How much do you pay for shoes?

[5stljayhawks]

I never pay full price. Costco has some good deals on tennis shoes - Asics. Different types of Asic shoes runs 40 to 80. Then I am always looking for ECCO. Got a pair of sandels for Sierra Trading Post, after I had foot surgey. Holy Rolly Pollie. Sure they are more maybe 75 to 150 but worth every dollar. I notice that my back will not hurt after being on my feet all day. My last place is Norstrom - 1/2 yearly sale(which I think is going on now)

Allen Edmonds dress shoes. Cost 175 to 250. These shoes will resoled twice during a 10 year period and a few rubber heals. total cost 200 to 300 over 10 years is not bad for great looking, great wearing, comfortable shoes. BTW - you can also send the shoes back to allen edmonds and they will refinish them to look as good as new.

Also wear crocs, but only from the discount rack. Yes I look great in lime green and maroon. Pink not so much.

 

[bettymae1121]

I pretty much stick to two shoes a year, very good sandals for summer and very good leather clogs for winter. They generally run me $80 to $100 each. I've tried cheaper versions, and they always fall apart within a few months. In the long run it's cheaper to pony up the extra $$$ and get better quality.

If your child is still growing I can see getting cheaper shoes, as they'll out grow them before they out wear them. But once they've stoped growing so fast, I'd just make extra room in the budget (assuming they NEED shoes and just don't want a 6th pair to go with that "one" outfit).

 

[Pembo]

I've only paid $100 for dh's dress shoes, in a size 14. As for me and the kids, I try to stay in the $50 range, especially for the kids. They grow out of them so fast! I'd NEVER pay $100 for kids shoes...and I'm too cheap to pay that much for me, even though I keep my shoes forever.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

As girls, DD and I wear different shoes with each outfit. Thus, we have a lot of shoes, but if one pair isn't terribly comfortable, we don't have to wear it day after day. In accordance with our shoe wearing habits, I tend to buy shoes that aren't terribly expensive.

My husband is different. He has one or two pair of shoes at a time, and he wears that one pair of shoes until they fall apart. Since he wears the same pair day after day, it is important that they be well made and comfortable.

I think with boys, especially as they get older, it would work better to give them an annual shoe budget and let them buy fewer shoes than you would for the same amount of money.

 

[eliza61]

See in my opinion cheap shoes are not really cheap.

If I buy a cheap pair of sneakers and they last 2 months before I have to buy another pair am I saving any money?

Or if you buy a pair of cheapy boots and they hurt your feet, how is that frugal?

I brought a cheap pair of snowboots one year from payless to shovel snow in, first they were not warm, 2 minutes after stepping outside my feet were freezing, next the were not even remotely water resistant, lastly after they looked like crap after the first time I walked through the snow.

Last year I forked over the 150 bucks and brought some nice ones from LLBean. Man, I could enter the iditarod in those things. We had 25 inches of snow after christmas and I stayed outside in those puppies for hours, my feet were warm, dry and comfy and the boot cleaned up beautifully. I'm anticipating these things to get me through quite a few winters.

Look for quality over price.

 

[erincon23]

HOWEVER, the question was about a 16-year old, and that is different. If his old sneakers were worn out (like the boots), I'd say, "Replace them" in a heartbeat . . . but I have the impression that the sneakers are essentially new -- he's just changed his style preferences. If he's that picky about shoes that he's looking to wear JUST for PE class and for vacation, he either needs to get a job and pay for them himself OR they need to be a birthday/Christmas gift.

I think you got it backwards, but I understand the thought (he hates sneakers, the question wasn't about sneakers, it was about his everyday boots). He didn't change his style preferences, the boots that I bought a few months ago turned out to hurt his feet when he was walking a lot. The new boots I bought him were Rockport, and he says they're much more comfortable (he even spent a whole day in them walking all over downtown Chicago), and he has had back trouble in the past, so maybe I'll just let it go. He doesn't have an interest in having lots of different pairs of shoes -- it's basically just these and some cheap canvas slip ons to wear during the summer.

Thanks for all the responses! And I agree,he does need a job...

