The Foot's On The Other Shoe Now

Peter Maverick wears bowling shoes outside of bowling alleys.

The first time was an accident--Peter walked right out of the Penny Lanes Bowl-O-Rama without changing footwear after being distracted by a rival bowler who spilled a Fresca on his Strike Me Down team bowling shirt. After that incident, Peter realized just how cozy his classic styled two-toned leather really were.

"I don't give two spares what anyone else thinks," said the 30-year-old cellular phone technician. "These shoes are comfy."

Peter isn't concerned with the stares he will inevitably attract. He points out that, like his ex-girlfriend Tammy, fashion has often taken a back seat to common sense and comfort. He feels that it is only the truly ignorant who shun those who make unusual choices in their apparel.

"They laughed at people who wore leg-warmers, orthopedic shoes, and those rainbow-coloured socks with the individual toes," offered Peter. "Those were all sound choices. But the world said 'no' and only a handful, the very brave, chose to ignore society."

Despite some minor inconveniences, such as icy ground surfaces in winter, and being ostracized by other puritan bowlers, Peter is happy with his pedial choice.

"I know people will struggle to understand my decision. If they could walk a mile in my bowling shoes, I'm sure they would realize the advantages," said Peter.

"I'll have to convince people that the comfort and convenience of wearing bowling shoes all the time is worth it," said Peter. "Like now, I can just walk into the bowling alley, and step right up to the lane. Everyone else is still tying on their shoes. And many of them are still using those disgusting rental shoes--something I don't even consider anymore."

They laughed at people who wore leg-warmers, orthopedic shoes, and those rainbow-coloured socks with the individual toes

Peter is looking ahead to the other challenges he will face, on and off the lanes.

Yes, it will be hard finding clothes to match," said Peter. "Only my polyester golfing pants go with the red, green, and grey leather. And I guess I'll have to shop around a little to find appropriate red or purple shoelaces."

Peter's mother, Myrtle Maverick, commends her son for his choice.

"My Peter is a strong man," said Myrtle, who bowls at the same alley as her son, but in a different league. "I haven't seen him this determined since his high school days. I think that was when he insisted on wearing that silly Charlie Brown sweater his nanna knitted him."

Peter's bowling average is currently 173, up two points from last week.