The shoes were $150... If I remember correctly. Okay, maybe they were $2-something. The Vibram soles were invented to provide the greatest traction on a very wide range of surfaces. Originally made for mountaineerers, these soles are apart of the "best" hiking, field and stream shoes. Of course I had to have the best because I am more high maintainance than I think, but the fact that I've been wearing and abusing these same shoes for 2 years says that I'm doing really well in my recent poverty stricken situation.

These shoes have been everywhere. They've tromped through muddy rivers, chased lizards across rocky mountains, and they've kept me upright on thick sheets of ice and snow. They've chased babies and dogs and cats. They've played soccer and have been left outside, dirty and wet in the cold. The very quality of the shoe says that the best is available to me and I prefer the best... The current look of the shoe says that I am an abusive master who will run everything and everyone into the ground... and in a short while, my new vibram soled shoes will reveal that after I've run the best shoes into the ground, I have no problem going out and getting a new pair in which I will abuse in exactly the same way. History proves that they will be unrecognizeable by the time I'm done with them.

So, if my shoes say anything, it's probably a loud warning to NOT put me in charge of a group of people. I most likely will expect too much and then demand a full performance that is above and beyond the norm. And not just once, but repetedly for years until there is nothing left to recognize the souls that once were. And when I'm finally done with them, I will toss them aside and start all over again.

But... My shoes, because I wear these pair to do EVERYTHING, say that I am loyal and real. You will not find me changing who I am to adapt. I can adapt and fit in while remaining the same person who wears the same ol' shoes everywhere.