I picked up this pair of Nike’s at an outlet store back in May, 2001. It’s now May 2013. These sneakers have been through a lot, and I’ve glued, duck-taped, and stapled them quite a few times. Right now they’re just about the most comfortable footwear I own. So here’s a tribute to them. Click to enlarge and see the grungy details. Read on after the pictures to find out why I’d hold onto these things for so long…

I tend to keep clothes and shoes for a very long time – as I sit here writing this everything I’m wearing is more than 5 years old, and my T-shirt (Williamsburg Oil Paint!) is 11 years old. When some studies suggest that the average American buys 68 items of clothing and 7 pairs of shoes PER YEAR (cited by Elizabeth Cline here), I guess my apparel choices are atypical. I would love to say that this is because I’m so environmentally-minded and progressive, but really I just like to be comfortable. When I find a shirt or a pair of shoes that works, I stick with it. At this point these garments are witnesses to my life. When I wear them I remember the past and that helps me shape the present and the future.