No, those aren’t two unbaked baguettes, but my new sneakers. Despite their dull, middle-aged character, I think they’re rather special because
- they’re not made of leather
- they are made in the United States
- they came in size 12AA
My nearby New Balance store got these in today and I was happy to pay $90 for them. Because I demanded certain qualities — relatively ethical manufacture and a proper fit — I had to give up the convenience of getting shoes off the shelf, a sexier style and paying bottom dollar. (Not that they’re aren’t sweatshop-made sneaks at twice the price.) Some trade-offs are worth making.
My point is not that everyone should shop like me, or only buy New Balance 811s but I would ask you to consider what you value before you buy it, and not what an advertiser thinks you should value. With a little research and some patience, you can have what you really want. Or decide you didn’t really want the thing at all.
Nicely done! 12 narrow is a hard size to find too.
Does everyone have the visual? I’m 6’4″, a bit portly, with 12AA feet.
I tend to tip over and Hubby — 4 years today! — is sometimes a literal support.
I have to buy NB because they are the only shoes I’ve found that fit my 10 1/2EE feet with skyscraper high arches properly.
Outstanding choice! I love New Balance. (You can guess where I got mine.) 😉
@ Katharine. Hmm, a kindly shoe seller I don’t wonder.
While I had to make do with 11 D when I really need a 10 1/2 E I got a great deal off the shelf on New Balance 476 trail runners that were non-leather and “Made in the USA.” I’m pretty sure I would have had to pay $30 more to get a wide width pair. I’ve given serious thought to raiding my local Big 5 and Sports Authority to buy another pair for when I wear these out.
I’d really like to find a nice pair of vegan oxfords or wing tips to wear with a suit that I can afford outside of the usual sweatshop sources.
@ James.
I’m wearing these right now. Not cheap, but great quality.
http://veganstore.com/non-leather-shoes/shoes-by-style/mens-dress-and-semi-dress/no-bull-capital-shoes,-black/Page_1/926-BK.html
With wide feet and a high instep I have a tendency to destroy them, particularly non-leather shoes, making me very hesitant to spend that much.