Shoes To Set My Feet A-Dancing

Back in the 1960's I had a pair of Dr Scholl exercise sandals. How I loved them! I had saved up to buy the pukka product, the 'Pescura' style, with its patented peg and slide fastening. I was convinced that if I wore them all the time I would develop elegant slim [long!] legs like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton***.Out of school, they were on my feet most of the time.

The Head had banned them in school, and my Mum said the wooden clattering was irritating. But I think they were one of the few 'fashion crazes' I actually bought into. Mine were plain wood with a neutral beige leather strap.
I wore them till the rubber sole had got right down to the wood, and the edges were a bit chipped and scuffed.
They looked rather scruffy.
So I stripped off the remaining rubber, unscrewed the straps and restored the clogs. First I sanded the wood and painted it bright yellow [I could only find black, brown or yellow gloss paint in the garage] and then I resoled them, using pieces of rubber cut from an old car tyre. Then I screwed the straps in place, and clattered back to university in my unique footwear.
I have never been able to wear flipflops, or other sandals with 'toeposts' comfortably. But the broad strap of the Scholls gripped my feet and I was so comfy in them.

I've often dreamed of owning another pair. But they are not cheap and seemed an extravagance.
Imagine my delight to find a pair,in my size, as new, for only £3 in the CS at the weekend. And then my distress to discover I did not have enough cash with me.
I cycled back first thing on Monday and bought them the instant the shop opened "This makes us feel like Harrods in the sale" said the assistant - and we all reminisced about wearing Exercise Sandals in our youth.
They have a lovely red snakeskin sort of pattern. I suspect some bright young thing purchased them and then couldn't get on with them. I may have to paint my toenails in celebration.
***I never managed to achieve the long slim elegant legs then, and I doubt I will now, but they certainly make me feel bright and summery. Cue an old Petula Clark song...