Cheap Shoes - False Economy?

louidog

Shoes.....my favourite subject!

My mum always got me good quality shoes and insisted on Clarkes or Italian shoes (goodness knows why Italian!) and said that no one should ever cut costs where feet are concerned. Now as a mother myself I always buy the best quality shoes for my son. He was bought up wearing the best we could afford.

I have a bit of a shoe fetish and own a fair few pairs collected over the years. I always buy good quality shoes or boots as you do really get what you pay for. I try to get classic style shoes in sales if possible to save some pennies. I will sometimes buy cheap shoes as they look so nice and trendy but boy do my feet pay for it. The cheaper shoes are often not leather so of course my feet sweat and then they ache and sore feet make you miserable.

Be kind to your feet and they will be kind to you!

Peartree

There is 'cheap' and there is 'bargain' and they are two different things which often seem to be confused. You make a decision if you buy a cheap thing cheap. It is OK for, say, a fashion item you're only going to wear for a short space of time. However, buying a cheap thing cheap isn't moneysaving. A pair of shoes that is cheap, at full price, in a supermarket, Primark or the like is cheap for a reason. I'm not saying that's bad but you pay your money and you make your choice - it might be OK for a pair of sandals you'll wear occasionally but not for your winter boots.

However, good quality doesn't mean expensive if you buy in a factory shop, outlet or sale. I'm sitting here in my Clarks shoes that cost me £5 at a local discount shoe place. Unfortunately, you can't just go out and find exactly what you want when you need it - you have to keep your eyes open year round! You might need to buy your winter boots in June and your sandals in February!

Quasar

I walk a lot in my work involving surveys on buses and Tube trains, and I tend to buy either Clarks or Jones shoes. The ones I buy tend to cost £50-60, but they last and last, AND being of good leather they mould around the foot, keeping it comfortable and warm in the winter.

Tip: always buy winter shoes/boots half a size or a size bigger than you think you are, to accommodate socks easily, and because wide fitting shoes allow the foot to swell, as it does after a few hours we are up. This allows good circulation and helps keep feet warm.

Peartree

Not sure I agree about wide-fitting unless you actually really have wide feet. I've had to bin shoes that have got wide and I've ended up not being able to wear them because my feet were sliding around so much once the leather has stretched. I'll buy a bargain shoe/boot half a size bigger if I love it, and resign myself to insoles or socks but I wouldn't do the same if it were the difference between normal and wide-fitting.

Quasar

Peartree wrote: »

Not sure I agree about wide-fitting unless you actually really have wide feet. I've had to bin shoes that have got wide and I've ended up not being able to wear them because my feet were sliding around so much once the leather has stretched. I'll buy a bargain shoe/boot half a size bigger if I love it, and resign myself to insoles or socks but I wouldn't do the same if it were the difference between normal and wide-fitting.

Not too wide of course, but I think half a size for winter shoes allows the comfort of socks and good blood circulation. But that depends also on the model of shoe and make. Speaking personally however, I find that a slightly bigger boot or shoe keeps my foot very comfortable.

Olliebeak

I have problems with the size and width of my feet - 9 wide or 8 extra wide.

Recently I discovered 'Hotter' shoes and absolutely love them. They really cushion your feet and are made from soft leather - no nasty heel rubbing at the back. Most of the styles have 'rubbery' soles but they have started doing some 'smarter-styles' recently. Many of their styles have adjustable ways of fastening: velcro/laces/buckles. They are a British firm (based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire) and sell through their catalogue or website but they do have a shop in Southport. They are not cheap - but are extremely comfortable.

I hope I am allowed to post a link to their website - but if not can a mod delete it please.

http://www.hottershoes.com/HotterSite/pages/home/default.asp

Ollie

rustyjemma

Im a severly wide footed person im a 3eeee but normally manage in a 4eee as its easier to find nice shoes in the latter. Im only 26 & still want fashionable shoes. I use viva la diva for footwear. and DUO shoes

I just couldnt find anywhere else to go.

I believe fit is the most important thing about any shoe price is not an issue

Sarahsaver

Just thought of some more hints.I have a pair of Hi tec cross country trainers, not 'trendy' but they have lasted AGES. Before that I had a pair of (men's) Diesel trainers from tk maxx for about £30 they lasted about 3 years.
I may take a picture of my shoe cupboard tomorrow to show you...
I think my oldest pair of boots is about 6 or 7 years old, they were in a sale in Littlewoods catalogue. Leather uppers, classic design. I don't think I have paid full price for any boots!
I have some Earth shoes you can sometimes get bargains on www.lovethoseshoes.co.uk if you sign up to their email they have a lot of cheaper shoes in the smaller sizes. :eek: I have large(ish) feet size 8 I dont know how you littlun's manage!

Bargain_Rzl

One more thing from me, too. Do you have a Clarks factory shop near you? I've got two in my area (comes of living in a scummy bit of London ). Most of the range is quite conservative and old-ladyish, but there can be some nice ones if you are there at the right time. I saw a lovely pair in the Elephant & Castle branch today - reduced from £45 to £30 - but have talked myself out of them for the time being as I don't have any money left this month

vixtress

i know they're not to everyones taste but i bought a pair of crocs (real ones) for £20 off the internet this time last year and i have wrn them all day, every day since.
they still look exactly as they did the day i bought them and this has been the first summer ever that i havent had to throw away my work shoes because they smell!! not even the slightest, vague whiff!!
they are also the comfiest shoes i have ever tried (by a mile)
i know they arent the most attractive things but they really are fantastic in every other way