New sneakers: a tool for self-awareness?

As I wore my new sneakers for the first time this week, I realized they could be helpful in a way I never considered before: increased awareness of myself in the moment.

New sneakers can help in the obvious ways: more comfortable movement, better support, improved performance and a pep in your step just from wearing something new.

Another potential benefit of new sneakers is that they make you aware of every step you are taking. Your footsteps sound different. Your feet feel different. The way your foot catches your eye as you walk is different. The act of noticing these things brings you into the present moment - which is a foundational aspect of self-awareness, self-discovery and self-actualization. In this busy and distracted world, anything that can help with focusing your attention is valuable.

Is it possible to focus on every step you take while wearing a pair of old, comfortable, broken-in sneakers? Of course. But it takes more intention. With new sneakers, it’s hard to not notice your feet.

Simply noticing that you are wearing new sneakers can help you stay in the moment, focused on something that is happening now.

The next time I need new sneakers, I’m adding increased self-awareness to the list of benefits!