on shoes.

Some look good, but come one size too small.

You force them on, determined to make it work.

They pinch, pinch, pinch at your toes.

Then slowly, the pinching becomes suffocating

     and you think - if only my feet were an inch smaller

Some are trendy, flashy, and all-the-rage.

You "just gotta have them", right here, right now

But they quickly go out of style

     and you think - how last season

Some are comfortable, convenient, and care-free.

You slip them on, slip them off so easily,

But they give you blisters when you run

     and you think - what low-quality

Some look perfect on shelves.

You like the idea, but can't see yourself in them.

Everything seems right, but something's off

     and you think - just not my style

And then there's some that look good, but feel good, too.

You know they're yours the minute you try them on, because

They're like your classic black Chuck-Taylors

Broken in by your feet, molded to your imperfections

Dressed up, dressed down, last year, next year

Laced and double-knotted, so they won't ever fall off.

     and you think - these are the only shoes I'll ever really need.