attached. Great timing as snow is now covering the ground. When my dad asked what I wanted for Christmas, it pained me to say it, but I needed new boots. After everything we’ve been through, including the 9 pairs of laces I’ve replaced, nights out on the town working as a bouncer/barback and also enjoying life, and many hours of intense outdoor labor, it was time to say goodbye.
They are sitting on my front porch right now if anyone wants them. Abused, lonely, cold, insides half missing, outsides all cracked up…feel free to come take them as they don’t look bad at a quick glance! As for me, I’ve found a new piece of me in my new Timberland Pro series steel toe waterproof work boots. For steel toes, I can’t believe how comfortable they actually were when I first put them on. It was that comfort that made me know they will be ok, and grow on me like the rest of them. Hopefully for years to come…
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