Shoes For The Blogger In Me

Nike Tiempo Guri IC Ronaldinho 10R Red

Why does a man who has not walked for 24 years and probably never will walk again need a pair of sneakers? Actually four pair of shoes and one pair of sandals to be accurate. There is one pair of black slip-ons, one pair loafers with velcro straps, one pair of laced shoes and one pair of sneakers. As I do not walk, the soles do not wear out. None of the shoes I owned since my spinal cord injury had worn out soles. On the other hand, the linings usually give way after two to three years.

The pair of Hush Puppies sandals is the oldest of the lot. It has outlived its lifespan but I am still keeping it because it is the easiest to wear and most comfortable on the feet. The pair of black slip-ons was acquired for my trip to Tokyo to keep my feet warm and dry because it was right in the middle of winter. It is also beginning to show signs of wear and tear. I still wear it to official functions and sometimes for shopping. It is fully broken in and a joy on the feet. The next pair is Clarks suede loafers with velcro straps. I bought it to replace the sandals. I have not worn it much lately because it is a little tight at the broadest part of my feet.

When Metrojaya at Mid Valley Megamall had a sale earlier this year, I got a pair of laced suede that was being offered at a greatly discounted price. It is the on the feet and fitted nicely. I have been wearing this often. My hands are not functional enough to tie the laces. Wuan does that for me. That is my first pair of shoes with laces in a long while.

When Wuan and I were in Ipoh a couple of months back, I got a pair of maroon sneakers at the Nike shop at Kinta City Shopping Centre. The sneakers are called the Tiempo Guri IC. They sport Ronaldinho’s stamped signature on the sides and his Brazil jersey number 10 on the tongue. It was not so much the brand that piqued my interest. It was the design. That pair of sneakers just looked right. I had wanted to buy that same pair when we were in Penang just two days before that but the shop did not carry my size. This shop in Ipoh had my size and was even cheaper by RM10. I simply had to have it. Wuan paid for it as a present to me.

So, back to the question of why a wheelchair user like me needs to own a pair of sneakers? For the very same reasons why people wear shoes. They provide protection against accidental bumps to the feet. This happens very often especially when turning tight corners and opening doors. They prevent my delicate skin that has poor sensation from being nicked while I am transferring from the wheelchair into the car and vice versa. They keep my feet clean. They also to keep my ugly toes covered and away from prying eyes of curious onlookers who never fail to wonder why a man with a pair of legs is using a wheelchair instead of walking.

More importantly, I wear that pair of sneakers to make a fashion statement. Wheelchair users want to look presentable in public too. Wearing them makes me feel sporty and casual. They remind me of the time when I was active, sporty and fashionable. Even now, with them adorning my feet, I feel like I want to just go out there and live it all over again. In short, they make me feel good. Never mind that it is difficult to find clothes to match this shade of red. I love it anyway because its colour matches the theme colour of my blog. Yes, this pair of sneakers is to celebrate the hardcore blogger in me attempting to live life to the fullest. Viva la vida!

Author: Peter Tan

Peter Gabriel Tan. Penangite residing in the Klang Valley. Blissfully married to Wuan. A LaSallian through and through. Slave to three cats. Wheelchair user since 1984. End-stage renal disease since 2017. Principal Facilitator at Peter Tan Training specialising in Disability Equality Training. Former columnist of Breaking Barriers with The Borneo Post. This blog chronicles my life, thoughts and opinions. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

7 thoughts on “Shoes For The Blogger In Me”

  1. Size 10. Big feet you have.

    Don’t think your shoes need to “go” with any other colours of your outfit. Contradiction is in nowadays, I think.

    Peter:
    It is a size 10 but the 10 visible on the insole is part of the “10R” logo denoting Ronaldinho’s Brazil jersey number. Yes, I have big feet. I am a tall man – 180cm when I last measured. And I have gotten used to the contradiction already. 🙂

  2. Hey pete those are awesome futsal shoes! perhaps you can try to kick a few rounds?

    Peter:
    Now you are putting even more ideas into my mind. I wish I could…

  3. I almost bought the 1st version (black with studs) when it launched. I love the design, as described by the designers as “mixing the classic aesthetic and some modernity”. In fact, Ronaldinho was part of the designing team for this boot.

    Peter:
    Yes, it has that classic look that I come to expect from sneakers. I like it for its simplicity. And best of all, it is relatively affordable.

  4. Wow….how much did the pair of shoes shown cost? From the way it looks, it looks expensive… 🙂

    Peter:
    RM115. Wuan paid. 😀

  5. Hey Peter, must get Nike to sponsor you man! So you can be head to toe Nike man! Hahaha

    Take care brother and wear those shoes out man!!!

    Peter:
    If they want to sponsor lar…

  6. Hi Peter Just to share with you… I have a pair of sports shoes which I bought in Hong Kong in 1985.. and am still using it. We may haev an edge over those who walk – our shoes can last a lifetime!

    Peter:
    You must tell me how yours can last so long. Those that I have only last a couple of years.

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