Brown Shoes Don't Make It

[Nancy Bell Scott]

And because Erni Bar believes I have enough trash-brains (his term), he sent me his worn-out black shoes: He's right, and he sent these to the right person. Not only do I have a thing for worn-out shoes but Erni's worn-out shoes fit me! That's right, I'm wearing these babies. They're slightly big and wide--just how I like 'em. If Erni thinks these are worn out, one can only imagine what he'd think of the shoes/boots usually worn around here. This is the best pair in the house! To top it off, the brand name is Bar, says so right on the soles. Here are two shots from above, with my favorite socks (tried a "model" stance in the second shot): These shoes are famous, too. Hamburg's best Pedestrian Speech Act was performed in these black shoes! Black because, as Erni quotes Frank Zappa more than once on his packaging, Brown Shoes Don't Make It. Erni says the shoebox he sent these in is the original box:  He had these high-quality leather shoes re-soled twice before giving up on them and sending them to Maine. I couldn't be happier that he did, and feel SO well-shod now. No closet archiving for this mail art. When they really do fall apart, they will be hung from the ceiling or painted or collaged. Thank you thank you thank you, Erni! from one of your many adoring Fan Club members

[Nancy Bell Scott]

I'm with you, Sue. And these shoes are very high quality and extremely comfortable. After the bad-feet days hit I wore nothing but Birkenstocks for years, and ordered them directly from Germany. They're not cheap either, but great shoes are worth it.

Does performance art need to be intentional to qualify for the category? I've kind of thought so but am no expert.

[prettylily]

I like it that there are still places in the world where quality is valued.  At one time, I worked with a woman whose husband had a shoe repair shop and barely made ends meet with it.  Here in the US folks toss them or put them in the attic.  Thanks for the Bar shoe link.  I am definiately check them out.  Those shoes look so comfy and I have a sturdy German heritage foot!  Perhaps our Walking Store carries them.

[De Villo Sloan]

I don't want to stress material value but OMG, that seems expensive. I'm with Sue that Nancy added to the performance with the socks.

 

This might not be the classic Erni/Bifidus cheese performance, but I still think it's pretty great.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Really hit the jackpot. Who needs the lottery.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Holy cow.

[prettylily]

Oh, Erni's shoes are so much nicer than my husband's  "specials"!  And well cared for and WAY more attractive.  I think it is wonderful that Erni's have a new life and are actually being worn.  I could use a little more grounding.

 

I meant why does one pair become a favorite and hard to separate from.  It Is comfort for me.  Erni, it is hard to find someone to rebuild shoes here in the states.  That craft has pretty much disappeared.  Comfort is also essential to movement for me.

 

Nancy, I wish I had known about that sock site.  I just mail ordered a bunch of boring, comfort socks from another place.  Great shoe/sock links!  Please excuse my wacky mouse.  The battery is low and it is misbehaving today. 

 

. 

[Nancy Bell Scott]

http://sockdreams.com

 

[Nancy Bell Scott]

That's true, Erni. We take feet for granted unless something goes wrong with them. About ten years ago something big went wrong with my feet and it changed everything, EVERYthing, for two or three years. I'll never assume they're mine for keeps again.

[DKeys]

Okay, I just now got the phatypus specials comment. too funny and yes Nancy, your pokie spotted socks are perfect to go with this shoes

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Thanks everybody, including for DVS's interpretations. These can't replace my favorite boots that try to fall apart, due to snow country, but they are now officially my favorite shoes. Way more than once will I be standing in Erni's shoes. Love the "platypus specials" reference, Sue! Someone had to comment on the shape, it seemed certain! Guess I like platypuses (platypi?).