Behold, the most comfortable pair of shoes that I’ve ever worn:

Now, I’m mostly known for sporting Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star hi-tops, as I’ve been wearing that style for almost twenty years now. They fit my massive feet, they breathe easy, and they don’t break the bank. However, if I’m going to be on my feet for any reasonable length of time, I’m sure as hell not going to wear a sneaker with a flat sole. I need something with a bit more support, like a running or walking shoe.

I bought that pair of New Balance 300s in 2002. See, I had the brilliant idea that I should start jogging and running to get in shape, and I needed the proper footwear. Well, my poor joints put an end to the running attempt within a few weeks, but I wasn’t going to toss the shoes. Ever since, I’ve used them when spending days walking around New York City, attending metal shows, going to the gym, and so forth. Eight years later, the insoles are finally starting to wear out.

This presents a serious problem, because of course, New Balance doesn’t make that shoe anymore. Sure, they’ve got plenty of other products, but you know damned well that with my luck, nothing else they have will even come close to the comfort of the 300s. I’ll have to settle for “close enough,” which isn’t always a perfect solution when dealing with footwear. The last thing I need is to road test ‘em in New York City and wind up with a blister the size of my big toe. (Which is about the size of a baby’s fist, anyway.)

Regardless, once I replace them, I’m going to stick the old 300s in my car’s trunk, just in case I ever need a worn pair of sneakers to lounge around in. Seriously, the damned things can’t be beat, and it’s aggravating that they’re no longer produced.