Do Your Shoes Reflect Where You’ve Been—or Where You’re Going?
The Shoes We Wear: Stepping Into Change
Pope Leo isn’t a Jesuit like Pope Francis was, but he is American—the first to serve as Pope. Watching thousands of Catholics gather at St. Peter’s Square on TV, waiting for the white smoke, brought me back to my own trip to Europe in 2023.
It’s funny how memories work. Sometimes, it’s not the big things that bring them back—it’s the small, unexpected details. Like a pair of shoes.
The Hoka Journey
The day before I left for five weeks in Europe, I bought a pair of Hoka sneakers. I didn’t intend to get such a bright color, but they were the only ones in stock, and I needed them. Those Hokas ended up carrying me through more than 100 miles of travel.
They walked the entire outside of the Colosseum in Rome, tracing ancient steps under the unseasonably warm June sun. They squeaked across the polished floors of St. Peter’s Basilica, matching the shine of the gold and marble inside. They wandered through the narrow streets of Dublin, Prague, Krakow, Orvieto, Paris, and London—through pubs, coffee shops, kebab spots, and more.
Those shoes took me places I’d never been. Paris, where they circled the Eiffel Tower and wandered aimlessly through the city, soaking in the sounds and smells. London, where they kept me moving from Camden to Kensal Green, over bridges and through tube stops. They treaded lightly on the beaches of Normandy and inside the gas chambers at Auschwitz. They stuck with me through long, hot workdays and were ready whenever I needed a break—whether for coffee, gelato, or just fresh air.
They even handled my rusty clutch work when I rented a car, reminding me how long it had been since I’d driven stick. Those Hokas carried me through an incredible journey. I can’t bring myself to get rid of them, even though they’re worn and a little worse for wear.
The Skechers That Stayed Behind
My dad’s Skechers are different. We bought them during a rare day trip while he was in assisted living. It was supposed to be an escape—a break from his room and a chance to do something normal. He picked out the shoes himself, and I knew he liked them, not because they were stylish, but because they were comfortable.
He didn’t wear them for long, but he put miles on them. Back and forth down the assisted living hallways. He wasn’t used to sitting still—he’d always been on the move, but memory care meant being confined. The shoes helped him feel a little more like himself.
Sometimes, I think about how I traveled an entire continent in my Hokas, while Dad stayed within the same walls in his Skechers. I had miles of exploration, and he had hallways. And yet, those shoes served their purpose. They brought him a bit of comfort in a time when comfort was hard to come by.
The Shoes We Leave Behind
Pope Leo has big shoes to fill. So did Pope Francis. So does anyone stepping into a new role, a new chapter, or a new journey. The shoes aren’t the same, but the purpose is: to move forward, to carry on.
In a few days, Erin and her friends will be leaving behind the safety and comfort of college life. They’ll walk into the uncertainty of new jobs, graduate school, or living back at home. Their favorite well-worn shoes will still be with them, but the roads ahead will change.
When I see my Hokas, I don’t just see shoes—I see experiences. I remember the noise of Rome, the quiet of Auschwitz, and the unexpected turns of each city. Those shoes remind me of growth, of stepping out of comfort zones, and of making memories that last.
And my dad’s Skechers? They remind me of something else: that not all journeys are grand or far-reaching. Sometimes, just putting one foot in front of the other is enough. It’s the effort that counts.
Moving Forward
Graduating from college feels like that too. You’ve walked a familiar path for four years, but now the road changes. You can’t cling to the past, even if it was good. You have to keep moving, keep exploring, and keep growing.
I remind Erin of something Father Kelley once said: “The best four years of your life are always ahead of you.” Imagine if those college years were the best of your life—how limiting would that be?
It’s okay to be scared about what comes next. Embrace the uncertainty. Sometimes things won’t go your way, but that’s okay too. Stay open to opportunities, meet new people, and don’t close yourself off to experiences just because they’re new or uncomfortable.
The world has a way of surprising you when you stay curious. Just don’t cling to the past, even if it’s familiar. The next steps might be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll break those shoes in.
Be Sad but Grateful.
Be Reminiscent but Optimistic.
Be Afraid but Excited.
Be Proud but Humble.
You’ve got this. And remember, the best miles are still ahead.
See you next week.
That was a really enlightening take on the memories associated with the “steps” we take. Thank you for the reminder! Ps: I LOVE my Hokas!!!