Where My Shoes Remember More Than My Feet”

“Where My Shoes Remember More Than My Feet”

There are companions in life who do not speak, yet silently walk through every season of our becoming. For me, that companionship has often come in the form of two faithful pairs of shoes — the black Hush Puppies and the brown ankle-high Woodland shoes.

They may seem ordinary to a casual observer, but to me, they are chapters stitched in leather.

The Black Hush Puppies: Authority with Grace

The black Hush Puppies were my allies in the corridors of responsibility. They walked with me into staff meetings, inspections, seminars, and solemn assemblies. Their quiet elegance matched the tone of formal addresses and boardroom deliberations.
When I stood before teachers, students, or parents, articulating policies or delivering a morning address, those shoes grounded me. They were not flamboyant; they were dignified — much like the values I tried to uphold as a Principal and mentor.

Black has always symbolised seriousness, discipline, and authority. In those shoes, I felt prepared — not merely dressed. They carried me into rooms where decisions were made, futures were shaped, and responsibilities weighed heavily on the conscience.

They witnessed applause and criticism alike. They bore the dust of playground inspections and the polished floors of conference halls. And through it all, they reminded me that leadership is not about height, but about the steadiness of one’s step.

The Woodland Brown Ankle Shoes: Freedom with Strength

If the black shoes represented duty, the brown Woodland ankle shoes symbolised freedom. Unless the occasion demanded strict formality, my heart — and feet — leaned towards them.
There is something reassuring about ankle-high shoes. They hold you firmly, almost protectively, as though saying, “Go ahead, tread boldly.” Whether it was travelling for school work, visiting friends, attending informal gatherings, or simply driving through long highways, these brown companions were my preferred choice.

Brown, to me, speaks of earth — of roots, resilience, and warmth. These shoes walked with me through journeys both literal and metaphorical. They accompanied me on roads less travelled, on visits to new institutions, and on family outings where laughter outweighed schedules.

Perhaps my inclination towards them reveals something about my temperament: I value strength, but I cherish comfort; I respect formality, but I celebrate authenticity.

What Shoes Teach

Shoes, in their silent wisdom, teach us humility. They remain closest to the ground, absorbing dust and pressure so that we may walk upright.

In many ways, they mirror life’s philosophy — endurance without complaint.

Like the “sandals” of wandering sages or the sturdy boots of explorers, footwear has always symbolised journey and purpose. We do not merely wear shoes; we entrust them with our direction.

In my life, these two pairs have carried me through decades of service, self-discovery, and silent reflection. They have walked across stages, through classrooms, along highways, and into moments of solitude. They have known my fatigue and my determination.

Beyond Leather and Laces
Now, when I look at them resting quietly in the rack, I do not see leather and stitching. I see a memory. I see miles travelled, conversations held, challenges faced, and victories earned.

– The black Hush Puppies remind me of discipline and dignity.
– The brown Woodland ankle shoes remind me of courage and comfort.
Both, in their own way, have taken me not just to destinations, but into deeper versions of myself.
For in the end, it is not merely about where our shoes take us —
it is about who we become while walking in them.