Simple Living

Stepping Out of the Box: My First Pair of New Balance 515s Moving Beyond Nike and Adidas For years, I stuck with what I knew: Nike and Adidas. My daily lineup included Air Force 1s, Stan Smiths, Air Jordans, and Nike Milers. But after logging 7–9k steps a day, I started craving something different — something built more for walking comfort than style alone. A Solid Find: New Balance 515 I’d always been curious about New Balance, so when I found the 515 in Navy, Size 10 Wide for $50 (down from $75), I jumped on it. Right away, I noticed a big difference. The uppers felt incredibly light , almost like I wasn’t wearing shoes at all — a huge contrast to the more structured feel of my Nikes and Adidas. That Retro Feel The 515s have a vintage, laid-back style that instantly reminded me of my old Onitsuka Tigers . That mix of suede and mesh, paired with a low-profile silhouette, gives them a nostalgic edge — like a modern update on a classic runner. It’s a subtle throwback that sti...

A Closer Look at the Adidas Stan Smith The Adidas Stan Smith occupies a unique niche in the world of footwear. Its design closely resembles that of higher-end white leather shoes like Common Projects, making it an undeniable bargain when available for just $55. Form Factor: Adidas Wins When it comes to classic silhouettes, Adidas takes the lead. Nike has yet to introduce a shoe that can rival the Stan Smith in this category. Despite my past disappointments with the quality of newer Adidas sneakers, there's something about the Stan Smith that compels me to purchase another pair. While I occasionally lean towards the chunky Air Force 1 or the bold colorways of Jordan 1s, sometimes all I crave are understated classics. Quality of Build: Nike Unfortunately, the build quality of the Stan Smith has noticeably declined. The 2024 version lacks the craftsmanship of the pair I owned in 2021. However, for the price point, they serve their purpose, and this experience has given me clarity abou...

Recent Sneaker Pickup: Air Force 1 ‘07 I couldn’t resist a good deal, so I snagged a pair of Air Force 1 ‘07s in a size 10 on sale for just $65. Let me tell you, these feel way better than my old size 9s. No more cramped toes, and the midsole support is a noticeable upgrade compared to my Air Jordan 1s. Comfort is key, and these definitely deliver. While I’m still partial to all-white AF1s, I’m really happy with this pair. They’ll definitely be added to my daily rotation alongside my AJ1s in size 10.5. In fact, I’m already planning my next purchase—another pair of AJ1s in size 10.5. I’m leaning toward a classic black & white or maybe another two-tone combo to keep things fresh. It’s all about building that perfect sneaker rotation, one step at a time. These lasted about 2 years and finally gave them up around Aug 2025.

Air Jordan 1 Low Experience: A Step Towards Comfort I recently bought another pair of Air Jordan 1 Lows , specifically in the 'Flight Club' colorway, to see if switching from a size 9.5M to 10.5M would alleviate the foot pain I’ve been experiencing. So far, I’m happy to report that the larger size has made a significant difference. Size Matters: The Right Fit No More Foot Pain : I’m thrilled to say that with the 10.5M size, I have zero foot pain. It seems that my previous shoes were simply too small for my feet. Understanding Stretch : Air Jordan 1s do not stretch, so it's crucial to wear the size that feels comfortable from the start. I tried them on in the afternoon after a morning walk of about three miles, which meant my feet were likely swollen to their maximum size for the day. The Importance of Comfort Uncomfortable Shoes : I can't stress enough how important it is to wear comfortable shoes. My 9.5M Air Jordan 1s, along with other styles like the Court Vision ...

Shoe Rotation Update I've settled on Nike as my preferred brand, moving from Onitsuka Tigers to Adidas , and now focusing on Air Jordans . Here’s my current shoe rotation: Regular Rotation Air Jordan 1 Low - Reverse Black Toe - 9.5M Air Jordan 1 Low - Flight Club - 10.5M Air Jordan 1 Mid - Tartan Swoosh - 9.5M Miler’s - 10M Special Occasion Shoes Air Force 1 Low - 9M Comfort Adjustments I've decided to use insoles in my older shoes to enhance comfort, particularly for the Court Vision . I aim to hold off on purchasing new shoes until 2024, when I may consider getting another pair of Air Force 1s. Impressions of Jordan 1s I’m really impressed with the Air Jordans—they’ve taken me through various cities, including Tokyo and Busan . To make room for future purchases, I'll wear out the Court Vision's as I think most of my shoes feel a bit small. I’m contemplating moving up from a size 9.5 to 10 . Update - 6/11/23 After enduring discomfort with my previous sizes, I...

