Go Shoe Shopping Like a Pro!

Today's post is by Cathie Maud: she's a Vancouver-based lifestyle, travel, and fashion blogger who channels Audrey Hepburn-elegance. Be sure to check out her blog, Miss Cathie!

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 We all know that “you get what you pay for”. . .

Source

It’s important to have quality shoes – after all, if you aren’t in bed, you’re in them! But besides the price/brand, what else is important in a shoe?






Well, you knew comfort was coming. Cheaply made shoes just aren’t your feet’s best friend, and simply putting both shoes on and walking around for a bit is not enough to tell whether a shoe is the perfect fit or not.

It’s important to think of factors like breathability and the materials used as well. 

For example, ‘leather-like shoes’ most often mean polyurethane materials (think plastic and vinyl) and while they are on the whole more inexpensive, they do not have the breathability that leather provides. Sweat abounds, and should you happen to be in heels, you may find yourself slipping towards the toe box and scrunching your toes.

How do you tell if a shoe is synthetic or actual leather? Usually, there is either a sticker or an etching on the soles of shoes. If there is a diamond, that part of the shoe is synthetic, and if it has this irregular looking shape (which I think reminds me of an outstretched bear rug, poor Winnie-the-Pooh!) then it is made of leather. (To get really technical check out this page:  What a Pair!)

In addition to risking your comfort, varying weather conditions may also cause faux-leather shoes to crack, and really… you might as well have spent your hard-earned pennies on something that will last you a great deal longer. This leads us to our next requirement. . .



Durability

When you intend to spend more than $30.00 on a pair of shoes, of course you want to make sure that it is worth the cost and will last longer. So take the time to sit down and inspect the shoe –this is what your money will be purchasing, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the details!

• Check the seams.
• Check to see that the glue that holds the sole to the shoe is not messily applied (a sign of poor craftsmanship) and oozing out of the sides.
• If it looks clean, don’t be afraid to tug at the sole a little to test if it will come apart.
• Check the inner body of the shoe for fraying or loose seams.
•  If you’re inspecting a pair of heels, be sure to see that the heel is firmly attached to the seat (the back of the shoe where your heel is).
• If there are embellishments on the shoe, make sure they are firmly attached.

A well-crafted shoe lasts for years, and it may be a good idea to purchase something in a more classic style, perhaps with a little detail to let your personality shine through. That way, it will last long not only in the measurement of years, but of style.

Remember, your shoes are the only thing that separates your feet from the cold, hard pavement –it’s well worth taking the effort to find a pair that wouldn't make you rather you were barefoot!

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For more from Miss Cathie, we recommend:

• A Girl's Shopping Calender to Splurge-Worthy Savings
• Cashmere and the Quest for Clean
• The Ultimate Girly-Girl's Casual Footwear