Homage à Camper

by Philip Parodayco // written on 22 August 2002, saved in Pjournal

Ah, my feet love Camper shoes. When Campers first arrived in Seattle two years ago, I bought a black pair that were modelled after turn-of-the-(20th)-century baseball shoes. They were so light and comfortable that I wore them constantly, “wearing” them into the ground. Although their soles began to split, I couldn't toss them until I found replacements. The styles had changed and I wasn't able to find another pair. Last week, I walked into Shoe Pavillion and bought the pair pictured here. They are just as light and almost as comfortable as my baseball shoes, and green!!

I may as well stop my gushing and admit to the world, here and now, that I am a shoe junky. I think 99% of guy's clothes are boring as hell. When I try to go clothes shopping, I invariably tire of navy, khaki, Dockers or God-knows what else is being peddled to us. I head for the shoes, socks or underwear where I can find items designed with style, color and joie de vivre. I figure, if I'm stuck wearing khaki pants, I may as well have some kick-ass shoes and socks to make up for it!

I write this in honor of the best men's shoe designers on the planet (says I):
Camper | John Fleuvog | Kenneth Cole | Adam Derrick