GETTING OLD: "YOU LOOK F_ _ _ _ _G STUPID"

"I used to go to nightclubs like the Hacienda in Manchester in the eighties, when the rave scene was kicking off, and you'd see people who were like forty there and you'd just think, You look fucking stupid.  I guess we've had our go at being the epicenter of youth culture, and it's now time to leave it to the kids."

- Noel Gallagher of Oasis

While not quite there yet, I'm certainly closer to forty than I used to be.  That's why I found this quote from Mr. Gallagher more interesting than I would have ten years ago.  There are certain things that I really shouldn't (can't?) do anymore.

Take for instance, sneakers.  I used to be what is called a sneakerhead.  I owned more Air Jordans, Nikes and other sneakers than I'd care to remember.  Or at this point, wear.

Here's a pair I bought for a ridiculous not-to-be-repeated price and actually wore back in 1997:

This is the Nike Air Foamposite One.  It was one of the most technologically advanced sneakers for it's time and as the name suggests was made out of a polyurethane-foam type material.  It was actually very comfortable and, at the time, I thought looked really cool. 

I was in my very early twenties in 1997.  Now, should (could?) a forty year-old man wear this?  Some would say that regardless of age you should wear whatever you want and not care what other people think or say. 

I don't care what other people think or say but I do know what would be going through my mind if I saw a forty year-old man wearing these: You look fucking stupid.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't think getting old sucks.  In fact, I enjoy the transition and evolution that my tastes continually undergo.

Last week I bought these sneakers for the completely palatable price of $38.00:

This is the Gourmet Quattro B which I got on sale, down from $98.00.  They are made of ballistic nylon mesh with suede accents on the sides, memory foam insoles and crepe rubber outsoles.  In my opinion, very classic and stylish.  A bit more appropriate for this old man don't you think?

Or no?  Still too young a style you say?  Perhaps.

But for $38.00 I'm confident I at least won't be accused of actually being fucking stupid.  It's just my way of leaving it to the kids.