Working Shoes

There comes a time in every shoe's life, when its purpose changes. Shoes usually begin their journey with only one, maybe two of three responsibilities: support, comfort or looks. Usually "looks" does not coexist with comfort or support. As time goes by however, their responsibility, and therefore worth begin to change. Depending on how well you like the shoe, the pair could take a variety of turns:
1) You quickly realize the shoe cannot hold up to your standards. The shoe may have been seen as something you could rely on, but its true intent was hidden. Therefore, the shoe is removed from the pile of usage, and stuck in the back corner, never to be worn again until it is bought at the DI by an unsuspecting customer somewhere down the line.
2) The shoe may provide you with a false sense of pride when worn. These are the shoes that were purchased for pure physical attraction. You wear them, knowing they catch the eyes of passers by and you get a sense of accomplishment at knowing those people definitely want your shoes. However, when a shoe's sole responsibility is to look good, there is not much room for the more important issue of comfort and support. As a result, this pair will not last long in the closet of the sore-footed wearer.
3)There are many pairs of shoes whose goal is complete support and comfort to the wearer. These types of shoes have, with some exception, completely abandoned the outer attraction and gone straight for the foot's enjoyment. To someone who has no issue with a boring, thick soled, usually white or black shoe, this is not a problem. the may have five pairs. But to someone who wants to be able to look at shoe and feel that attraction, it can be a serious mistake of a purchase. In this case, the shoe will never see the light of day, or will only see it when covered by long pants.
4) The laster. A really great shoe will combine looks with comfort and possible support into a glorious combination that has you going back for more. These are the shoes that last forever. They are used first for every day cuteness. As they age you will swap their use to just walking, or casual, and then eventually resort to using them to work. but the fact is that you love these shoes because they have been through everything and they still are comfy, and they still (to you) look good! 
  And so it is with my garden shoes. I truly believe that most garden shoes are loved best by their wearer. Garden shoes earn there spot in the world. They have toiled in many areas, and now get to retire to the lovely soil and gentle work of the garden...they are the lucky ones!