A Comparison of Two Iconic Shoes: Air Jordan 1 Low vs. Air Force 1 ‘07 I’m surprised so few people have posted comparisons between these two iconic shoes: Air Jordan 1 Low Air Force 1 ‘07 Both are basketball shoes that are famous in their own right, sharing similar price points of $110 with comparable materials and build qualities. Versatility: Air Force 1 When it comes to versatility, I give it to the Air Force 1s. In the Triple White colorway, they can match so many outfits and styles. A close second are the Jordan 1s, which in certain colorways can really make a bland outfit pop. However, Air Force 1s look better with baggy jeans due to their chunkier profile, while Jordan 1s pair well with slimmer jeans. Comfort: Air Force 1 In terms of comfort, I’ll need to break in the leather on the Jordan 1s, as they are stiffer than the Air Force 1s. The thicker sole and air unit of the Air Force 1s make me feel they will win out for long-haul treks. I'm sure that once the stiff leather of...

My First Pair of Air Jordan 1 Low: Reverse Black Toe I went with a classic colorway of Red/White/Black for my first pair of Air Jordan 1 Lows, also known as the Reverse Black Toe. I’ve wanted a pair of AJ1s for quite some time, especially after trying on a pair of Air Force 1s, which sparked my curiosity about the Air Jordans. I’m glad I waited; initially, I was going to get a pair of mids, but I decided that the lows are more versatile and can match better with the outfits in my wardrobe. I’m looking forward to wearing them and seeing how they perform. I anticipate buying a few more Air Jordans, as I want to explore different colorways. Future Planned AJ1s Green/White/Black Black/White UNC Blue/White Purple/White/Yellow — LA Lakers Red/White I’m undecided on whether to go for highs, mids, or lows, as well as the types of materials I’ll choose. I’ll figure that out in the coming years. 6 months later these AJ1’s have traveled the globe

Shoe Review: Nike Court Vision Low I’m feeling bummed about the quality of Adidas shoes, having gone through three pairs, all of which wore out within a year. Both pairs of Superstars developed a hole on the right foot on the outer side below the little toe—the tailor’s bunion. My Stan Smiths developed tears on the upper sole. To change things up, I’m giving Nike another go and added a pair of Court Vision Low to minimize usage of my Air Force 1s and prepare for eventually getting a pair of Jordans. Court Vision vs. Air Force 1 The closest comparison I have is with the Air Force 1s , and the Court Vision are a cheaper version. The build quality looks coarse, and I’m not entirely confident they’ll hold up as well as the AF1s. However, at half the price, they’ll serve fine as a beater pair of white shoes. I’m planning to aim for a pair of Jordan 1 Low in the classic red/white/black colorway. From what I’ve read, it’s best to go with either lows or highs for Jordan 1s, as the mids might...

Sneaker Collection Journey I began my quest to build a sneaker collection in 2019, focusing on classic staples. Now, I'm feeling confident enough to venture into the $100-$200 segment, exploring Air Jordans, Air Max, and other iconic Nike styles. Current Collection White - Adidas - Stan Smith // Size 9.5 White - Converse - All Star // Size 9.5 White - Nike - Air Force 1 // Size 9 Black - Nike - Miler React // Size 10 The Air Force 1s are my special pair, while the Nike Milers and Stan Smiths serve as my daily drivers. The Stan Smiths and All Stars are great for casual outfits, and the Milers double as trainers. This versatile set of four pairs provides great options for various occasions. Retired Shoes Adidas - Superstar Puma - Suede Red - Onitsuka - Serrano // Size 9.5 Future Acquisitions I'm considering the following future acquisitions: Nike - Air Jordan 1 Nike - Air Max 90 Nike - Air Force 1 (new colorway) Adidas - Superstar (replacement) I'm still debating th...

