Whenever people hear my blog’s name, they always asked this: ‘But, why shoes?’. If you are someone new here, let me introduce why I named my blog as A Solivagant’s Shoes shortly. I am a Solivagant, which means, a solitary wanderer who finds purpose in the rhythm of travel and exploration. Now, why shoes? First and foremost, to those who knows me, already know my craze for shoes… I love Shoes so much. Since I was a kid, I have walked a lot. It has been my mode of transport, my escape and my way of experiencing the world. In this journey, I always believe that the worn sole of my shoes is the witness of me and my adventures.

My footwears means alot to me. Before I see anyone’s face, my eyes goes right to someone’s footwear. They not just bear your entire weight but be your constant companion in making your journeys bearable. I always hope people wear footwears that makes them feel comfortable. For me Shoes does that.

The Early Journey with Shoes

I still remember those countless miles I travelled to and from school. It was the time, when my trusty black canvas shoes carried me every step of the way. It was my first shoe. And those white canvas which we wear during sports day is other one. Shoes were never part of my childhood fashion. Unlike today’s generation, back then as a millennial kid, we don’t get to choose our shoes. It was more like, “Here, this will do,”, and whatever your parents picked, that’s what you wore. So, naturally, those canvas shoes were my first encounter with the world of shoes. They weren’t much – just simple, sturdy, required polish now and then, and ready for the daily grind.

But they were reliable, and in a way, they taught me the value of a good shoe, even if I didn’t realise it at that time.

College Days: The Birth of A Shoe Lover

My fashion statement changed when I stepped into my college. I am that freak who wears shoes even while wearing kurtas or any traditional outfit. In the beginning I used to wear Bata’s – Power shoes. It was also the time I discovered Puma, and my admiration for shoes took a new turn.

My first pair of Puma shoe is a pair of white slip-ons. The moment I slipped my feet into them, it felt like I was walking on cloud – an illusion the comfort insole created – a feel which I am obsessed with till now.

Did you know that the average person walks the equivalent of three times around the earth in their lifetime? That’s a lot of wear and tear on your shoes…

But, irony is – we also see the most comfortable shoes are made for people who hardly walks – just saying.

For someone who spent her entire life walking, taking only public transports and cycling, finding the perfect pair of shoe was a revelation. It wasn’t just the comfort, it was the feeling of finally finding something that fit-literally financially and figuratively. And it was just beginning.

There is something magical about finding a shoe that feels like it was made for you. The comfort insole of puma cradle my feet perfectly and the designs? Well I always have options which speak to me. Whether it is my clothes or shoes, when I look at it and could see my personality in it, I pick it up. Puma has such a type of collection which I don’t necessarily have to look longingly but could able to buy. The brand had created something that wasn’t just a shoe, but an extension of who I am.

The significance of shoes: More than just footwear

Shoes, as they say, can tell a lot about a person. They’re not just about covering and protecting your feet; they’re about making a statement, about comfort, style and how much of a hustler you are. After all, as Forrest Gump said,

“There is an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going, Where they’ve been.”

Forrest Gump

And I couldn’t agree more.

For me, shoes are the foundation of every journey. They are my silent companions that bear the burnt of every step, carry my weight like its nothing. Whether its casual walk, daily wear to work or for a travel or trek, shoes are my go to choice as I prioritize comfort and style over anything. And when you find the perfect pair of shoes everytime, along your journey just like all my Puma Shoes – You’ll just know it. It is like falling in love, “Yes, this is it.” It is a connection beyond mere utility. Its like finding something that aligns with who you are.

Walking In Puma Shoes

In the bustling world of sportswear, Puma, founded in 1948, always stands as a legacy brand that competes against itself. From kickstarting its humble beginning at Herzogenaurach Germany, I feel like the growth to being 3rd largest sportswear brand in the world is such a flex. The brand not only stands out by being fierce as its namesake but also by its artistic and innovative design, performance-driven products and exceptional comfort. Fashion or Athletics, no one could disagree how much the brand has pushed its boundaries. Their logo, the leaping Puma signifies something that every spirited person looks for – speed, agility and strength. As someone who have learnt all over again to walk during my recovery – those three aspect of Puma’s logo is what I crave for in my physical health.

As a brand, Puma always resonates with me. I read somewhere that, the world’s largest shoe collection belongs DJ Khaled, who owns over 10,000 pairs. Whereas I, have owned a decent number of pairs, i think it is around 6-7 pairs. I know, I am talking too much for someone who ones less number of shoes (I try my best not to trash the planet because of my greed). But, yeah it is what it is. Lets move on.

Now, every pair I owned has been a testament to quality – Whether the Carina sneakers that pair perfectly with my casual outfits or high-performance trainers that make my trekkings effortless. I always take one shoe on every trip depending on the itinerary. I took my TRC Mira Perforation Sneakers for Kodaikanal and Danushkodi, whereas during my Ooty trip, I took my Hybrid Fuego. Hybrid Fuego feels like you walk on air, so I carry it on most of my trips as it’s lightweight. There are so many memories my Pumas carry. I wear them till the last moment. I push them to their limits before I ditch them. And all my Puma shoes lasts for more than 4 years. And trust me I WALK A LOT.

There is a certain loyalty that comes from finding a brand that truly understands your needs. Puma is such a brand for me. Its not just their shoes, but also their philosophy. It aligns with my own value of exploration, independence and pushing boundaries.

Usually men have too much options when it comes to shoes and sneakers, but Puma differs here. There are so many dope varieties for women. That’s why I spend so much time while buying shoes online. Contemplates alot, because I wanted to buy everything, and that good their designs and variants are.

Puma stand as a midpoint for what I look in shoes – Premium Comfort, Quriky Style, Durability and Affordability. Only thing I get annoyed is their lace which gets untied often. I thought it was just me until I saw my friend also experienced the same. I influenced him to buy so he nitpicks alot on that part.

I also love how Puma does interesting collaborations to launch new collections like the latest One Piece collection. There are also artistic limited edition collections like the one they did with – Ami Alexandre Mattiussi, Fenty, BMW, Smurfs, Harry Potter etc.

The Other Interests:

Apart from that I have also tried shoes from Hummel. An underrated brand. I love their design, its quite minimalistic and has a strong statement. Currently I am slightly interested in loafers and planning to try atleast one heels from the brand Theater (from an experience point of view). I have also ordered a sandals from Neemans. Will try using it and put up a review.

A Lifelong Journey:

Everyday, I crave to travel. As I continue my journey as a solivagant, I know one thing for certain: I’ll always have a pair of Puma Shoes with me. They somehow became an integral part of who I am, both as traveller and as an individual. That doesn’t mean I won’t experiment trying new shoes. Because, my love for shoes goes beyond fashion, its about the connection between the person I am and the path I walk.

Shoes are more than just footwear; they’re a reflection of our journeys, personalities, and values. Puma has been a constant companion on my adventures, providing comfort, style, and durability. I encourage you to explore the world with shoes that resonate with you and make every step a memorable one.

If you also have a favorite shoe brand which you want to recommend to me or if you want to share about how much your shoes mean to you, feel free to drop by in the comment section. I’d love to know your favorites too.

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