sambas are just the tip of the iceberg
reflections on the aestheticization of functional footwear (soccer shoes, ballet shoes, climbing shoes, etc)
A lifetime ago, I was really into rock climbing.
There was a no-frills gym 10 min from my college campus that offered a student membership, something like $60 for a whole semester—a very good deal compared to the Equinox-fication of gyms these days (a sophisticated business venture that just happens to be a gym). If it has a smoothie bar inside, that’s how you know.
Hangar 18 was poorly ventilated and VERY fun.
The mats were dirty. The air was speckled thick with chalk. There were no lockers and you could leave your phone lying around without feeling worried it’d get stolen. I mean, I also had an old Android no one would want to steal, but it was just that kind of environment. It was one of my favorite places to hang out. And ideal Sunday: I’d spend the afternoon there until the orange-y Inland Empire sunset crept in, then go home to the dining hall for burrito night.