For sophomore Ava Thompson, it’s about ankle support. For senior Xavier Cabrera Argueta, it’s about finding the right type of running shoe. When it comes to sports, the function is a core factor when choosing shoes. The shoe needs to have the right weight, the right amount of traction, and the right amount of support in all the right areas. However, when it comes to choosing the best shoes, another factor is the style.
While shoes typically complete outfits, many athletes choose shoes not only for their performance, but also for the feeling. From basketball to cross country, the bright colors and bold design on a pair of shoes spark feelings of confidence and speed. They help students feel like they stand out on the court and help them express themselves in their sports. Here at WAHS, shoes aren’t just outfit completers, but mindset fulfillers as well.
Sophomore Ava Thompson, Volleyball
“I’ve been playing volleyball for five years. I wanted to find something that was unique and different. I felt that these would [express] that, the bright colors show that I’m kind. I don’t normally wear super bright colors, but I definitely still love them. They make me feel more confident; they’re very bold. [Which helps] because middle blockers are normally really tall and are very big, bold and bright.”
To describe the shoes in three words:
Bold, confident, and outgoing.
Freshman Marley Crowson, Soccer
“I’ve been playing soccer since sixth grade, so this is my fourth season. I was trying to track down this other pair [of shoes], but I just saw [my current shoes] on the shelf, and I was like, those are the ones. I think they reflect me because they’re really bright and colorful, and I’m an outgoing person, so it feels right. They make me feel confident, and on the field, when I kick the ball, something about the design on the sides [is] really cool to see. [The shoes] reflect what I do because they make me feel confident. So it makes me feel more comfortable playing; it makes me feel better about how I do.”
To describe the shoes in three words:
“Bright, fun and outgoing.”
Senior Xavier Cabrera Argueta, Cross Country
“Those shoes are specifically a race shoe to perform in, rather than just training shoes. I just saw them on sale, so I was like, I gotta grab them. I think the shoes reflect me because I love bright neon colors. It also helps, especially when you’re not in a great mindset; the bright colors help you get in the mood of being fast, thinking fast, [and] feeling fast. They’re a complete contrast to what I wear day to day, which is nice, because it’s the only time that I do get to dress up. There’s a conspiracy like that. If you see someone with bright shoes, they’re gonna be quick. So I think a lot of people wear bright shoes, because the mindset is like, ‘I’ve gotta be quick.’ If I’m wearing these, it pushes [me] to be uncomfortable. For me, bright colored shoes are like a positive outlet kind of thing. At the end of the race, they’re super dirty. You can hardly see the color, especially if it’s been raining. But seeing your shoes and everyone else’s shoes go from this bright neon color to a completely muddy, dry color, it’s a validation of how hard you went. You didn’t just go out for a normal run; you did your best. The result of how the shoe looks is the result of how hard you go.”
To describe the shoes in three words:
“Annoying. obnoxious, and fun.”
Sophomore Payton Warner, Basketball
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was in fourth grade, but in seventh grade is when I started taking it seriously. I’m gonna continue to play for a long time, as far as I can go. Instead of an NBA shoe, these are A’ja Wilson, so they’re WNBA shoes. Obviously, boys can wear these shoes too, but I think it’s cool to wear girls’ shoes that were designed by a girl. I like getting girly shoes just because [it] lets me express myself. I always do my hair for games and make myself look cute in my uniform. So I think shoes are a good way [to] elevate your uniform. I always look for bright colors or girly shoes. I think they make me feel more confident. I like being able to feel good about my shoes, and it’s cool to get compliments, then have people be like, ‘oh, yeah, those shoes are cool.'”
To describe the shoes in three words:
“Fun, energetic, and outgoing.”
