‘Soleful’ Sojourn into Solace of Sensational Shoes
Before I wander into this week’s whirl of wonder, let it be known that we, in this United States, have a fond fascination with footwear. So, let’s take a sneak peek into the sanctity of sneakers, slippers and all other sensational shoes and the obsession surrounding them!
As far back as I can remember, the fittings of my feet held higher esteem than the fabrics fitting my frame. You may remember the story of my Grandmother Anna Day insisting on only the finest foundations and professional fittings for my then-petite feet. Thank you Grandma and Armstrong’s Shoe Store on the square for actuating my infatuation with footgear. Here I am, over 6 decades later, pondering the possibility that I, in fact, have a sure-fire idée fixe in this area of fine fashion.
As I take a gander at Google’s grasp on the subject, it suggests that there is no “normal” that postulates the perfect sum of shoes. It insinuates that one must take into consideration such variables as each individual’s needs, geographic location and gender, to name a few. However, some may surmise that when planning your individual ensemble, one selects their shoes first (check). Or, perhaps, one may own the same pair of shoes but in multiple colors. (check – but I refuse to reveal just how many Malibu Blowfish canvas sneakers constellate in my closet). And the big reveal of the heel is … when you travel, you need an extra suitcase or bag for your shoes. (Oh snap! Another CHECK!) However, I proudly proclaim that I do not possess the proclivity of emplacing every paycheck toward the purchase of a new pair. (Google’s factoid #4, for which I am NOT guilty).
A deeper delve into the desired designs of modern footwear fancies that the average number of shoes per person globally amounts to seven or eight, while the United States averages closer to 19 pairs for the ladies and 12 for the gents. (I’m still not owning up to my own personal proportion. I have the right to remain silent!). On this point, I claim my pleasure of the purchase on “the Dopamine Effect.” The masterminds of mainstream mass marketing fathom that behind the scenes of every successful shopping spree is the release of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter. The act of purchasing new shoes triggers a pleasurable response in the brain, contributing to the phenomenon of “retail therapy.” Understanding this dopamine effect helps unravel why the pursuit of the perfect pair can become an emotionally rewarding addiction. (I mean “experience.”)
I rest my case and admit that even though I recently had the urge to purge a pair or two, I will forever find pleasure in the pursuit of the perfect plimsoll!
Branna (McCarty) Shores believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud graduate of NHS and Purdue University, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com