Every year, I think about getting a pair of sandals—but before I know it, summer is over.
This year, I finally took action, and as a result, I ended up with a pair of matching sandals with my wife.
It’s a small thing, but it turned into a special summer memory.
Summer is here, and this year feels different.
It’s been scorching hot all over Japan—even up here in Hokkaido, which is rare.
Every summer, I find myself thinking, “I want a new pair of sandals.”
If I prioritize comfort, those classic plastic slippers (you know the kind) are unbeatable. But try pairing them with a casual outfit, and I’m guaranteed to get a firm “no” from my family.
So I go back and forth, year after year, and end up deciding, “Well, I’m not desperate. Maybe I don’t need them after all.”
Then summer ends, and I miss my chance.
But this year, I took a different approach.
“If I always want sandals in summer, why not start thinking about them in spring?”
That was my strategy, and I began my sandal search early, long before the heat set in.
Just around that time, my wife happened to say, “I want new sandals too.”
Then she surprised me with, “Let’s get matching ones.”
Since we had our child, life’s been busy with parenting and housework. We hardly get time to shop together anymore.
I’d been feeling a little distant, so her suggestion genuinely made me happy.
I immediately said, “Sounds great!” and jumped into research mode.
The last sandals I owned were a pair of worn-out Crocs from my student days—well past their prime.
After lots of browsing, I found a stylish pair of woven sandals by a brand called KEEN.
They looked comfortable but also fashionable enough to avoid any family complaints.
I was about to click “buy now,” but my wife insisted, “You have to try them on first!”
So, we planned a family outing to the shopping mall the next weekend.
She was right. When I tried them on, the fit felt totally different from my regular shoes.
I usually wear size 26cm sneakers, but KEEN’s sandals fit best at around 26.5 to 27cm—even with socks on.
I initially leaned toward the white ones, but my wife firmly recommended black.
I didn’t want to break the matching vibe, so I happily went with black.
Of course, being in the store surrounded by so many choices made it hard to focus.
Worried I’d get stuck in decision paralysis, we decided to go home and think about it.
Our child behaved wonderfully throughout the trip, so we treated them to Baskin Robbins on the way back.
Later at home, my wife and I talked it over and decided to go with our original pick—those KEEN sandals.
Finally, I could end my three-year sandal saga.
So far, they feel fantastic.
They’re great with or without socks, and most of all—there’s something heartwarming about wearing the same sandals as my wife.
This summer, I plan to wear them often and make the most of our family time.
It’s a small decision, but it brought a quiet happiness—something I’ll carry with me through this season.
コメント