Shoes - How Much?

[C.E. Evans]

The most I've ever paid for a pair of shoes was around $42 (a pair of nice boots that didn't even last me a year because they couldn't keep up with all the walking and standing I do every day). The last several pairs I've bought since then have been around $20, but they're all more rugged & practical than stylish, which is probably why I still have them after so many years.

 

[iguana_tonante]

I buy most of my shoes, both sneakers and dress shoes, in the range of €50 - €100 ($60 - $120), so I picked the $76-$100 range. Often I wait for promotional sales so I can get them with a discount.

I think the most I have paid for a pair of shoes was around €150 ($175) for a pair of very nice leather boots. I have been using them for about 10 years (not everyday but often when it's cold and rainy) so I guess they served me well.

I like shoes, but it's one of the few fashion accessories I don't care too much about (another one being watches: I haven't had one since I got my first cell phone and I am much more happy for it).

 

[J.T.B.]

My grandpa, with his Depression mindset, used to say "A poor man can't afford cheap boots," meaning quality boots would pay for themselves compared to replacing worn-out cheap pairs several times. That stuck with me, and even when I didn't have much money I always planned to spend at least $100 for work, hiking, winter, dress etc. boots. I go pretty easy on shoes, and I am fairly fastidious about brushing/wiping off leather after I've worn it for a day, so I often get five years from a pair. Also, higher-quality shoes can be re-soled, which I've done a couple of times.

 

[ManOnTheWave]

Since I can't choose more than one option, I chose $76-100. However, the price range of shoes I buy tends to be $80-120. I don't want to spend that much, but I've bought $40 shoes or boots and had them fall apart on me in a few short weeks. I have freakishly high arches, so my options shrink when it comes to athletic shoes. The right shoes prevent pain or make it go away. Athletic shoes can be an expense though, because the bouncy soled shoes good for jogging aren't the best for weight training. So if I'm doing doing both regularly, then I had better have shoes for each task. Athletic shoes also wear out quickly. When my feet, ankles, shins, or knees start to get sore for no discernible reason, it's time for new shoes which is usually in four to six months. Then, said pain disappears. Work shoes by contrast last years. I'm currently wearing some dressy half boots I've probably worn on an off for about six years. I don't even think I've added a gel insert to them.

 

[Taylirious]

If I get the shoes I want I can get them for $114 through the manufacture's website, but I might get another pair that is $66.

Next month.