SUPRA Footwear

Have you ever tried to describe the color red to someone? If you have, you’ve likely defined it ostensively. The ostensive definition is one given by direct demonstration and pointing out examples. It is, in fact, sometimes referred to as “definition by example.” For instance, you might use the three shoes in SUPRA’s Red Pack to describe the color red to someone. “That is red,” you would say, pointing at the Cuttler, Society Mid, and Skylow in the Red Pack. The person you are talking to will surely marvel at the heavy weight 21 oz. canvas upper which is indeed as red as red can be. As is the matching red visa terry lining, the red waxed laces, and the red crown on the white bottom. The only thing that’s not red is the crepe textured, white foxing. Your example might confuse your friend. This is one of the limits, as Wittgenstein¹ says, of the ostensive definition. Your friend might now be going about thinking that “red” is “SUPRA Footwear.” In which case any time he sees a pair of SUPRA Footwear, he will say, “Red.” Now available at SUPRA retailers worldwide, and suprafootwear.com.

¹“’Something red can be destroyed, but red cannot be destroyed and that is why the meaning of the word “red” is independent of the existence of a red thing.’ — Certainly it makes no sense to say that the colour red (as opposed to the pigment) is torn up or pounded to bits. But don’t we say ‘The red is vanishing’? And don’t cling to the idea of our always being able to bring red before our mind’s eye even when there is nothing red any more!” —Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations, Section 57.