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Each year, the average family spends roughly $388 on shoes. However, it can be difficult to be sure you’re buying shoes that are of high quality. Otherwise, you’re wasting your money on shoes that won’t last.
In this article, we give you the information you need to be able to tell a great shoe from an average shoe. Instead of spending your money on shoes that fall apart, continue reading to learn how to spot a designer shoe from the start.
Use of Materials
When it comes to buying shoes, especially designer shoes or other expensive shoes, material choice matters. The upper materials, or any material that is above the outsole, are what determine how long a shoe will last and how it will wear.
Cheap, thin fabric will wear down easily, won’t provide good support, and likely won’t be comfortable. The best shoes are made of the best materials such as full-grain leather and durable textiles.
Design Choice
Your choice of shoes should do more than protect your feet, they should increase your visual appeal as well. The top designers know how to utilize footwear to complement the wearer.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for women’s shoes or men’s shoes, good design choice helps transform a good shoe into a great shoe. The design can even contribute to the durability of the shoe over time.
Detail in Assembly
You can have all of the other aspects that contribute to a great shoe, but if you don’t have high-quality assembly, your shoe won’t last. Designer shoes are often hand-stitched and crafted with care to ensure the best possible outcome.
Mass production can sometimes lead to cut corners and missed details. For example, some shoe companies use glue to secure the sole and other parts of the shoe. Glue, unlike quality stitching, degrades over time and the shoe will fall apart.
This carelessness and small errors ruin an otherwise great pair of shoes. When buying shoes, consider finding those that are handmade or have a good reputation for assembly.
Durability
High-quality shoes are durable. The shoe designers and manufacturers take painstaking care to ensure the best shoes not only look and feel luxurious but also remain that way.
Low-quality shoes break down quickly with use. Materials that start as firm begin to soften and break down while stitching and embellishments begin to fall off due to the use of poor techniques.
Both men’s shoes and women’s shoes go through a lot of wear and tear throughout the day. When it comes to buying shoes, you need ones that you can count on to last.
Comfort
Comfortable shoes are a good indicator of quality. However, a great shoe isn’t only comfortable new out of the box or after first worn in. A great shoe is comfortable for its entire lifespan.
Low-quality shoes break down quickly, which you can tell after the first few wearings. High-quality comfortable shoes have thick and durable material to create a long-lasting cushion.
Shoes intended for frequent and intense activity such as running should be made with more cushion than shoes intended for walking or everyday activities. This kind of attention to detail is what makes comfort last.
Support and Motion Control
Since foot types vary between individuals, finding the right support for your foot type is essential when buying shoes. Whether you have high archers or are flat-footed, you need to factor in your foot type.
While the best shoe designs take different foot types into account, you have to take the time to determine what kind of foot you have to take advantage of these features. Evaluate your gait and step pattern to decide.
For example, runners with flat feet, or overpronation, should find shoes that are intended for motion control and stability. They provide the best support for arches because they are slightly stiffer and heavier than other shoes.
Traction
Another common characteristic of a great shoe is a tread that provides traction. This is especially important for shoes intended for inclement weather, exercise, or safety. A poorly made shoe could be dangerous in these situations.
Even if you are buying shoes solely for fashion and style, traction is still an important factor to consider. Spilled coffee or a rainy day can still pose a threat to your well-being in poorly made shoes.
A good rubber sole contributes to stability and durability. Look for thick soles and the use of solid rubber when searching for the best pair of quality shoes.
Style
One of the goals of the designers of both men’s shoes and women’s shoes is to remain relevant. To do this, they have to keep up with current fashion trends and popular styles.
For this reason, a shoe brand that’s constantly updating its styles to keep up with trends is a sign of good quality. Shoes like the Air Jordan 5 know how to balance between popular classic styles and newer trends.
Combining the ability to maintain style with factors such as durability, comfort, and support is a strong indication of a great shoe. Not only can you rely on the features of the shoe but you can also feel your most confident while wearing them.
Cost
If a ‘high-quality shoe’ has a shockingly low price tag, the deal may be too good to be true. When a shoe is truly made of the highest quality, it’s reflected in the cost.
While a great shoe doesn’t have to break the bank, it likely won’t come cheap. Taking advantage of sales can help you score great shoes at a great price. However, don’t be fooled by frauds and learn the qualities of a good shoe.
Knowing the Difference Between a Good Shoe and a Great Shoe
Knowing the difference between a good shoe and a great shoe means being able to rely on the same pair of shoes year after year instead of having to constantly replace them. The price may be more upfront, but the value is worth it.
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