Shoes

The Cardinal Rule of Travel: ALWAYS BREAK YOUR SHOES IN BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON YOUR ADVENTURE!

Too many times I have had to worry about my precious feet.  I have been a Type 1 Diabetic since I was twelve and was always instructed to be very careful about the way my shoes fit.  I rarely listened to this advise when walking up and down the show isles.  I spent a lot of money on beautiful shoes to match my favorite suits, in my twenties.  I unfortunately, went ahead a grew a sightly bunion in my thirties, which took me out of my favorite Italian heels. And now, as I head into my forties, I am finally following my podiatrist’s advise and only buying well fitting shoes meant for my feet, not my eyes.

My trusty hiking boots have ended up being my favorite pair the past few years.  I still can’t believe how many miles I have on them!  They took me all over Southern California’s trails in preparation for my trip to Yosemite National Park in 2012.  I was blessed enough to summit Mount Hoffmann, Cloud’s Rest and the iconic Half Dome in those dusty boots of mine. Without them, I would have never made it.

I have also become quite fond of the One for One campaign led by TOMS SHOES.  The idea of building a charitable aspect into a business plan is ingenious and hopefully, the way of the future.  I love the idea of businesses helping to contribute to society in one form or another.  Promising to do so via a business plan is just plain, awesome.  I was also inspired by the founder’s book, START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS.  I recommend that all of my entrepreneurial friends read it.

Whether you love fine Italian shoes, a dusty pair of your favorite hiking books or shoes that help a kid out when you purchased them, please make sure you break them in.  There is nothing worse than trying to put one foot in front of the other when you have a blister.

Choose your path and shoes wisely, so you may enjoy the adventure. xo