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There’s Always Someone Who’s More Obsessed than You

There's nothing in the world that doesn't get somebody excited, sneakers included. I've been obsessed with some pretty weird stuff (witness my delirious love for the band Ace of Base like eleven years after they were popular), but I wouldn't consider myself sneaker-obsessed.

I have seven pairs of sneakers in my closet, which some think is a lot for a guy. But that's not even close to an obsession when you compare it to the people in this Washington Post article. Basically, some "sneakerheads" are willing to wait in lines in the same way Harry Potter maniacs waited outside bookstores in droves last month. Lucky for the earth, with shoe brands as big as Nike jumping on the eco-bandwagon, soon this'll be one obsession that doesn't have to hurt the earth as much as my Ace of Base obsession hurts people's ears. What's your weird obsession?

-Toshio...off to listen to an imported, deluxe remix album of previously unreleased Ace of Base B-sides in Swedish...
Posted by: tmeronek on 08/14/2007
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Brandi  on August 14, 2007 at 06:10 AM 1
I've still got (and wear) pairs of Chucks that were made in the US... and I bought several more pairs before I realized that the heel-stamps no longer said "Made in USA." For those of you who, like me, still find that the hi-top Chuck is/was the perfect encasement for one's feet, I humbly submit http://www.nosweatapparel.com/index.html a fair-trade Union shop that makes shoes of the same fundamental design, with quality components and without the sweatshop guilt.
andrea  on August 14, 2007 at 07:46 AM 2
I was coming to post abou No Sweat as well - same Chucks look, but without Nike/sweatshop concerns. I was a die hard Chucks wearer from 6h grade unil Nike bough them a few tears ago, and mourned the loss as my last pair of Chucks disintergrated. I bought some No Sweats at a Green Festival two years ago though, and they're great!
Wayne  on August 14, 2007 at 08:22 AM 3
My question is how well do these hold up to a beating? Personally, I usually go barefoot when I can because I simply can't stand shoes. Most of the other times I wear sandals, even in the winter. But I do have a pair of trusty Reeboks that will be turning 5 soon. I've taken them camping, hiking, and in the water without problem. I think they have just gotten comfortable and they aren't missing any stitching, the sole isn't coming off and there are no tears in the leather. I got my $30.00 out of them a while ago and probably not giving them up any time soon. That said I would be willing to look into another pair of shoes if I can get the same wear out of them. I don't want to buy something that I have to replace every year though.
Cory Morningstar  on August 14, 2007 at 09:40 AM 4
You forgot the blackspots! We'll save the best for last then... http://www.adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/index.php
Kristine Cottom  on August 14, 2007 at 02:52 PM 5
I've been looking far and wide for a good running shoe (has to deal with pronating) that isn't toxic to the environment or the workers. While all of these are great there isn't a running shoe among them. If anyone knows where I can get them please post that information!
grace schrafft  on August 14, 2007 at 03:40 PM 6
how can you possibly recommend any of Nike's products? They are THE worst sweatshoppers of all, whereas converse sneakers are made here in the USA. I know you're into paid advertising, but I'd rather see American Spirit cigarettes recommended on your site than Nike, the same company that didn't drop Vick the pitbull killing football star until consumer pressure got too much for them.
Cory Morningstar  on August 14, 2007 at 04:00 PM 7
I agree with Grace's comments. Thanks for posting it.
Brandi  on August 14, 2007 at 04:21 PM 8
The Converse brand is now owned by Nike, and the shoes are made overseas - just check the boxes or the sourcing tag. on the backside of the tongue. That's why several of us have stopped buying Chucks. There are still a few odd Chucks produced in the US, particularly the really unique ones, but the majority have come from overseas since Nike bought them out in 2000. It was a very quiet acquisition, as Nike wanted to keep the reputation that Converse had earned over the decades.
grace schrafft  on August 14, 2007 at 07:00 PM 9
Thanks Cory, and whoops Brandi.Thanks for setting me straight about converse. didn't know nike bought them out. Guess i should start reading the Wall St. Journal more often to see what all those mega-corps are doing. So now it's time to boycott Chucks/Converse. Alas.
Cory Morningstar  on August 14, 2007 at 08:37 PM 10
Apologies on my part as I did not read Grace's post correctly. I have known for a long time that Nike has bought out converse (every adbusters reader knows that!) ... I don't buy Nike for they are the one's that started all of the outsourcing in the first place. They will most likely be the same ones who will turn it around again. It's called greenwashing. They are using a ton of organic cotton now. It's great PR.
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