Page 46 - Louisiana Loop (manuscript Edition)

CAJON REEBOKS

by Danica Avet

Okay, so it isn’t exactly Cajun
French, but it is a part of the culture
here.

If you were to walk around most
parking lots in Cajun country and
happened to look at pick-up trucks,
you might see Cajun
Reeboks wedged between the cab
and bed of the trucks. I’ve always
wanted a truck, just so I could get a
pair and stuff them in that spot
because…well, it’s kind of like a gun
rack; everyone has one!

What in the world are Cajun
Reeboks, I hear you ask. Well, that’s
what I’m here to tell you about!
Cajun Reeboks are short, white rubber boots. Like these:

Not what you thought, are they?

Rubber boots are important in this area, not just because of the rain, but because if you dig more than two feet into the
ground, you will hit water.

Shrimpers and fishermen wear these boots as opposed to a darker color because of the heat. You’ve seen Deadliest
Catch, right? Well, down here, it’s the Hottest Catch. When the heat index is around 115 and you’re working on a boat,
being comfortable and cool is a priority.

It should tell you how popular these boots are that they have their own nickname around here. I’m saving up for a pair of
steel-toe rubber boots *rubs her hands together* I can hardly wait! *cough* Sorry.

So, if you’re in south Louisiana and you hear someone mention Cajun Reeboks, or you see someone walking around
wearing a pair of these boots, just remember it’s a way of life down here.

***************

I guess we should clear up what Delcambre Reeboks are before we get too deep into this. The footwear in question is the
iconic white boots that many of Louisiana's shrimpers and fishermen wear.

In other parts of the state, they are known as Cajun Reeboks, Cocodrie Converse, Swamp Nikes, and other wrong names.

Yes, we are partial to our own part of the state.

But, why are these boots white?
(Bruce Miikels)