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I also agree not to skimp on the price of shoes. It is definitely one place I don't mind spending money. Especially for my kids, with their feet still forming and growing, it is so important for them to wear good shoes. For my younger one, I am fortunate to be close to a stride rite outlet. My older son likes new balance and clarks. He has a wide foot and I am willing to spend whatever is necessary so that he has a comfortable shoe.

 

[bjscheel]

Don't you hate it when the shoes that seemed comfy in the store turn out to be not so great once they are used? DD13 is my problem child when it comes to shoes. She has knobby feet so it's hard to find something that doesn't rub. Mini Boden had a style that worked and she loved, so she has had them in 3 sizes now, but they aren't good for running. I would be willing to pay a good price for shoes that work for her, turns out she found a pair of Champions that she loves at Payless, so she alternates those with her Boden canvas. Her feet grow slowly, so she literally wears her shoes to death (and even then doesn't want to give them up!). I hate shoe shopping for her, she doesn't really enjoy it, and then there are the times I am exasperated from buying a pair she thought was comfortable and then it wasn't. All along she is insisting her shoes with holes all the way through the sole are fine!

DD10 could wear practically anything as long as it looks good.

I have taken to buying Born and other expensive-ish shoes for myself. It's worth it. For Disney I wanted a sandal type shoe that I could get wet. I tried on about a dozen Keen, Merrell, etc at the store and only one didn't rub me somewhere. But the store only had it in burnt orange, so I went home and got the same size and style in blue on a website- maybe shoebuy- for about $40 less.

It's rough, shoes are such a personal fit and feet take a lot of pressure, so our philosophy is when you find a good pair (and need them) just buy them. DD10's problem is wanting all kinds of different shoes when she's got a pile of them already. (Though I admit for a girl it's nice to have on hand different shoes for different outfits- black boots, brown boots, sandals, flip-flops, light color dress shoes, dark dress shoes, mary janes, tennies...DD13 due to her dislike for shoe shopping and hard to fit feet doesn't always have something to wear with certain outfits or special occasions.)

 

[tasha99]

yes...... I agree with this. Mostly I buy shoes my kids like on clearance or even (gasp,wait for it) 2nd hand (if they're great brand in great shape) so far I never paid more than $30 for boys who have man sized feet(that was for new leather dress shoes) and that's b/c kids feet grow, their preferences change fast,and the kids destroy their shoes SO fast- and I refuse to spend a lot on something so temporary-
2 years ago I found one ds 4 pair of high top Converse on clearance (his fave) for $15 a pair,I got all 4 pairs and let him know if he needed anything more he could spend his own $ on them....so far he's fine. LOL
when a kid is stuck on one brand or type, then it's time to start discussing how much they want to contribute to the cost,IMHO.

I think Converse are a case of expensive, name brand shoes that are horrible for your feet. My DD wore a pair as her "good" shoes for years because they were "in" with her friends. DD had foot problems after wearing some cheap Target shoes and ended up seeing a podiatrist, but with her sturdy shoes being Converse, I bet they contributed as well. I wouldn't pay big bucks for shoes like that (we got ours cheap, too). Looking back, I wish I'd not bought them due to all her foot problems.

 

[pacrosby]

one day, your feet/back will likely force you to begin spending more. I REALLY wish I had made that choice BEFORE I started having foot problem and saved myself a lot of pain. Mom, who insited Wal-mart shoes were just as good for 30 years, now has degenrated discs as a result of years of impact. Her doc says her footwear likely played a large role.

Not trying to 'argue' but you really can't make that claim. Everyone's feet are indeed different and no, not everyone needs to spend big bucks on shoes or else pay the price later on in life. My own mom is 83 and has never paid that kind of money on shoes and has no foot/back issues. Of course she didn't shop in Walmart for her shoes either but there's a big difference in 15.98 and 100+.

I've never in my life have spent 100 on shoes.....maybe 50 bucks tops and then it was for boots. Of course the shoes are always purchased in Marshall's or on sale so the value is higher but still would rarely come close to 100 or more. Within reason you get what you pay for but at some point (ummmm, UGGS come to mind ) you are paying a premium for not much more than a label.

