1.   As fire ants continue to proliferate, closed shoes are becoming more of a country necessity.

2.   Athletic shoes long ago became more than mere equipment.

3.   After female lead Jennifer Grey danced slinky rhumbas while wearing Keds, the canvas shoes became a teenage fashion statement.

4.   After that, sales of the sneaker boomed and the shoe became a de rigueur addition to the teen-age grunge uniform.

5.   After walking several miles and dancing and prancing, the shoes became pure torture.

6.   Bright yellow shoes become the sign of promised prosperity.

7.   Fila, traditionally a maker of tennis clothes, burst onto the sportswear scene two years ago when its Grant Hill basketball shoes became the favorite of U.S. youths.

8.   In borrowing ideas from sneakers, casual shoes have become more durable.

9.   Shoes have become an obsession with women who care about fashion and can afford to indulge themselves.

10.   The Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes have become collectibles and may become even more valuable if the company folds.