If anyone remembers that opening scene of "Forrest Gump," one lines quoted our dealings with shoes the best:

"My mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they going, where they been. I've worn a lots of shoes. I bet if I think about it real hard I can remember my first pair of shoes."

I only remember buying a pair of white Nikes with the red logo- just like from that very movie. Being the reckless teenager I was back then, I ruined them right away with all of the iron ore dust I ran into back home. What another pair of shoes that inspired me from a movie? Instead of cheats, I wore my first pair of Converse High Tops during Little League baseball after watching "The Sandlot" too many times. I tricked myself into being one of the slowest, slippery runner on the team.

For the past four years, I've kept the same pair of black Nike running shoes for working out- the very shoes that brought me through the only half-marathon I've done so far. When it comes to the weight room, it's all about the safety of my toes. Very important rule, especially if you want to refrain crying away from the weight room. My more-superb-athletic brother gave those black shoes as a gift.

Whenever I'm on the go or get tired of laces, I slip on a pair of comfortable loafers. I have two pairs of them: One made of leather casually and another for business. When I say "business," I mean job interviews with enough polish and shine. Even trying on a new pair of loafers, it feels great as if you are now walking on soft slices of bread.

When I went to Poland last January, I knew I was in for some long, cold tour walks. I wore a pair of my low-cut hiking boots with wool socks underneath. Plus, I didn't want to show off any fancy brands of shoes or clothing (Nike, Adidas) in a foreign country. The gray and blue stripes of my frozen shoes gave me confidence, modesty, and an extra inch of height. After that trip abroad, I wore the same confidence on my feet while backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail.

I ordered a colorful pair of shoes representing autism awareness. Nowadays, I get the most compliments ever in my life with these shoes showing off an impressive puzzle design. I have a cousin who might get a "kick" at them because he designs basketball shoes for a living. Along with my puzzle tattoo on the back of my arm, I'm proud to remind myself and others for support and research of the autism spectrum.

I'm not enclosing to the gender stereotype of women owning a bunch of shoes. Anybody going to a bunch of places would own so many shoes. I owe my shoes a lot into walking so much to school, to the bus, and to the grocery store. I'm walking the best I can to owe the best value of my shoes.