A true secret to happiness: wearing running shoes all day.

When I started the Happines Project, I vowed to work on dressing better. Day in and day out, I wear jeans and running shoes, or khakis and running shoes, or yoga pants and running shoes, usually with a long-sleeved, v-neck white t-shirt (the t-shirt is another story).

I had vague dreams of dressing in attractive, grown-up outfits and tried to make a shift, but somehow I could never change.

I know, “Be Gretchen,” but I thought it would be nice to be a slightly more nicely dressed Gretchen.

Finally, I remembered to apply one of my Twelve Commandments (see lefthand column): Identify the problem.
What was the problem? Why did I never want to dress more nicely?

Answer: because I do a lot of walking every day, and always try to walk more whenever possible, so I like to wear comfortable shoes.

This should have been obvious, but somehow it wasn’t. Once I identified the problem, I realized I had to decide between a conflict in priorities: more walking or more fashion?

I choose more walking, almost every day. Now that I see running shoes as an expression of a choice, instead of a sign of a lack of style, I don’t care about upgrading my look.

Yesterday I did need to dress up a bit, so I wore flat loaders with a proper outfit. For most people, I realize, loafers count as comfortable shoes. Let me say that NOTHING beats running shoes.

By the time my day was over, I felt far more tired and footsore than I usually do.

So, if you’re feeling exhausted at the end of the day, if your feet and legs ache, if you feel drained from daily life, try switching shoes.

Obviously, many people don’t have an option to wear running shoes all day. But if you could wear running shoes, but don’t, give it a shot. I predict you will get a serious happiness boost.

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I like to cruise around the many great blogs that deal with the subject of productivity, or as it's often called, GTD, "Getting Things Done." I've gotten great ideas and inspiration from blogs like Zen Habits, Dumb Little Man, and Getting Things Done. They often manage to be funny as well as useful, always a plus.

Comments

[Kate in England]

Just de-lurking to say firstly how much I enjoy your blog, and secondly I could not agree more about the shoes! I wore a skirt for the first time this year the other day, with accompanying delicate(ish)-type shoes, and my feet have been in agony ever since. I could not wait to get my trainers back on. I've also been wanting to smarten up my style, but I'm going to have to find a way to do it that includes comfortable shoes, because being able to walk everywhere is just so crucial for me. Trainers really do both literally and metaphorically put a spring in your step!

[Jen]

When I need shoes, I go to zappos.com - free shipping BOTH ways, tons of choices, 24/7 hotline staffed by real and intelligent people. A friend introduced me to them, and I love them. Not an employee, just a fan. :)

[clkl]

Now this post made me happy. Coincidentally, I posted earlier this week about a connection between uncomfortable shoes and happiness:

http://blog.jugglingfrogs.com/2007/06/simcha-blisters.html
(Simcha = Hebrew for joy/happiness)

The blisters are healing. Boy was I happy to get back into my comfortable Mommy shoes, though!

All the best,
CLKL

[Kath]

I agree 100%!

I work at home and love wearing comfy footwear!

For the Spring and Summer, running shoes can't be beat. For Fall and Winter, Merrill clogs are to die for! So incredibly comfy!

I have one pair of dress shoes, 9 pair of Merrill's including my hiking boots. 2 pair of running shoes. That's all I need!

ps- LOVE your blog!

[Lara]

Ahh this topic was right on cue for me. I'm currently in inner turmoil about a very similar thing. I tend to get cold quite easily so I spend a lot of time wearing big boots and jackets and woolen jumpers, and I feel like I should be dressing more feminine like other girls (skinny jeans and slinky sweaters), but I can't see how they could dress like that and be WARM! I feel bad about not dressing girly enough for my partner but I need to feel better about being true to myself...

