Columnists > Kelly Ann Butterbaugh > ArticlesMay 27, 2008

By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Want a great way to save money while shopping? Buy expensive shoes. Sound crazy? It makes more sense than you think.

The Basic Facts

Shoes can be expensive for two reasons: 1) they're well-made; 2) they're stylish. While they can be both, focus on expensive well-made shoes. This doesn't mean you need to result to flat rubber soled style nightmares; there are stylishly well-made shoes. Poorly manufactured footwear is an indisputable cause of many foot related problems such as bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Even knee, hip, lower back, and neck pain can cite its beginnings in the feet. Instead, wear well-made shoes.

Skip the temptation to put cheaper shoes on the feet of young children. While they won't complain about the foot pain or bunions, they will suffer the consequences. Those crazy shoes sported during the teenage years will demand a price as well. The twenty-six bones of the foot don't set in their final place until the age of eighteen. Find supportive and properly fitting shoes for the young feet in the family.

Cheaply Made vs. Cheaply Priced

There are great shoes found at a cheap price. (I just found a pair of high quality all-weather boots the retail for more than $80 for $32 - cheaply priced, not cheaply made.) Then, there are cheaply made shoes at hidden price. Know how to spot the difference. Cheaply made shoes tend to hurt the feet during wear because they aren't formed properly to fit the foot. Shoes do not need to be broken in! They should fit properly the first time and every time.

Style doesn't have to be a sacrifice, as stylish shoes can be made well, but stick to some guidelines. Doctors advise that shoes have laces, Velcro, or straps, which guarantee a proper fit. Slip-on shoes are often purchased and sized too small for the foot. Likewise, heels should stay between 1 to 2 1/2 inches and should be chunky rather than slim.

What Makes a Good Shoe

What separates the good from the cheap? A good quality shoe will be made of leather. Some offer soles made from rubber or another material, but they will keep a leather upper. The leather should be pliable but not too soft. Looks matter. If the stitches look rushed and the trim shoes glue along the edges, the shoe was made quickly and without care. Are there expensive shoes that are made cheaply? Absolutely! Learn which brands offer quality shoes and watch for them.

The Savings

There are great places to find quality shoes at lower prices. Sometimes a lesser known brand offers a great shoe; trust in what your foot feels. Watch the clearance aisle and catalog clearances. If you must pay the full price, it's worth it. The shoes will last for years and you'll want to wear them every day, while the cheaper shoes will sit aside in your closet and wear in a season or two. Cheaply made shoes wear quickly and cost more on a per-wear basis. Add this to long-term medical bills and you'll see why expensive shoes can save you money.

About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com

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