Hello!
This week feels like a new beginning in a sense that I am starting to feel like myself again. I no longer feel sadness and doubt about if I am going to ever feel better from the last two weeks of covid. I actually feel better. That sense of feeling better also comes from autonomy. The ability to go grocery shopping. Cook my own food. Do laundry. Fuck, even work.
A few weeks ago, I made a shoe purchase on SSENSE. It was a decision that I have been thinking about for more than a few times. And over a few years. These shoes were thoroughly thought out. And I think they still stand the test of time in terms of a classic shoe design. I initially wanted to purchase them in all white with the beige rubber sole. Then I decided on the Tan Replica Sneakers by Maison Margiela instead because it felt just a bit off.
The history of the German Army Trainer, also known as GAT, goes something like this...
The design of the shoes dates back to 1936 when brothers Adolf and Rudolph Dassler designed the shoe for olympian Jesse Owens that featured two leather strips on the sides and black spikes. Forward to the 1970s, the German army was in search of a supplier to provide shoes for their soldiers. By this point, the Dassler brothers have become estranged. Adolf founded Adidas and Rudolph founded Puma. The brothers fight for the contract to produce the shoes for the German army. In readings, it’s unclear who won, but history was leaning towards Adolf’s Adidas.
The shoe becomes known as bundeswehr sportschuhe or "Federal Defense Sports Shoe". They were designed with white and grey suede with a gum sole. Just like these ones.
Between 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall and 1991 with the end of the Cold War, there was a surplus of the shoes that the German army no longer required. The shoes were then distributed to everyday citizens. By the 90s, Martin Margiela got a hold of the sneakers that are now synonymous with his brand and aptly named the Replica Sneakers.
I wanted a pair of shoes that is classic in style and shape. I am not in support of running shoes as casual shoes. But that’s just a personal preference. However, I did want it to feel like a running shoe in regards to its weight. It needed to be light and mobile, which it is. Ultimately, I wanted something utilitarian that I could just throw on when I leave the house. And I arrived at the Replica Sneakers.
Excited to get some grease stains from my bike on these babies. I would cry, though.
Perry
LoG update:
I am taking an OOO for the month of August, perhaps bleed into September. I am very much trying to reclaim summer again and and really hone my JavsScript skills. I feel like I am slowly getting it!
I barely read this week, but if would like to read something… How Streaming Stars Pay the Price of Online Fame at The New York Times.
Thank you for the history lesson on your shoes! I’m impressed, it must make you love them even more.
Enjoy your OOO August <3
glad to hear you’re feeling better!! and your style is as always impeccable, i love love the shoes (and your whole fit)!!