[amir]

hi
I am one of your readers, users of your techniques and consequently a FAN from Iran,
I just want to thank you and its trigger was something that I think would be helpful or considerable to you(in during of writing I am in doubt that you have seen this before)
http://www.asmmag.com/ASM/content/2006/ASM_035/world_map_of_happiness.jpg
I think it shows that where is more need for happiness! especially your tips that really work.as you see there is lots of need for happiness around the world and I hope you expand your ideas by considering international conditions.
again I really thank you for your kind help to human kind,
I am a master student in electrical engineering and suggest your tips to many of my friends , co-workers , and relatives they all interested in these tips and some times customize your tips for their self and I am really enjoy this process that always brings happiness and satisfaction and even more! really more!

good luck with your project and also hope the best for your family.

Amir Reza

pardon me for posting this email in some inappropriate place,I think it is the fastest and more sure way to thank.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I'm so pleased to find that there are other comfortable-shoe devotees out there -- and thanks for the kind words about the blog.

Lara -- I'm also perpetually cold. Here's my new revelations, from this last winter. 1. wear silk long underwear under pants (thin, light, add a lot of warmth with no bulk) every day. 2. Go to a lingerie store and buy a body suit -- adds no bulk but really keeps you warmer.

[LRH]

You've hit on a personal mantra of mine: "Happiness is comfortable shoes." In my job, I have to present a certain image, so it's a challenge to find acceptable shoes that feel good, too. But I've learned which brands are the best at making comfy shoes that masquerade as foot-killers. That said, you're right: nothing beats running shoes!

Love your blog!

[MJ]

Alright! Another person who hasn't "grown up" into someone who wears skirts, hose and tasteful shoes to grocery shop (like my long time best friend's mother who has never worn slacks in her life). One of my greatest sensual pleasures in life is wearing running shoes (especially new ones with all of the cush still in place) and brand new super-fluffy Thor Lo running socks. HEAVEN. Doc Martins can make 10 days walking in Europe and blend in well enough, but nothing beats the Thor Lo fluff.

My dream is to transition my career to a niche that suits me a bit better AND to be able to wear my casual faves more often (like, if working at home, running shoes and in cooler weather my husband's worn out flannel shirts).

I grew up with a mom who never did anything without clip-on earrings, full makeup and fresh lipstick. Oops. Sorry! Must have taken after Dad.

[happy feet]

My solution was to try some of the more stylish shoes that offer good foot support - check out Keen, for example. they're cool looking - I wear them to rock clubs! - but the support is superior.

My other hack was buying real high quality insoles to wear in my chuck taylors. I love my chuck taylors, and I was tired of not wearing them because 1) my feet hurt and 2) some kind of moral judgement I was carrying in my head that 40 year olds shouldn't wear chuck taylors (even though I own about half a dozen, and could keep buying them...). I got these amazing insoles - that you BAKE for two minutes and then put into your shoes and walk on - and I put those in my chuck taylors and now I can wear them every day.

[MJ]

Yes, Chuck Taylors are awful on the feet. But so cool. Thanks for the tip.

Try Born too. Also comfy.

Where do I look for the bakeable insoles? Sound much better that Dr. Scholl from the drugstore.

[Stormy]

One day on maternity leave I decided that my dream job would be one where I could wear tennis shoes every day. You are right - nothing beats running shoes. (Not even sandals!)

[Jennywenny]

I too have come to the conclusion I can only buy comfortable shoes as I always want to walk around.

Shoes dont have to be too uncomfortable. I buy my shoes at clarks every time I visit the UK(they have much nicer styles than clarks over here) and those, paired with 'superfeet' insoles keep me happy all day and I can be well turned out too.

Unfortunately Aerosoles are going through a real fugly stage so I'm hoping they get better next season.

I was under the impression that running shoes werent very good for your feet to wear all day?

[Marci]

Wow...I have so many reactions to this. Ever since I've known you, I've noticed that you only wear running shoes and I've accepted that as part of your personal style. I like the look on you. It suits you. And I've meant to talk to you about it. But I have long been wondering if you are always thinking, "Why is Marci wearing such uncomfortable shoes?"

I totally get your decision and applaud it. But I don't think I could follow your lead here, because even though I also have the kind of life where I COULD wear running shoes, and I also like to walk wherever I go, my happiness is really tied to feeling good about how I look. And frankly, unless I'm wearing workout clothes, I look pretty ridiculous in running shoes.

