Dear Jack: Your Homemade Rack for Your Nike Shoes

11 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Your number one “collectible commodity” these days is Nike shoes. When our family went on vacation last week for Fall Break, you insisted we stop by the Nike outlet near Dollywood.

You found a pair of Air Flight’s for $30. It was quite a win.

When we got back home, you had the creative idea to use your Nike shoeboxes to build a shelf for your Nike shoes.

I imagine that in a few months, between your upcoming birthday and Christmas, you’ll get at least one more pair.

Therefore, I am expecting at least a triple “parking garage” for your Nike’s!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: You Earned Money from Pet Sitting, Then Bought New Nike Shoes!

11 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Last week, I drove you early each morning and later each afternoon to take care of your pet sitting duties in the next neighborhood over.

Your responsibilities included letting two dogs in and out of the house and checking on the two cats; as well as feeding them, along with the dozen or so fish in the aquarium.

Just like last time, you took your job extremely seriously. And you were paid well for your hard work!

Fortunately, your job payment was just in time for you to buy your new 6th grade shoes.

You are now the age where shoes are apparently a big deal- and very expensive.

But you didn’t complain at all, in learning that Mommy and I would pay for most of the expense of your new Nike shoes, but that you would have to take care of the rest.

You have asked me a couple of times now since, “Daddy, how can I get more pet sitting jobs?”

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your New Converse All Star Shoes, with Flames

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

You’re at the age where you are constantly wearing out your shoes, as well as outgrowing them.

For your “2nd half of 3rd grade” shoes, you decided it was time for a new pair of Chuck Taylors; like I have.

However, when we went to Kohl’s, we learned that Chuck Taylors are not made is size 4 for boys.

Instead, we had to buy you the slightly more cushioned upgrade:

Converse All Stars.

You got some really cool black ones with flames on the bottom.

And, they aren’t designed to lace up all the way, so they look extra cool!

Love,

Daddy

The Benefits of Using Custom Running Shoe Orthotics 

Many runners will, through their lifetime, experience lower body issues. Only a small number of runners can perform perfect running patterns without custom orthotics as their feet are capable of properly absorbing shock. There is also overpronation which occurs when the arch flattens, which causes the foot to roll inwards. Underpronation, on the other hand, happens when your foot does not turn enough, or even at all. Both overpronation and underpronation can lead to your feet’s joints misaligning, leading to several issues like blisters, chronic pain, leg length discrepancies, and shin splints. Instead of enduring the pain while running and hoping that it does not get worse, why not try custom orthotics?  

Turn All Types of Running Shoes into Your Shoe  

Each custom orthotic is made by creating a plaster cast or 3D impression of each of your feet. As a result, the resulting orthotics fit your feet perfectly. While you could go ahead and buy the most expensive pair of running shoes in the world, you will still end up experiencing pain when running unless they’re crafted to fit for your feet only. Sneakers are generally designed to conform to everyone’s foot shape, and that is why they do not offer enough support. To find out more about getting custom orthotics designed for you visit the Orthotic Shop 

Support in All the Right Places 

 As custom orthotics are designed for your feet only, your feet get support where they need it. If you were to purchase over the counter orthotics, you’d get support every time your feet hit the ground but won’t be evenly distributed to the areas of your feet where it is needed.   

Long Lifespan 

The over the counter orthotics you buy at a pharmacy can’t withstand the wear and tear placed on them as you run for a long time. It is also worth noting that most of them aren’t designed to last more than a couple of months. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, can last anywhere from two to five years. And the exciting thing is that you can have your custom orthotics refurbished to extend lifespan.  

Helps You Recover from Injury Faster  

If you have sustained running-related injuries, orthotics customized for your feet can help you recover much faster and back to running in no time. Since they are created based on the shape and contours of your feet, their design helps distribute weight more evenly on impact. For instance, if you are recovering from a broken toe, your orthotics can be designed in a way that the broken/injured toe doesn’t have to bear any of your weight, making it possible to run without experiencing any pain. 

Dear Holly: Do You Realize We Have Different Sized Feet?

1 year, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

Throughout the day with you at the house, it is necessary for me to at least straighten up the house as we go along; from each activity you choose. This past week, you have been entertaining yourself in the meantime by taking it upon yourself to go get my shoes from the closet, carefully put them on, then walk around the kitchen in them.

And it’s not something you did just one time. Instead, this has now become a daily routine.

The moment you see me cleaning up the table after you had a messy breakfast consisting of yogurt and oatmeal, which you insist on feeding yourself with no help from Daddy, you quietly retreat to my shoes.

It’s funny because 10 minutes or so can pass, and the whole time, without me giving you confirmation of what you’re doing, I will look over the counter and catch you meticulously working to put my shoes on.

Once you’ve got them both on, you then make your way over to me, with such a cute little smile on your face.

I’m not sure you realize that we have such different sized feet- and therefore, that my shoes are ridiculously over-sized on you.

You figure that our whole family should just be able to share each other’s shoes; even though you have the tiniest feet in the house and I have the biggest.

It’s great that you are able to find such intriguing entertainment in wearing my shoes. I have to admit- you’re pretty easy to entertain.

Sure, you like your dolls and their baby stroller, but it’s like Daddy’s shoes are just as much fun!

You make my job as a stay-at-dad pretty easy. Not only can I get a little bit of housework done, but I also get free entertainment as well!

Love,

Daddy