Smelly Shoes

I have a pair of shoes that I enjoy wearing. They are the kind of shoes that will go with nearly everything I wear. Normally, when I don't know which pair will go with what outfit, my default choice is my black ballet shoes. They are universal and comfortable. It's like walking barefoot...but not. I can wear them with a cute pair of jeans, or with a stylish pair of pedal pushers and cute top, or I can wear them with my Sunday skirt and blouse!
There is one slight problem...my feet make them smell! It's horrible! Okay, so I purchased them at Payless, but does the sweat from my feet have to give them such redolence? Do inexpensive shoes have to have this common problem? The shoes I love to wear because they allow me to feel like a delicate princess walking down the corridor of her castle. I love to point my toes like a ballerina while I wait for the elevator! It makes me smile and feel giddy inside, like a little girl might feel as she waits for her turn to go onstage for her first dance recital!
However, there is the repulsive odor I mentioned earlier. Imagine this: A very good looking man (who smells amazing by the way) picks you up for dinner and after you invite him in and finish the small talk, you finally decide to leave. On your way out the door, you pick the shoes for the evening by thinking to yourself "black ballet shoes, please." You make your way to the truck feeling the excitement of the moment. You remember how wonderful he smelled as he hugged you during that happy salutation only a few minutes before. Then, as you are enjoying your dinner you think about doing "the girl thing." Ladies, you know what I'm talking about; kicking off your shoes under the table and feeling comfortable. However, as I consider doing this and get one shoe partly off I remember the repugnant odor as it makes it's way up to my nostril hairs! "OH NO!" I think to myself, but it's too late! I sit and wonder if he'll notice, and if he does, will he know it's me??? We get back to my apartment and hug good-bye and again, he envelops you in an extended embrace, and even though you are not planning on pursuing him romantically, you smile slightly and close your eyes and breath him in. You love him because he is your friend and has been for years, but hope that even though he loves you too, he doesn't pass out from the malodorous, but super cute shoes you've chosen to wear.

ej