Expensive Shoes: A Hidden Cost of Not Owning a Car

• After many, many years of buying rubbish shoes and having feet problems, I now buy ONE pair of summer sandals for each spring/summer. Being in Australia, good summer shoes are important as it gets very hot so now I invest in Rieker shoes that here cost $190 but if I get online and delivered cost $120 (good shoes in Australia are crazy expensive). I calculate 180 wears (6 months) and I always aim for $1 a wear in shoes so I know I’ll get my money’s worth. I work out a base colour for spring and summer and then find a sandal in that colour to match for the season.

• I found a Pair of almost new frye boots at a goodwill near me for 4.96 that are identical to yours just a few shades dark I think by the look of the picture :)))

• I know this is late in the post, but I’m hoping you can help me decide what to do with a brand new pair of UGG boots my mom gave me as a birthday present. On one hand, I could really use the money, and my mom is cool with it if I decide to sell them. They are real, and in brand new condition, so I could possibly get close to the retail value on them. But… I kinda want to keep them! For many reasons: I’ve never been a fan of the UGG look, but when I put them on they feel like you’re walking on a pillow. I don’t have a car, and I walk a lot, so I definitely need comfy, good quality shoes and the winter here is pretty harsh. I’m afraid that I’ll feel guilty everytime I wear them if I keep them, but I also know that I’ll never be able to afford buying such a great pair of shoes, so receiving them as a gift is pretty lucky; and I do need them, as my previous winter boots have a cracked sole that absorbs water whenever I step in a puddle. I just bought a different pair of boots a month ago (a bit dressier), so I feel greedy for wanting to keep these when we really need the money more. Ugh! what to do with the UGGs?

  • If you’ll use them a lot, and enjoy them, keep them. Does it mean you’ll wear the dressier boots less? If so maybe sell those?

    • Thank you for your response. After thinking and thinking, I decided to keep them. I’m really good with taking care of my things, especially if they were expensive. My last boots, the ones that cracked at the bottom, I had for seven years! I figured that if I sell them and pay one or two bills, it doesn’t help me in the long run. But if I can wear them for 5-7 years, they will save me from having to buy winter shoes so I get more worth out of them. My sneakers broke too -after about 5 yrs 🙂 – so I’m keeping the other boots as well because they’re really good for walking. I really wear my shoes til the end!

      • I’ve had my UGG boots for 8 years now and wear them every fall and winter till it gets just a bit to cold to wear them. They are looking worn and on one of the toes there is a teeny tiny hole coming In. so I’ve purchased a pair of leather boots from ROOTS for $218. So comfortable! Didn’t even have to work them in or anything. Going to use the UGG boots as slippers around the house until the hole gets to big that they become unwearable. Hoping my ROOTS boots will last me years and years. 🙂

• Great post! I bought a pair of Frye-like boots 15 years ago (same price range) and I still wear them to death every fall and winter. They’ve been repaired three times though, lol. My new sister in law just emailed me the other day asking where I bought my boots and gasped when I told her how long I’ve had them for. I’m all for quality shoes.

• My very favorite shoes to walk in (and I walk a crazy amount) are Dansko clog/sandals. They’re well-made, comfortable and last for YEARS. You can even pay to have the soles replaced when the soles wear out. I have three pairs- one close toed clog, one open backed clog, and one pair of black sandals without a back which I wear all the time.

  I love shoes you don’t have to buckle or attach to your feet by bending over (we have a shoe-free apartment and I need shoes that come off quickly when I’m going in and out), and these shoes stay on my feet, if I’m walking, bicycling or even jogging around after my daughter at the park.

  Normally, these shoes run you about a hundred bucks a pair, but if you get them on sale (or online) you can get them for half that price. Backcountry.com was where I got my black sandals last time for 60 bucks and they’ve lasted me a couple years already (and did I mention I wear them almost every day?).

  Good shoes are good investments if you’re a walking type person. And I agree, just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s comfortable, but if it’s both expensive/durable and comfortable, you’re completely justified in getting it! Your feet will thank you!

