Stealthless

My boots squeak. Loudly.

I have a been trying to ignore the sound, thinking it would diminish over time. But, a year and a half later, my boots still sound like the mating call of a strange bird.

If they were an average pair of boots, it would be easy to toss them and get another pair. But these are no average boots. They're Blundstones.

My first pair were given to me as a gift when I was visiting Australia with the band I used to play in. We had met some very friendly people while in Melbourne and had gone to their house for a barbeque.

During the course of the evening, there was some laughter regarding the sad state of the shoes I was wearing (they were held together with tape). After discussing the virtues of Australia's contribution to superior footwear, I was given a pair that had already been worn a few years, still in great condition.

I was converted instantly. They were so comfortable and no laces! Since then, I have preferred Blundstones to anything else, including my once untouchable Doc Martens.

That first pair lasted about 2 years (they already had about 5 or 6 years on them) before the sides finally wore out. When I looked around for a replacement pair, I was shocked to find that a pair that retails for about $60 in Australia goes for more than $200 in Canada. A year later, a good friend picked up the pair I currently wear while visiting family and friends Down Under. Unfortunately, they have a bit of the squeak disease.

I hope I can get another pair someday...without the squeak option installed.