In my mid-40s, I started commuting in sneakers and my world changed a little.

I've started commuting in sneakers.

Until I reached my mid-40s, I had never worn sneakers to commute.

I had somehow convinced myself that commuting meant wearing pumps.

At my previous traditional Japanese company, the standards for office casual were roughly defined. That said, there were many non-regular employees as well as full-time staff, so I think it was actually different for everyone.

When I was a new employee, I was taught during training that commuting in heeled pumps was the norm. Although flat pumps became acceptable as times changed, I still felt some resistance to the idea of commuting in sneakers.

An event occurred that changed that way of thinking a little.

Looking around at a gathering of parents for my child's extracurricular activities, I noticed that many people were wearing sneakers or sandals. Especially the younger mothers were almost all wearing sneakers.

At that moment, I suddenly thought,

"Oh, maybe I'm the only one obsessed with pumps."

I thought.

On another day, while walking in Ginza, a woman caught my eye. Despite her simple outfit, the sneakers on her feet looked strangely sophisticated. She looked so wonderful that I found myself following her with my eyes.

After I got home and looked it up, I found they were On's "Cloud 6."

After worrying about it for a few days, I bought them.

When I actually wore them to commute, I was surprised by how comfortable they were.

They put less strain on the soles of my feet, and I don't get tired even after walking all day. Even if I have to run a little at the station, it's not a struggle at all.

"It makes such a difference."

I honestly thought I should have worn them sooner.

Looking back now, I think I was bound by the fixed idea that commuting meant pumps.

Of course, TPO is important, but times change, and it's okay to update your own values.

There is no need to be trapped by "how things used to be" when it comes to fashion or how we work.

Now that I'm in my mid-40s, I want to try new things little by little.

It was just one pair of sneakers, but I feel like it made not only my feet but also my way of thinking a little lighter.