I usually do not get shoes of my size easily in any shop. My foot size is 12 and most local brands like BATA and SPARKS don’t manufacture footwear of size above 10. So I am left with no choice but to buy the shoes from big brands only. The major problem with the brands is that they are quite costly for middle class people like me. And so finding a shoe of my size plus within my budget is a big hunt.
My earlier shoe was from the renowned brand redtape. It was my first formal shoes. But after wearing it for a period of 6 months the shoe gave up. I walk a lot and so those delicate redtape shoes could not stand the rough use. It was a typical shoe with front extension for looks and style. But that made me feel very uncomfortable while walking. Many a time I almost fell while climbing stairs or when in train. My foot is already long and such shoes made it look awkwardly more prolonged. I personally wanted to get rid of it and hence wore it even in the rainy season walking squish squash, squish squash in knee deep water. It does not mean the shoe was not durable, I actually misused it a lot to destroy it as my parents wouldn’t allow me to buy a new pair unless there is seriously a need. The shoe was actually very uncomfortable. Not that the brand is bad but the prolonged shoes are just not right for me.
I went in search for my new pair of shoes across the chain of all brands but could not find any worth wearing. Some didn’t fit my feet and some didn’t suit my pocket. A few like Lee Cooper happened to have shoes of my size but with the protruding front which I hated most for comfort.
Finally after a hunt, I disappointingly came across this shoe shop called LORDS I’d never heard of. I was doubtful about the quality of shoe and whether this brand would have my size. But since the other brands where not in my budget and there were no more shops left to check out in mall, I went in with little hope . A black fat middle-aged man welcomed me with a smile. He showed me many pairs but I couldn’t feel the appeal.
I straight away told him that hey buddy this is my size, this much is my budget and I don’t want a protruding front face shoe. So show me something that fits within my needs. He replied, " Sir then there is only one pair which matches your requirement and that comes from our art collection of Michelengelo". I didn’t like it much by its appearance. The sales person said gliding a shoe in my left foot, "Sir, don’t judge the shoes by its looks. After all, it’s comfort of wearing it that will leave a lasting impression." . Believe me, my feet had never experienced anything more comfortable than that before. It was a maroon colour shoe with no front protruding look and so comfortable that I didn’t even have to open up its lace to wear it. Just glided the feet into it and then walked few steps before I was sure that this is the pair of shoe that I was looking for. The shoe was prices reasonably at Rs 2400, well within my budget of Rs.2500.
The shoe was made up of soft leather that gives extreme comfort while walking. I was unsure of its durability and strength because of my rough use habit. But the sales person assured that I won’t have to buy another shoe for next 1.5 years.
6 months have passed. I am still wearing it every day and it looks fine. It has developed some bruises but still gives the same pleasure as my first wear. And by now, I am pretty sure that the salesman did not lie to me when he talked about the strength of the shoe. I am in no mood to buy another until this pair is completely rotten. I am actually in total love with my shoes. From now on, I am a loyal customer of Lords shoes.
I haven’t use it in rains as I don’t want to risk it. Since it is soft leather it is more prone to water than normal leather shoes. Regular cleaning and polishing is must to keep it shining.
Highly recommended for everyone!