  Imagine this image but all black- those are my shoes (note- these shoes tend to be great for people with wide feet):

  http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/large/DSK/DSK0096/DMVEG.jpg

• I happened to stumble upon this post while contemplating my footwear choices in the past. I’ve recently purged my wardrobe of all the “expected to wear” (at 49 years old), “hope to wear in the future” and my “fantasy self” (who I wanted to become). Footwear is a sticky situation. It seems that other women my age question what I wear for shoes/boots. I tried to conform but decided I am who I am and why try to make everyone else happy. My two favorites are my classic Doc Martens and my converse sneakers. I paid about $190 for my Docs’ over 10 years ago and they only show the slightest wear to the soles. I’ve worn them through every winter (New England blizzards/2 feet of snow) and even with skirts and tights to work. Yes, I have gotten disapproving glances from strangers/coworkers AND family! My Converse get the same response. I have grey/white sole for casual and completely black for fun nights out. I’ve always been a tomboy since living with three brothers and see no reason to change now. Too bad I didn’t realize this sooner than 49 years! My husband likes my footwear choices and his opinion is the only one I listen to.

• I’m also about a size 12. I gave up on cheap shoes a long time ago, mainly because the cheap shoes don’t come in my size. $140 a pair is about average for me. BUT, right now, I have a total of 3 pairs of shoes. One winter (Dansko mary jane that I got on clearance for $65!), one summer (Birkenstock) and jogging shoes. I’m planning on adding to my collection because wearing the same shoes every day in the summer swelter of central Texas isn’t good for the shoes… I used to try ordering shoes from Zappos (they DO have great customer service) but finally gave up because it was too frustrating. Now, I’ve found a couple of stores in Austin that have great expensive shoes that are sometimes in my size and I buy them there. Being very tall (6 foot) and cheap creates its own low key style. I don’t have a choice – finding anything that fits is a challenge, so I just don’t have very much.

  What makes me laugh is all of the short/average sized people saying how much they’d love to be tall. There is much about it that I do love (and I’ve never known anything else) but they clearly have not tried to shoe/jeans shop with me. I only hope that this new baby doesn’t push my feet up above size 12 – my current shoe stores don’t carry 13!

• I completely agree that high quality footwear is a necessity when you don’t own a car. I walk to work every day, so I just consider it my cost of commuting. I spent $350 on a pair or a great winter boots four years ago that saw me through three harsh Canadian winters before I replaced them this year (for another pair of expensive boots). Can you really put a price on dry, comfortable, warm (and cute) feet? . Another thing about fabulous footwear–they feel and look so great, you don’t have the need to wear much else, so you find yourself buying fewer pairs. Enjoy your fab boots!

• Thanks for the additional info! There seems to be a worldwide shortage in my desired selection (available to Canada) … I’m on a mission 🙂

• This size 11.5/12 gal’s been searching for my forever boots forever … did you buy these in Van? If so, may I ask where?

  • Ordered them online from Ron White shoes in Toronto.

    Interesting tip about these specific Frye boots: the black leather version of this boot fits a bit bigger. I actually read that from reviews online and them sister bought the same boots, in an 11, and they really are just a touch bigger.

    Also, I had some blisters breaking these boots in and at first it was a lot of sweat getting my foot past the harness at the ankle and into the boot. All of which I expected from reading reviews online (thank you Internet). They are a generous size 11 but I still have to wear them with a thin sock for a comfortable fit.

    Nice to meet another generous foots Vancouverite 🙂

• Yeah happy feet! Particularly for a mama with a newborn and a toddler. Your feet need to be happy 🙂

• I sympathise with you on the difficulty of finding larger sizes–I’m an 11 & there are two places in Vancouver I know I’ll find my size: Fluevog & Tallcrest. I love Fluevog styles, but the selection of flats isn’t great & I can no longer wear heels due to what’s probably arthritis in my toes. Tallcrest has an okay selection, but it’s really heavy on the bland shoes I think of as appropriate for women a generation older than me… 😛

  I notice in the comments here that a lot of people are ‘ordering’ shoes… I take it that means buying online? How do you order shoes, where fit is SO important, without trying them on first?

• We do own a car but I am one who also insist on buying quality shoes. It’s no point having 200 pairs and only use the 1 or 2 pairs. We only allow the max of 3 pairs of shoes per person in the house and will not hesitate to spend $100 or more on a pair which can last us a few year. I normally go around testing all the shoes that I am interested to get before settling on one.