ETA: and someone needs to tell that doctor that degenerative disc disease is considered a normal part of aging so while shoes with inadequate support didn't 'help'.......'blaming' the condition on Walmart shoes is a bit of a stretch.

 

[princessmom29]

Not trying to 'argue' but you really can't make that claim. Everyone's feet are indeed different and no, not everyone needs to spend big bucks on shoes or else pay the price later on in life. My own mom is 83 and has never paid that kind of money on shoes and has no foot/back issues. Of course she didn't shop in Walmart for her shoes either but there's a big difference in 15.98 and 100+.

I've never in my life have spent 100 on shoes.....maybe 50 bucks tops and then it was for boots. Of course the shoes are always purchased in Marshall's or on sale so the value is higher but still would rarely come close to 100 or more. Within reason you get what you pay for but at some point (ummmm, UGGS come to mind ) you are paying a premium for not much more than a label.

It is true for most people however that poor footwear early in life generally contributes to foot/ back problems to some degree later in life. It is, however, a amtter of the degree both of the poor footwear and the later problems. You simply cannot wear crappy heels from payless all day every day for 30 years and not experience some ill effect. Not everyone will react in the same way, but everyone will be effected in SOME way. You might have a better shot at getting by with cheap tennis shoes, depending on your genetics, weight,ect, but lack of support WILL have some sort of impact on the health of your feet and back long term.

 

[si-am]

I used to be a quantity over quality girl when it came to shoes.... I'd buy tons of things on Target clearance just because they were cute and cheap.

But as I hit my mid-30s, I started appreciating quality more. It really made a huge difference in my comfort level every day. I still buy cheapie shoes every now and then, but generally my feet are thanking me now for wearing Merrells, Teva, etc (even Toms!) over the cheap brands. I have a couple of pairs of boots that I bought from Eddie Bauer that have lasted 6 years. They were almost $200 but they are super comfy and stylish and the quality is excellent.

 

[pacrosby]

It is true for most people however that poor footwear early in life generally contributes to foot/ back problems to some degree later in life. It is, however, a amtter of the degree both of the poor footwear and the later problems. You simply cannot wear crappy heels from payless all day every day for 30 years and not experience some ill effect. Not everyone will react in the same way, but everyone will be effected in SOME way. You might have a better shot at getting by with cheap tennis shoes, depending on your genetics, weight,ect, but lack of support WILL have some sort of impact on the health of your feet and back long term.

referring to the bolded - can you show me the study on that??? LOL No, seriously.....I'm unaware of any longitudinal study that compared the long term impact of poor (aka inexpensive) footwear early on in life with that of quality (aka expensive) footwear. Stride Rite knew exactly what they were doing when they started all that nonsense

Bottom line is that everyone's feet are different and, as a result, what is comfortable and supportive enough on one person's foot is not necessarily going to be the same on another's. And it's NOT all about the price of the shoe. If a shoe is extremely uncomfortable it's not good for your feet regardless of the cost and if you continue to wear such shoes day in and day out year after year you probably won't be doing your body any favors. If it is comfortable however, chances are it's going to be fine......regardless of where you got it, or how much you paid

 

[MrsPete]

I think you got it backwards, but I understand the thought (he hates sneakers, the question wasn't about sneakers, it was about his everyday boots). He didn't change his style preferences, the boots that I bought a few months ago turned out to hurt his feet when he was walking a lot. The new boots I bought him were Rockport, and he says they're much more comfortable (he even spent a whole day in them walking all over downtown Chicago), and he has had back trouble in the past, so maybe I'll just let it go. He doesn't have an interest in having lots of different pairs of shoes -- it's basically just these and some cheap canvas slip ons to wear during the summer.

Thanks for all the responses! And I agree,he does need a job...

Ah, I did get that backwards.

It is true for most people however that poor footwear early in life generally contributes to foot/ back problems to some degree later in life. It is, however, a amtter of the degree both of the poor footwear and the later problems. You simply cannot wear crappy heels from payless all day every day for 30 years and not experience some ill effect. Not everyone will react in the same way, but everyone will be effected in SOME way. You might have a better shot at getting by with cheap tennis shoes, depending on your genetics, weight,ect, but lack of support WILL have some sort of impact on the health of your feet and back long term.

