This is an official Converse shoe display I bought from a Journeys manager back in 2003 for $40. I only holds 21 pairs and as you see, I've outgrown it as eight sets surround it on the floor.
“How many pairs of Converse (Chucks) do you have?!?!” is a frequent question I am asked at work, online, Starbucks, parties, etc. Currently, the answer is 49. Thanks to the Converse store at the outlet mall in Round Rock, it may only get worse. I did promise Somara I will stop at a ceiling of 70 or 80. Meanwhile, the “solution” in the picture above failed years ago and every week I have to move all the shoes around to make sure they’re getting an equal amount of wear in some weird rotation I’ve devised (color-pattern-color-pattern-repeat). Another reason why the Chucks situation could get worse is that when you don’t wear each pair as often, they last longer, like any other piece of clothing.
This inadequate shelving was installed by the house's builder. It only holds a mere nine pairs.
When I exceeded 21 with the display, the additional shoes went into the closet and on to three of the four (or is it five) shelves in there. When I exceeded 30, they went on to the floor.
More recent additions waiting their turn on the floor
Obviously, the shoes hit critical mass and something had to be done. So we put Operation: Alexandria aside for a week and went hunting to purchase a better solution at Ikea. The Swedish space makers failed! And they no longer recycle batteries for the interim! Some (US) DOT regulation classifying used batteries as dangerous. Argh! Maybe Michael can give me an appropriate swear word for that language to express my irateness. Then Somara remembered The Container Store was having their annual 25 percent sale on the Elfa gear. With a brief discussion and a unanimous vote (2-0, no need for a tie-breaker) to use money from the vacation fund, Somara as the Minister of the Interior bought the foundation of some shelving to get started.
Then came the fun part…installing it. My wife is better with tools, carpentry and other matters in the home-improvement realm. As for me, Dad only taught me how to hold the flashlight and swear because I had no interest in repairing my house or reading those Time-Life books. Now comes the advantage of having one’s brother-in-law living nearby! Aaron had his own gear too. Of course we paid him and took him out to dinner. He may be Somara’s brother but his time and abilities are worth money. Besides, he brought Hunter along (his oldest son and the nephew I take to D&B). While the Bridge adults installed, we played Rock Band Beatles. Seems Hunter likes the quartet which gives me ideas for future gifts. He did have a hard time believing me that there have been six Beatles as well.
The wall in our bedroom after we removed the bookshelf.
Aaron did some fast work! Hunter and I only got to play four Beatles songs on the PS3. With the three units and base in position, we all proceeded to Wings n’ More to celebrate. Afterwards, Somara and I experimented on how to display the Chucks in (or would it be “on”) their new home. Currently each shelf holds 10 pairs if I have them as pictured. Somara would prefer to have both shoes face forward like a collection or artwork but this lowers the capacity to nine. When we have the spare capital to snag the remaining shelves, I am willing to make the transition.
Now you get a good glimpse of my footwear when you enter the master bedroom. Fear not, there isn't an overwhelming stench of feet.
How have the cats reacted? I’ve only busted Miette once for climbing on the lowest level. All the felines enjoy rubbing their heads on my shoes, especially Nemo if it means getting his white fur all over my new black Doors set. Miette is the only one who sticks her face into the shoe for reasons I can’t understand. I think she took the gamble because she prefers to sleep at the highest points of the house she can find over any kind of odor.
Here's a better shot displaying 60 percent of my collection.