Prof. Jessica Penner | OL10 | Spring 2021

Zaire Lancaster, Meet my Sneakers

In late 2018, during my senior year, I got really interested in basketball and I decided to get my very first pair of official basketball shoes. My choice was a Jordan shoe called Westbrook 0.1, a signature shoe by one of my favorite basketball players Russel Westbrook.

Since it was my first picked purpose-specific sneakers, I know wanted them to unique but also fit with my wardrobe. Luckily for me, there was a sale and I got two different colors. One jet black with neon pink and blue highlights on the left and right foot respectively. While the other was light grey and white with a bright tiger underprint. I was extremely happy and played outside every weekend with some friends even through cold and harsh weather. Little did I know that was a big mistake.

Unfortunately, I bought an indoor basketball show to play outdoor basketball. Between those types, the traction and cushion they provide vary due to different paying environments. Though my shoes had good traction and provided adequate cushioning, they degraded a lot faster than expected leading to me slipping a few times. When I finally realized my mistake was upset with myself but I was also happy they didn’t cause any major injuries.

Years later I still keep one of each pair to remind me of the “good” times and to also check the proper playing environment for any sports shoes.

5 Comments

  1. Rakib Hassan

    It’s funny because I had the same incident with my Jordan 1’s since they were my first Jordan’s as well. Luckily I had a good friend that was able to change the soles and felt like brand new. What new sneakers did you get?

    • Zlancaster

      I got a pair of light grey Lebron shoes. They are a bit bulkier in design but, they seem to be more durable. So far I haven’t played in them but I hope they do better than their predecessors.

  2. Yasmine

    I’ve also had a scenario with a pair of shoes when I didn’t pay attention to the environment it should be worn in. I think once you get a pair a shoes you like with the excitement it makes you want to wear them all the time. Did you ever buy another pair of those specific sneakers ?

    • Zlancaster

      Unfortunately not I recently thought about getting a new pair, maybe I’ll follow through.

  3. Abigail Rose

    It’s dope that you keep them for the nostalgia. it’s always good to have something that reminds you of a happier time in your life.

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