I bought three pairs of Teva sandals several months before I left Reading. I was quite familiar with the brand already, and I was sure they would last me a long while in Motovun, where I would not have a chance to buy footwear of choice. How right I was. The first pair lasted five summers. And so did the second pair. I am about to discard them in a few days, for the sandal season is drawing to a close. The third pair will most likely last me another five summers. I knew Teva sandals were good, but I did not know exactly how good they were. I could have bought a few more pairs while I was at it nearly ten years ago. Regrets, regrets. At any rate, I will look for Teva sandals in Zagreb when I get a chance. Although I fear that all sportswear is less good now than it was a decade or so ago, when it became part of fashion, I cannot but trust a few brands I have appreciated to this day. Besides, I hate those regrets.

Addendum I (July 5, 2018)

As luck would have it, the third pair has fallen apart today. Six years, and counting. One essential strap got unhinged on the right sandal, and it is only a question of time before it falls apart for good. Sadly, I have no replacements in store. The next time I go to Zagreb, I will have to look for sandals I can trust. But Tevas are best forgotten at this stage. I have not seen them in any store in the Croatian capital for at least a decade, and perhaps even longer. At any rate, I will go for no less than three pairs as soon as I come across sandals I can trust. Their price is of least concern to me. If they can last about five years or so, I will buy them without much ado. Longevity is all I care about in my dotage.

Addendum II (April 10, 2019)

The last time I was in the Croatian capital, I had the right sandal fixed in one of the few remaining shoe-repair shops. With some luck, it will last me two or three more years. New sandals are a different matter, though. There are many on offer in Zagreb, to be sure, but none attract me at this juncture. In fact, I am appalled by most of them, for they are about fashion and nothing but fashion. Anything as simple and as sturdy as good old Tevas is unimaginable at this day and age. Thus it may well take me several years to find sandals to my taste. But I will go for no less than three pairs as soon as I manage to find them. And no kidding. Way in advance, I relish the prospect. Would that I have bought six pairs of Tevas in Reading sixteen years ago!