When you're a kid, especially a kid who's active in sports, having the latest and greatest shoe is one of the most important things in your life. Having played basketball for years, from the ages of roughly 8-18, having the very best high top basketball shoe played a very important role in my life. While trivial and stupid today, as I reflect, I know I'm not the only one who grew up with this mindset.
Today, in what would be embarrassing for my younger self to witness, I look for high quality shoes at the lowest price. The age of cool designs no longer make a difference to me. If I can get two years from a $45.00 pair of shoes then I'm quite happy.
