What are your 'name brand only' items?

What do you refuse to get generic versions of?

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208 comments

Tires. Never cheap out on tires.
- This I agree with.
  I once heard someone say: «never skimp out on what seperates you from the ground».
  For bed and tires I really agree, but with shoes I’m not as strict.
  
  I had this exact stance until I won a pair of $200 running shoes in a raffle. My occasional backpains and joint problems disappeared almost immediately. I started buying the best footwear I could afford and my quality of life went measurable up after that decision.
  The BIGGEST changes were going to a reputable podiatrist and getting shoe recommendations based off of my arch shape, weight and gait. They put me on a treadmill with highspead cameras at the sides and rear to record how my stride landed both walking and running. That and custom molded insoles.
  Now Shoes are a part of our yearly budget to make sure we have good condition, supportive shoes at all times. Also re-soleing if applicable.
  Side note: Dress shoes can die in a fire.
  
  Ok fine, my running shoes I got the same way you did.
  I still skimp on the everyday shoes though, and like you avoid flat soles like fire.
  Cheers for sharing though. I know what you’re doing would benefit me in the long run.
  
  I agree from the opposite direction:
  20 years ago I switched to zero drop minimalist footwear for running, hiking, and almost all everyday activities (everything except weddings and funerals). I only wear footwear that has no relation at all to my foot's arch, my weight, or my gait.
  Best decision for my knees, ankles, and hips I think I ever made.
  
  That's actually pretty interesting. I started with minimalist footwear once I was old enough to start making shoe decisions myself and apparently that was partially causing some of the problems I was experiencing.
  Five Fingers were my go to's (once they came out) for most days and Vivobarefoot's / Nike Free's for when the social side of five fingers was in questionable taste.
  It's always fascinating to me how wildly different solutions are the exact remedy needed for different individuals. It's why I always get a little irritated when you read someone saying "Use this thing AND THIS THING ONLY! everything else is junk and dumb and you will be a worse person for using it." such a close minded approach to the world.
  I've been out of the minimal shoe worlds for a bit minute, anything cool to come about recently?
  
  Same same, although VFFs only came out in the 2005, so it hasn't been quite 20 years. The only shoes I wear that have support are my motorcycle boots and cycling shoes.
  I'd go barefoot everywhere if I could.
- Same can be said about the power supply unit of your homemade PC. Cheaping out on that is a good way to fry your PC or burn your house down.
  
  Like Bronzie said, never skimp on what separates you from the ground. Or on this case, what separates your computer from the ground.
- Changed my tires for the first time last year. Bought the cheapest tires acailable to me and now my car feel a bit wobbly. I'm definitely buying better tires next time.

208 comments