The TYPE and SIZE of footwear someone wears can contribute to foot/back problems . . . but within reason -- that is, eliminating the cheapest of the cheap (the $5 tennis shoes with no arch support, jellies, and the like) the QUALITY isn't going to have a great deal to do with eventual foot problems. Moderate quality shoes aren't going to cause foot problems once you're older.

Yes, if you stand up in high heels (cheap or expensive) all day while working retail, you can expect pain that evening and foot problems as you age. Yes, if you wear your shoes a size too small, you can expect the same. Yes, if you wear flip-flops 365 days a year, you can expect foot problems. Yes, if your shoes are worn to the point that they no longer provide adequate support or protection, you're likely to have problems. But if you're wearing moderately-priced Walmart flats with arch support, you might be less comfortable than you'd be in better-padded shoes (and they're going to wear out more quickly), but you're not causing permanant damage to your body. Likewise, expensive flip-flops are not superior to cheap flip-flops -- except in terms of looks and style.

Those rumors were started by Mr. Stride and Mr. Rite, whose advertising tries to scare parents into thinking that normal, healthy babies need $75 shoes. Who said so? My pediatrician, who said to put the kids in socks/cloth booties for warmth, then moderately priced lace-up shoes when they started walking. If you find someone pushing expensive shoes as a health item, consider whether they're trying to sell you something.

Also, the podiatrist who treated my plantar fascitis told me not to wear flip-flops two days in a row, even in summer when I'm just lazing around the house, but she said that any moderately sturdy shoe is as good as any other moderately sturdy shoe.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I always think of a budget as an overall issue, versus an individual item by item thing.

My point being I think more of it as a clothing budget, and how much do you want to spend on "clothing" for the whole year. I also agree with the, "How much will you wear the item way of thinking."

 

[DawnM]

I have a great pair of Merrills I paid $6 for.
I have several pairs of Clarks I paid between $3-$25 each for

DH likes Ecco and will get them for $50 or less.

My boys wear Nike and other name brand tennis shoes and hiking boots. I find them on clearance or at yard sales barely used.

Higher priced shoes can be had for less......

 

[princessmom29]

referring to the bolded - can you show me the study on that??? LOL No, seriously.....I'm unaware of any longitudinal study that compared the long term impact of poor (aka inexpensive) footwear early on in life with that of quality (aka expensive) footwear. Stride Rite knew exactly what they were doing when they started all that nonsense

Bottom line is that everyone's feet are different and, as a result, what is comfortable and supportive enough on one person's foot is not necessarily going to be the same on another's. And it's NOT all about the price of the shoe. If a shoe is extremely uncomfortable it's not good for your feet regardless of the cost and if you continue to wear such shoes day in and day out year after year you probably won't be doing your body any favors. If it is comfortable however, chances are it's going to be fine......regardless of where you got it, or how much you paid

Just going by what several doctors have told me.

 

[Cindy B]

I hear your pain. My son wears a large size shoe so every shoe is expensive. DSW is wonderful because we 1) find his shoe size 2) find something reasonably fashionable 3) find something that will last.

I have no problem choosing quality over quantity. With my sons shoe size, I am always being charged a premium. I'd much rather buy a pair a pair of decent dress shoes in the clearance area of DSW than a pair at payless that he will grow out of.

 

[Nicolepa]

It is actually recommended that you repalce your athletic shoes every 6 months. This is what I have been told by every podiatrist I have seen.

I know, but in reality I'm cheap. I hate spending the $$. (That's why I only have 4 pairs at a time.) But I do try to change them up every 6-12 months depending on how active I've been. I also Have 2 pairs, one just for running and one for working out.

 

[kelleigh1]

Lucky for me, hubby is Asst. Manager at Off Broadway Shoes and I get 40% off all of my shoes! Yay to me!!

I think that quality shoes are important though because my feet are what need to carry my rather oversized derriere around all day, so I need something comfy and supportive and that will last. So I am willing to pay more for good shoes...which is why that 40% discount comes in so handy.