Nike React Miler Review After retiring my Adidas Superstars , I managed to survive for a while with the Adidas Stan Smiths , but I soon realized they were impractical for my work demands. With long hours on my feet, I needed something more supportive and comfortable. Discovering React Foam This led me to the Nike React Milers . These shoes feature an incredible amount of React foam cushioning in the sole, providing a soft, responsive feel with every step. The comfort they offer is phenomenal, making them ideal for endurance activities. From my research, I learned that Nike developed React foam as a response to Adidas' Boost technology, which initially gained popularity, especially with Kanye West’s Yeezy collaborations. However, Boost has since fallen out of favor, possibly due to a lack of compelling narratives that resonate like those associated with legendary Nike models such as the Air Force 1 , Air Jordans , or Air Max 90 . This is unfortunate, as Adidas also boasts storied sh...

Maintaining White Shoes: My Cleaning Journey Owning white shoes definitely has its perks, but one of the obvious downsides is that they get dirty quickly and require regular cleaning to keep them looking decent. As I prepare to step up to nicer pairs of kicks, I've opted for some classic, affordable options to practice my cleaning skills. For now, I'm using basic home cleaning agents like detergent and bleach . Cleaning Schedule: Daily & Monthly I’ve established a two-part cleaning schedule: Daily : I wipe down any white shoes I've worn to minimize dirt and grime from setting in. This quick maintenance helps keep them looking fresh. Monthly : I perform a deeper clean for shoes that I've worn regularly or that are starting to look really dirty. This involves removing the laces and cleaning each component of the shoe separately for a thorough clean. Cleaning Methods Here’s how I approach the cleaning: Laces : So far, the laces have held up well with just soap and wa...

Overview of Adidas Stan Smiths I recently picked up a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths for under $40, and after a full week of wear, I'm quite pleased with them. They have a thick leather upper and tongue, paired with a rubber sole, giving them a classic look that feels reminiscent of oxford dress shoes. Although I'm still breaking them in, I can already tell these shoes have a lot of potential. Sizing I opted for a size 9.5, and while they are snug, I anticipate that they will stretch out a bit, making them perfect for me. If you plan to wear them infrequently, consider sizing up, as breaking them in can take some time. Most people recommend going up a size for Stan Smiths, which I usually do, especially since my right foot is slightly wider. Style These shoes are a timeless classic with a sleek profile that fits almost any outfit. They have a narrower profile similar to Converse All-Stars but are easier to slip on than chunkier options like Adidas Superstars. They also serve as a g...

Comparing Adidas Stan Smith and Superstar When it comes to classic Adidas shoes, the Stan Smith and Superstar are two popular contenders. While both have roots in sports—tennis for the Stan Smith and basketball for the Superstar—they've largely transitioned to fashion staples. Below, I’ll compare and rate these shoes across several categories. Style Stan Smith: Both shoes are casual and versatile, complementing most outfits. The Stan Smith pairs well with slimmer or regular-cut clothing, making it a great match for shorts. In contrast, the Superstar feels chunkier and tends to suit baggier styles, particularly jeans. Comfort Superstar: The plush inner lining of the Superstars makes them incredibly comfortable. They broke in quickly, requiring only a day of wear. The Stan Smiths, however, have been a different story; they’re still causing some discomfort after a week, particularly on my right foot. For longer outings or standing for extended periods, I’d definitely choose the Supers...

My Experience with Adidas Superstars: From Daily Wear to Retirement I purchased a pair of Adidas Superstars in June 2019 for an incredible $20 and have been wearing them almost daily for nearly 18 months , especially since the onset of COVID. These shoes have truly been put through the wringer, and while they’ve shown signs of wear, they’ve also demonstrated impressive durability. The Journey of My Superstars Over this time, my Superstars have taken on approximately 3,096 miles (calculated from 18 months at 5 days a week with an average of 8 miles per day). Most of my walks occurred on flat and smooth surfaces—like concrete, tile, wood, and carpet—contributing to their longevity. The wear has mostly been gradual, with the majority of miles covered at a casual pace rather than running. Condition Over Time Despite their continued functionality, my Superstars have definitely seen better days: Cushioning : The soles have lost nearly all their cushioning, which has affected overall comf...