Did you know that the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz sold for a whopping $600,000 dollars at auction? Although that seems outrageous, buying expensive shoes is not as uncommon as you might think, and there are thousands of expensive shoes on the market today. Still, we have to wonder, are expensive shoes worth it?
Because they are made with higher quality materials, do not wear out as quickly, are more comfortable, and last for several years, expensive shoes are often worth the extra money.
Additionally, because expensive shoes are often made to fit your foot better and include supports and other features, they can help you avoid many foot problems that can lead to bigger health concerns later in life.
It is important to take care of your feet, but if this is not a good enough reason to think about investing in a pair of expensive shoes, the reasons below might be!
8 Reasons It Might Be Worth Investing in Expensive Shoes
Shoes are perhaps one of the best inventions ever made. Without them, we would all be walking around avoiding sharp rocks and hot pavement. Although we understand that it can sometimes be hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars for one pair of shoes, the eight reasons below prove that sometimes that might actually be the wiser choice.
Psychological Effect
Although it might sound shallow to suggest that you should buy something expensive simply because of how others might view you, we would be remiss if we did not mention the psychological effects of wearing name-brand items. In fact, there have been several studies done on this, and psychological influences are one of the biggest reasons why people will often purchase luxury goods, even if they are outside of their budget. Why? Simply put—wearing nice things makes you feel good.
Is this a reason to buy expensive shoes? Maybe not, but when combined with the reasons below, it is a bonus!
Style
When it comes to shoes, style is a major factor. People want to buy the latest style or fashion craze and they are willing to spend big bucks to do it. However, unless you have unlimited funds at your disposal, buying an expensive pair of shoes simply because they are trendy could be a gamble. What is fashionable today might be yesterday’s news tomorrow. Additionally, style does not always equal comfort, and you might end up spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of shoes that you cannot realistically wear.
Materials
How many times have you bought a pair of clearance shoes only to end up replacing them a couple of months later? Sure, you saved a few bucks at the time, but when you replace your shoes several times a year, are you really saving any money? Because expensive shoes are made from higher quality materials, such as leather, they will often last for years.
High-quality leather is the best material for shoes because it will stretch to fit the size and shape of your feet. Additionally, it will repel moisture and sweat better than absorbent materials, which will keep your shoes smelling better.
Beware of shoes labeled “genuine leather,” as that is the least expensive leather that is allowed to be called leather. Instead, look for full-grain leather or calfskin. Although most brands will claim they are using full-grain leather, this may not be true, and it is a clever idea to research the company before shelling out hundreds of dollars.
Craftmanship
Another thing that sets expensive shoes apart from less expensive shoes is how they are constructed. Companies that sell cheaper shoes often outsource the construction to a third party, which reduces the quality inspection of the shoes. However, more expensive brands will often oversee the manufacturing process to ensure their product is of the highest quality.
Inexpensive shoes are often glued together, and while this may work fine for a little while, it is common for the glue to wear down and the sole to separate from the shoe. If this happens, it is almost impossible to fix. More expensive shoes will often be made by stitching or through Goodyear welt construction. Not only are they more durable when made this way, but they can be resolved in the future.
Comfort
Because expensive shoes are made with high-quality materials and feature better craftsmanship, they are typically more comfortable. A comfortable pair of shoes is worth its weight in gold, and this is especially true if you are on your feet many hours a day. Furthermore, some expensive shoe feature designs that can help to improve posture or minimize the impact on your feet and knees.
If you think about how many hours a day you spend in your shoes, it becomes obvious why you should invest in a quality pair of footwear. Not only can an uncomfortable pair of shoes ruin your day, but it can cause injuries to your feet and legs. Additionally, because you might shift your weight oddly to relieve the discomfort, uncomfortable shoes may cause problems with your posture as well.
Fit
Robert Wadlow, the tallest man to have ever lived, wore a size 75 shoe and proved to the world that one size does not fit all when it comes to footwear. Cheap shoes are usually mass-produced and therefore can often only be found in full sizes. However, more expensive shoes are typically available in half sizes and different widths. This allows people to find a shoe that fits their feet better. It may be worth spending a bit more to avoid the many foot problems that can be caused by undersized shoes.
Warranty
Although not all brands will offer a warranty, some of the more expensive brands will either replace or repair a pair of shoes if they wear more quickly than expected. Spending a few extra dollars on a pair of shoes that are warranted for years to come seems like a no-brainer!
Make sure to read the terms of the agreement carefully before committing, though, as some warranties can be worded in a tricky manner. Additionally, be sure to save all receipts and transaction paperwork.
Brand Reputation
For some people, reputation is a major factor when deciding which brand to buy from, and this is especially true amidst the cancel culture of today. More than ever before, people are focusing on a company’s values and public appearance, almost more than the products themselves, and people are willing to spend more on a product made by a company whose views align with their own.
What does this have to do with expensive shoes? More expensive footwear is often crafted by companies who do their part to ensure that their materials are sourced from sustainable and cruelty-free places. Additionally, they can often afford bigger PR and marketing campaigns to get their message out there. Is this a reason to buy expensive shoes? For some people, yes.
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