• Interesting. Personally, I have found that just because shoes are expensive and/or appear well-made they aren’t necessarily the most comfortable or long-lasting. It’s always trial and error. My shoes are usually in the 50-120 price range, though I have had shoes and boots that cost up to 280. I have comfortable and long-lasting shoes and boots in all these price ranges, so I think it’s hard to generalise. My feet are small/average but wide and I almost cannot get boots for a short, wide calf so am wearing my one black pair of leather knee boots £80 Evans to death because they are comfy and still going after about 6 or 7 years. The more expensive Duo boots (plus expensive shipping at the time) are still in their box – too expensive to even send back from central Europe! I’d love Frye boots but they would never fit me in the legs, sadly. So I spend much time trying trying trying and mostly ignoring whether the things I’m trying are cheap or expensive!!

• Since early October, I have been wearing two pairs of boots. One for work, one for outside work. I will be wearing them probably until April (weather dependable). A pair of UGGS (over €200) and a pair of black leather boots with a little heel (€180 on sale!). They are both extreeeeeeeeeemely comfortable, and as I mainly cycle hopefully last a few more long winters. 🙂

• I am definitely on the same page as you with this, and I love the boots! I found that it is worth to buy better quality AND to find a great place to maintain them. I have had a pair of heels resoled several times.

• Winter boots, vegan danskos, adidas running shoes. Period. 🙂

• Cheap shoes are just that – cheap. Yeah you’ll hear the occasional hearty testimonial about how a $29 pair of shoes turned out to be the “best shoes ever”, but more likely than not you’ll hear the oh too icky stories about bunions, something called corns, blisters, foot malformations & other foot-related woes from wearing cheap shoes.
  I’m not a fan of buying disposable shoes – that is shoes you only expect to make it through a season. That always seemed like a ridiculous notion to me. Buy quality built shoes that hold up well & will last season after season.
  I got a pair of tall Clark’s boots and the Frye mid-calf Engineers & have had both for years – they look great, hold up well, are comfy, stylish & should easily last for decades. Worth every last cent! Same with my Reef flip flops, my Keen water shoes & my Merrill sneaks.
  I don’t own near as many shoes as most women do – but I can guarantee that all my shoes are in top notch condition and suffer me no foot-related woes. That even goes for my only pair of heels – Tsubo’s.

• Good shoes and good bras are the two things I will spend serious money on. The difference these two items make in a girl’s appearance and comfort cannot be overstated!

  • It’s not easy finding a place that will measure and fit for a bra. I have tried several places in SE Wisconsin and am having difficulties finding a place that is under an hour one way.

    • Julie – depending where you live – I know that Victoria’s Secret and Lane Bryant (plus size bras) have regular bra sizing events. Otherwise, I’d think that JC Penneys or any of those standard department stores would still be able to measure …

• I just ordered pair of canvas Mary Jane shoes by Keene, and a pair of black mesh ballet flats by Patagonia. I have decided that I am no longer going to wear shoes that hurt my feet…even to the occassional wedding. I have been wearing my Keene water shoes for 3 years and absolutely love them. Summer is long and hot here in FL, but I needed some closed shoes so that I don’t get fire ants and bark chips in my shoes when out with my toddler in the yard.

• I would love to know what kind of flats you purchased and what you think about them once you receive them. I have a hard time finding good/comfortable flats.
  @tara – I’ve always wanted Soft Star Shoes, they seem great, but not necessarily office friendly or do you manage to pull them off in a business casual environment?

  • I would like to know what kind of flats you also purchased that are good for that much walking.

• I’m not sure if it factors in, but you’re also getting lots of exercise walking instead of driving (and saving on a gym membership!)

  Shoes are an area where I definitely believe in quality; I used to work at an expensive shoe store and I bought many pairs at cost. Seeing what years of poor shoes had done to people’s feet helped there! Hammer toes, pronating, fallen arches – I considered it an investment! I still own and wear all those shoes, and that was nine years ago. (Wow, nine years ago). Your boots look lovely, I’m glad they are serving you well!

• Yes! Comfy shoes are a must. I live in my Chacos during the summer, they retail full price for around $100 and mine still look like new after 5 years. (Granted our summers in MN are not that long =)

• This winter I’ve been wearing 2 pair of shoes primarily, black flats and a pair of Ariat cowboy boots. Those Ariats boots cost about $150 but i’ve had them 5 years and they’re still in great shape! Worth every penny in my opinion!

