Are expensive shoes worth it?

[Anonymous]

I agree that is is partially psychological. There is some difference between $40 shoes and $400 shoes, but really, I think the reason expensive shoes tend to last longer for me is because I am soooo much more careful with them. I don't wear my expensive shoes in the rain or walk through grass or gravel without a care, etc. My cheap shoes, I practically jump in puddles (exaggerating a bit, but you get my point).

[Anonymous]

I think expensive boots are worth the extra $$. I've had boots last me 10 years with a number of replaced/repaired heals and conditioning to spruce up the leather.

For the person who suggested not walking outside in expensive shoes, I just can't imagine ever doing that. Good shoes are made to survive the elements.

[Anonymous]

I don't know that price matters as much as manufacturer. Price does not always equal well made.

Not shoes but I have 2 handbags. Both were the same price $250. One has lasted forever. The other one was a piece of crap and fell apart after 4 months.

[Anonymous]

only if you can afford an $800K to a million home

[Anonymous]

Yes, if you are going to wear them a lot and they fit really, really well. I had a pair of Gucci heals that lasted me for 3 - 4 years. I wore them at least twice a week. They molded perfectly to my foot. I could run in them. I've had a few other expensive brands fit me like that, too. But for something trendy for that season or that is so dressy I won't wear it much? Nah. I try to leave those kinds of price tags to something that will get a lot of use and wear.

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of monolo slingbacks that are classic and have lasted for over six years. I wear them all the time. I spent 500$ on them and same style now costs $600. But, I have to say they are more comfortable and still look great. I bought a nine west copy so that I wouldn't wear the monolos all the time. And I had to give them away they ended up being uncomfortable and too stiff. The softer "calf leather" definitely fits your feet better. I will break down and get another pair. I also have a pair of suede ferragamo pumps that I have had for over ten years and still look good. I got them on sale and probably paid 120$ for them. I think the y cost more now. I have other cheapo shoes that I just end up not wearing because the get uncomfortable after you have walked in them for a while vs trying them on the store thinking they fit. Ugh!

[Anonymous]

More expensive shoes tend to use better materials and are stitched, as opposed to glued. Also, they tend to be made in countries with better labor practices (Italy and Spain vs China).

However, there is very little difference in quality between a well-made shoe that costs $200 and one that costs $600. When you are getting into the upper ranges for off-the-shelf shoes, you are paying for brand name mark-up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, the biggest difference between my expensive and not-so-expensive shoes is comfort. The cheaper ones are made of lesser quality leather that doesn't give as much. A soft, high-quality leather seems to almost mold to your foot. Granted, there are plenty of exceptions.

This!

[Anonymous]

If you are paying for comfort and quality, then yes, it's worth the money. If you are paying for a couture brandname so they get noticed, you're wasting your money.

[Anonymous]

I just purchased a pair of Taryn Rose peeptoe heels for over $200. I tried on other cheaper shoes in the store but they were no where near as comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Wow I buy shoes for no more than $10 and they all have last me many many years....I would NEVER spend so much on shoes...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow I buy shoes for no more than $10 and they all have last me many many years....I would NEVER spend so much on shoes...

it's so annoying when people brag about being so frugal. like it's a badge of honor. cheap people tend to look cheap. not always, but most of the time.

anyway, yes, i think expensive shoes are worth it. my cheaper ones fall apart. i've had one pair of ferragamos for 20 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a pair of monolo slingbacks that are classic and have lasted for over six years. I wear them all the time. I spent 500$ on them and same style now costs $600. But, I have to say they are more comfortable and still look great. I bought a nine west copy so that I wouldn't wear the monolos all the time. And I had to give them away they ended up being uncomfortable and too stiff. The softer "calf leather" definitely fits your feet better. I will break down and get another pair. I also have a pair of suede ferragamo pumps that I have had for over ten years and still look good. I got them on sale and probably paid 120$ for them. I think the y cost more now. I have other cheapo shoes that I just end up not wearing because the get uncomfortable after you have walked in them for a while vs trying them on the store thinking they fit. Ugh!

I think Nine West shoes are just terrible regardless of price. I always find them uncomfortable and the material is so stiff. Naturalizer is an inexpensive brand I buy that I find much more comfortable and high quality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow I buy shoes for no more than $10 and they all have last me many many years....I would NEVER spend so much on shoes...

so you searched for and bumped this thread because...?

[Anonymous]

Some brands/designers are more comfortable to me. I've never spent more than $150 on a pair of shoes.