An Ode to My Beloved Chacos

The fact that my favorite shoes in the entire world share the same name as the site of my master's research is not lost on me.  I am well aware, and it has been pointed out by many people.  It is not, however, any part of the reason why I originally bought Chaco sandals, nor is it why I love them so much.  I love them because they are pretty much the best shoe in the entire world.  Ever.

I have been wearing my Chacos almost every day (literally, probably 300 out of every 365 days) for the last six years [seriously, I will post the photo of my foot tan lines again if I have to].  They have traveled with me to four continents.  They have waded through rivers, hiked up mountains, and trekked across deserts.  They have squatted in numerous excavation units, climbed over countless rocks, and they've been warmed by many a campfire.  These shoes have lived quite the life.  Sadly, this life is now at its end.

The straps on my Chacos are frayed.  The once blue and green designs have faded to almost nothing.  The soles are worn thin and no longer have much of a grip at all.  Their current level of stink is both offensive and irreversible.  It is time.

Today I have purchased brand new Chacos.  They are lovely and clean (and green!), and will probably be my new favorite shoes.  I will probably wear them 300 out of every 365 days of the year for the next six years.  Chances are, I won't allow myself to throw out the old pair for at least a few months, and even then I may have to keep a piece one of the straps just for posterity's sake.  That is, of course, assuming the stink has faded by then.