I remember my father taking me to the far left side of the warehouse, all the way to the

back against the wall.

So Browse the clearance section of the shoe store off of the interstate.

And like any kid in the neighborhood, I'd run the soles off my feet.

When my mother finally noticed the holes, she wouldn't let me play until we went shopping.

After having my size measured, the hunt began for anything remotely cool looking under

$20.

Now with a family of my own, I spent at least three times as much on sneakers for myself.

I'm sure my feet have gotten bigger and there's inflation.

But those are just casual wear.

I need work shoes which run three figures, hiking boots for vacation, rainy season, slippers

for the patio, dress for formal events, and flip-lops for the beach.

Oh and the kids.

Well they do half the running I do and go through twice as many shoes.

Plus there's my wife, Linda, is the shining light of my life and perfectly normal.

Sorry.

I mean I'm amazing in every way and it's not an addiction so stop calling it one.

That's why it's so important to find a decent pair of shoes these days and why I get so frustrated

when the styles change or the brand discontinues the line.

Hiking boots don't change that much thankfully, not for a family of four vacationing once

a year up north.

The littlest one doesn't need any really, not when he's being carried most of the time,

...