Overshoes are cool

Some say seamless galoshes, but to me galoshes require sitting to put on and then zipping up. They used to have a more colloquial name; however, another protection product has now secured the monopoly on that term.

I call them overshoes. And they are cool.

When you wear overshoes, people stare. Not in a mean way, more slightly curious. They have questions and comments, which often blur together. ‘Haven’t seen those since my grampa wore a pair? Are those your grampa’s?’  ‘I didn’t even know you could still get those? Where do you get those?’

But I have come to appreciate overshoes for the most practical of reasons: they keep my feet dry and shoes clean. It’s the same reason caps are essential part of wardrobe – to keep thinning hair dry and glasses clear.

Living on the west coast means a fair bit of rain is featured. It has also meant this winter a remarkable number of slushy days in Victoria. So the overshoes (almost  slipped and called them by other name) are often needed. My dress shoes have thus avoided salt stains, general sogginess and accelerated decay thanks to a small investment.

There are alternatives – here on the west coast hiking boots go with everything, including apparently suits. But I can’t bring myself to do it. Back in the day, in community theatre, one of the first lessons taught was footwear helps set your character. You walk differently in tennis shoes than in dress shoes; policemen on the beat have different trot because of the boots they wear; what’s on your feet should match rest of you. I’ve since developed a passion for shoes, some even say obsession.

So sling your arrows, scoff and guffaw at the stuffiness and old-fashionedness of overshoes and caps. I will remain dry, tip to toe.

Some have asked about name change of site and, no, it’s not a political statement. Upon reflection, I Used to Be carried a certain negativity – that somehow life won’t measure up anymore. Instead, The Right Side reflects that being 50 is grand, that life is still open and full of challenges. Whether it’s running or playing rugby or trying out new foods, it feels like 50 is the right side of life.