The footwear choices of my youth were driven by the economic realities of my employment. Of course, as a young teen-ager a regular paycheck was was not the rule, but an allowance and odd jobs did provide a somewhat regular income stream. My first season of High School Cross Country was run in the Tiger Boston, everyday, rain or shine. Distance day, speed day, easy day, raceday, one pair of shoes. They had a little extra cushion, from the Tiger Marathon, and offered enough protection for a 90 pounder running between 25-30 miles each week. My coach thought it would be best for me, and since he was also paying for them, I just said, “Thanks Dad.” They also carried through a winter of intermittent runs and then through the track season on days when the distance runs were away from the track.