• I have the opposite problem that you do. I wear a 3.5 in US women’s shoes. Often I end up in kid’s shoes because I always have to order online.

  I wear Soft Star Shoes. They are handmade in Oregon and you can order in all colors and sizes. I love that they have a crayon-to-color match chart so you know what you are going to get!

  Many people consider them to be minimalist shoes and in many ways they are. After my son was born, I stopped wearing high heels and started wearing these full time. My feet don’t hurt, my back doesn’t hurt and I can carry my 3 year old around without worrying about losing my balance. I also have a pair of black Born shoes with a slight heel that I can also wear all day long without problems and they look a little dressier when I have to wear slacks at work.

• I don’t own a car and I buy expensive shoes. My feet are a 9 wide and I have plantar fasciitis so cheap shoes just don’t cut it.

• In the end, if you wear them for years upon years, are they really “expensive” shoes?

• I have a pair of great black heels that I got 6 years ago, used, for $10. I have taken them in 3 times to be fixed (about $8 each time), and I still wear them at least three times a week! So if you can’t shell out a ton for a new pair of well made shoes, try thrifting!

  Whenever I buy cheap shoes, I always regret it! There is nothing like a well made shoe. They are more comfortable, and they last so much longer!

• Love the boots!! As you have heard me say a million times – cost per wear is always a much better measure that the sticker on the box. Although in your case you may even argue a cost per km could be a better measure.
  I learned from my mother early on, it is never worth it to wear cheap shoes, they are not only horrible for your feet, but your overall body.

• Those are some good-looking shoes. I’m glad they’re working out for you! I wish I could find some well-made shoes to walk miles in for wide feet… So far I’ve just been glad I’m a SAHM that doesn’t need to go to many places, at least not for very long. If I have to walk more than a few hours, though, I’m usually in pain. I definitely like this philosophy of buying fewer, better-made (and thus more expensive) shoes. As it is I just buy very few, cheap shoes, but I would like to be comfortable someday… haha this sounds like a pity party. Sorry about that!

  • It’s okay – I’ve had plenty of pity parties about shoe options in my life. I was wearing a women’s size 10 (US) in grade six. 🙁

    Honestly, it was kind of scary to spend that much money on one pair of shoes. I’d only ever spent that much once before on wedding shoes (huge mistake, will have to confess it on here at some point). But I can now really see that if I only buy one pair of shoes every 2-3 years (at most) I’ll spend less, and be more comfortable, than I did when I bought loads of “hurt me” cheap shoes.

• Now I know you’re a kindred spirit. 🙂 It is SO DIFFICULT to find shoes in size 12.

  Anyway – I did all the same things – and I still have a lot of shoes, but the pair I go to DAILY are the Merrills I bought a couple years ago (they were on sale at Nordstrom Rack). They are finally wearing out and I’m going to shell out the extra money to buy a new pair, because they just work with my feet. I learned the same lesson with running / workout shoes. Instead of buying what was cheap, I went to a running store and got a pair that was best for my feet. It cost about $100, but my foot pain went away when exercising.

  • So difficult! The only upside is that your choice is so limited you don’t have to worry about impulse purchases. I don’t even walk into ‘regular’ shoe stores.

    • Hmmm, and I used to think I had a problem with having small, size 4 feet… 😉

• I used to live near a proper shoe shop where he made the shoes and I always promised myself when I was earning a bit more I would get him to make me some shoes. I finally fulfilled that wish last year. He measured my feet, noticed the difference in size and the fact I put a bir more weight on one part than another. He sketched and made notes. About a month later my shoes arrived, Soft purple and blue leather all hand stitched. The first time I wore them ended up being with no socks in the pouring rain, surely conditions that in any ‘normal’ shoes would have led to sore feet and blisters – the only thing I got was purple dye on my toes, it felt like I was wearing slippers all day! Yes they cost me £90 but I am seriously considering getting another pair in a different style…quality most definitely won out!!

  • PS Are you talking US sizes?

    • Yes, US sizes.

  • Where, where, where??? Would love to know. I am sure my sister would love to know too. She has feet that are a half size different.

    • Chuckle Shoes in Exeter (Devon). Only a couple of hours from London Paddington and a great place for a short break!!

    • http://chuckleshoes.co.uk/

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