You see, I'm reallly petite (5"0') and I don't know if other really small women have this issue, but I just don't look put together unless I am wearing shoes with a little lift. And the little lift makes me happy. So, I take a really long exercise walk every morning (in my running shoes). And then if I'm walking around during the day, I pretty much take the subway or a taxi. In my shoes with a little lift. I try to make sure they aren't too uncomfortable, but they often give me a blister or some sorenss I have to admit.

But for now, it feels very "Be Marci" to live this way.

Thanks for making me think about this.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Absolutely! The answer isn't necessarily to do what makes someone else happy, but rather, think mindfully about your own priorities and act accordingly -- rather than a sense of what you "have" to do (unless you really have to!). Like MJ, my mother always looks great -- but I can wear running shoes! that's ok!

May I will expand into the Thor Lo socks, too...

[Mad William Flint]

Black largely featureless New Balance sneakers in a business casual environment. It pushes the boundaries a little bit, but it's worth it.

[KDM]

It's been almost 20 years since I saw the movie but this post reminds me of a scene in The Big Chill, where one of the characters buys all his friends running shoes. When one of the friends puts them on for the first time he comments, I am never going to take these off. In the movie, it seems like everyone gets a boost by their new running shoes.

[Susan]

I agree about comfortable shoes and obviously it's a subjective thing because, to me, running shoes aren't particularly comfortable. I associate them with sweaty feet! My current favourite/most comfortable shoes are by Arche. Just putting them on makes me feel more cheerful. To show how obsessive I am here's a link to the catalogue. My boots are on the cover in the photo with the vehicle.

http://www.arche-shoes.fr/arche%20us/Catal%20H06.html

[Keith of Imus, Cavite, Philippines]

I wanted to share longivity process.

I am 63 and my wife is 67 we have 9 children, 1 died and the rest are all professionals. I married at 19, just over a month after my birthday. Throughout the years I am the breadwinner. I got so many kind of jobs through the 44 years of our marriage life. I started as an office clerk, a secretary, warehouse supervisor, sales coordinator, salesman, sales supervisor, sales manager,marketing manager, school administrator, asst. to the president and vice president, country manager of an american firm and president of a small trading firm.

I drink a little, about 1-2 bottle of beer when i was below 40. i enjoyed some night life when i was below 50 Working on long time of 8am to 10pm makes me so stressful and i got transient schemic attack (TIA) in 2001. (my blood pressure is 220/120) 3 brain CT Scan resulted to negative. Cause of the TIA is only on stressful working condition. Do i am having a very good income, i resigned. I have had short short span of time as consultant, but, some problems again increases my blood pressure do i am taking my daily hypertensive medications, I quit. In 2005 i was operated due to stage IIIA colon cancer and undergone 9 months of chemotheraphy. Up to the present I am having a monthly laboratory tests, and twice a year different type of CT/MRI Scan.
At present I still drive, work some gardening, having a good sex life and attending my church obligations. as lay minister.

And, this is the life longivity of my wife, a plain housewife, having 9 children all in normal deliveries. She has never been hospitalized. She does'nt even have check-ups for over 30 years, and afraid to consult physician for minor sickness. She eats porks, vegetables, fish and other foods, no restrictions.SHE HAS NEVER BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR SICKNESS. She is the eldest among the children of 13 and all her siblings are still alive. Her father already at 88 and her mother already 84 are still alive. I think the secret on this longivity is, LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS, STAY WITHIN YOUR RANGE ALWAYS BE HAPPY IN PROVIDING YOUR CHILDREN WITH ALL THEIR DAILY NEEDS AND LIMIT THEM TO THEIR LIMITATION. PROPER GUIDANCE MADE MY CHILDREN NOT TO BE DRINKER AND SMOKER. PROPER GUIDANCE MADE THEM CHOOSE THEIR FRIENDS AND COMPANY AND PARTNER IN LIFE.