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So a few years ago, or more than a few, I decided that for "dress" shoes, or boots, or basically any shoes I plan to wear outside of the summer season, I would stick to buying nicer shoes.
I have had mixed luck with the lower quality ones. Some last forever. Some die in two minutes.
And I got addicted to Kenneth Cole collection shoes. And Cole Haan. And Same Edelman. And Jeffery Campbell. (Nordstrom Rack is my friend!)
I also get my shoes repaired. New heels. New soles. ...and I am hoping to replace the lining on my favorite slingbacks. I've got a bunch of shoes that are 8-10+ years old that I still wear. Flats tend to get replaced, and are hard to save, but heels and boots can last a while with care.
So I was out with my sister at Sears. And she was really excited about her new boots (she has not come to the same revelation).
I ended up getting some "shooties" that matched up pretty well for what I was looking for this season. They were $20, so I thought I'd take a chance. I did some modifications: added more padding, and the water resistant spray since it was raining today.
The verdict?
1. my shoes were a hit with my coworkers, lots of compliments
2. the rain spray did its job, and my feet stayed dry
3. the heel (a thicker one) was moderately well balanced,I wasn't feeling wobbly (a sure sign of cheap shoes!)
4. the padding wasn't really enough
5. not as breathable as my typical shoes
The verdict? I might try the cheap shoes again, if they are really cheap, on trend, and aren't meant to last. But I like my nicer shoes with more leather much better. But if I can make these work for the rainy season, I got my money's worth.
Are you a shoe splurger? Or do you go for the cheap and disposable? Something else? Somewhere between?
I've got a mix of nice and cheap shoes....if they fit, they fit....doesn't seem to matter how much they cost. I won't buy a cheap shoe if it doesn't feel great....but I won't buy an expensive one, either, if it feels bad!
While I've had a mixed array of shoes, I find they're an item that you're better off splurging on, or you'll pay for it (literally and figuratively) later. You don't have to "break the bank," but look for clearance of well-made shoes (i.e. some brands the OP already mentioned).
I will add, however, if I'm going to buy "cheap" shoes, they're typically flip-flops and flats--what I consider throwaways or expendables because I don't expect them to last, nor plan to keep them for very long, anyway.
Well these were $20. . I think if it is of unknown quality but passes the initial in store tests then I might spent $30 if the construction seems reasonable enough.
I usually wear flip flops or chuck taylors. I do have a pair of nice heeled knee high boots but I wish they would have made them in black because I don't have a lot of things that go with the light brown color that they are.
Most of my shoes are super cheap, but I figure since I have quite a few pairs and rarely wear them they'll last a bit longer I agree that flats and flip flops are mostly disposable so I usually just grab a pair whenever I go into CVS or Walgreens.
Cheap shoes if they're cute or trendy will be a hit with other women, but often they're poorly designed, so they kill your feet, ouch! It's worth it to save, and spring for quality shoes. Fewer shoes, but better fit. Your feet will thank you.
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