IN HIGH GEAR

Your favorite '90s sneakers are back...

Everyone’s experienced that moment in the shoe store when you debate whether it’s worth squeezing your feet into a pair of too-small shoes or better to just accept defeat and walk out empty-handed.

For me, that happened with a pair of L.A. Gear sneakers. It was the early ‘90s and in my head it made more sense to stunt my foot’s growth and put up with pain every time I took a step than leave without a pair of pink rhinestone high-tops.

Now that L.A. Gear is being brought back from the dead starting this fall, I’m beginning to get this sense of déjà vu: The limited edition sneakers are only available in Europe, so I’m contemplating dropping the cash, guessing my size, and hiring a Spanish translator just to get my hands on a pair of these fire engine red sneakers.

In my defense, they’re even better than the L.A. Gear shoes of the ‘90s. They’ve still got the rhinestones and the mini license plate keychain, but also have a bow on the heel and hot pink satin lining. But then again, I’m convinced that my original pair of way-too-small L.A. Gear sneaks permanently crippled my toes, so these may best be left as Monday morning eye candy rather than a ‘90s throwback investment. Neon parachute pants on the other hand…
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

$163 at www.24-kts.net



This story was published on October 6, 2008.