Everyone loves having a great pair of shoes that they can show off with their wardrobe, but let’s face it we can’t just stop at one pair. Shoes take up a major portion of our clothing budget which is why so many people feel they have a problem with their shoe addiction. If you know how to work the market then your shoe problem can be an asset rather than something you have to keep in check. Now, you can indulge in a new pair of shoes more often than you would think because your budget with flourish with these awesome shopping tips. So, don’t be afraid to let your taste for shoes run wild!
1. Know Your Colors
A lot of the time people run into a shoe that is a wild color that just can’t be resisted. This is one of the times that you should stand back and show a little control over your shoe addiction. When shopping, especially if it is spontaneous, step back and think about the clothing in your wardrobe. If you can’t think of five outfits that the pair of shoes match then it probably isn’t a great idea if you purchase the shoes. You want to find shoes that will match items in your wardrobe so you can add to your current look without forcing you to have to buy more clothes to supplement your latest purchase. The more the shoes add to your wardrobe the better the buy, so know the clothing you have and don’t just buy an item because you like its color!
2. Neutrals
If you plan on making a major purchase then choose a shoe that is in a neutral color. Neutral colors are easy to match with any color and wardrobe so you can afford to purchase more in the neutral range. Generally you should find work shoes that are in a neutral color because it will make you look professional and presentable for any occasion. When you look for a neutral color keep in mind the comfort level of your working day so you can shop accordingly. Chances are you aren’t going to want to shop for a pair of heels if you spend a lot of time walking or on your feet during the day. A nice pair of loafers is also great for anyone who wants to transform from their business attire to more comfortable casual clothing.
3. Cheap Isn’t Always Best
A lot of times people fall into the trap of buying cheap shoes because they think they are saving money by doing so. Cheap shoes can be great if you don’t plan on wearing them often, but if you’re looking for something to wear everyday then cheap shoes are your worst bet. When you’re looking for shoes for work or as your go to pair of shoes then you want to buy something that is going to take a little wear and tear. A good pair of shoes for specific occasions is your best bet so when you go to pick shoes that you’re going to wear a lot then try to find something that can be patched up. Usually getting your shoes resoled or fixed doesn’t cost a whole lot and will ensure that your nicer and more expensive shoes will last a whole lot longer. The less often you have to buy shoes the more you will end up saving on them.
4. Don’t Impulse Buy
Avoiding impulse buys can be one of the toughest aspects of controlling your shoe problem. This is where most people get into the most trouble when buying shoes. Typically an impulse buy ends up being something you don’t need and will generally lead to buyer’s remorse. If you have extra money for shoes then try to shop ahead before you go out. This might help prevent you from buying something you don’t really need. Of course, that pair of heels you just happened to walk past on the way to work might be too much to pass up. If this is the case then have a little back up with it. For instance, you could take a picture of your wardrobe so you can see if the heels would even be an asset to you. If not, then walk away and save the extra money for a pair that might actually do your wardrobe a huge favor. You might also have a shopping buddy come with you when you do go to the mall so they can help you make reasonable purchases.
5. Seasonal Shopping
You can save a whole lot money on shoes if you know when to shop for them. Generally you should do all your shopping at the beginning of a new season. This will allow you to buy shoes for next year at an incredibly discounted price. For example, if you’re gearing up for next summers attire then wait until autumn to get your choice of a variety of different shoes for less. Typically shopping when the season is over will help you get a lot of your major shoe needs at a clearance price. If you’re okay with wearing last year’s fashions then you can easily have your wardrobe taken care of before summer time weather leaves you feel unbearable in your spring clothing. You might want to skip out on buying shoes for the kids, unless you shop a couple sizes larger, since their feet change so much throughout the seasons.
6. Kids
It is a whole lot harder to save money on kid’s shoes so the key to shoe shopping is to keep things at a minimum. Children are constantly growing, especially when it comes to their feet so try to stick to cheaper shoes that the child isn’t going to grow tired of in a period of time. For instance, a lot of children want to have a pair of shoes with the latest characters on them which can be costly if you keep letting them have a new pair of shoes every time their interests change. You should try to stick with solid colors or designs that won’t be part of the passing craze. If you can try to get your kids a pair of shoes they can use all of the time. Typically this will mean buying tennis shoes as kids like to run around and play as often as they can. If your child needs a special set of shoes for school then try to hold on to the shoes so your next child can wear the specific shoes without forcing you to spend more money on them.
7. Second Hand
Second hand shoes can be one of the easiest ways to help you save money. There’s a lot of cute shoes looking for a new home so make sure you browse thru your local thrift stores for something that might suit your unique look. Typically these shoes will only cost you a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere so keep an eye out. You might want to ask friends about their old shoes too. A lot of the time we end up with items in our closet that we don’t actually wear. This can be a great way to bond with your friends and start up your own trading group. You never know what kind of awesome shoes you’ll end up with so remember that asking won’t hurt you. You should also hang on to shoes your kids burn through. Second hand shoes will save you hundreds if you can hang on to them. Don’t be ashamed to take the hand me downs from others as well and make sure to return the favor when you can!
8. Insertable Soles
If your shoes are giving you problems then you might want to consider buying some insertable soles to help bring you comfort wherever you go. A lot of the time when we feel we need a new pair of shoes it is because our previous shoes are actually uncomfortable. With a set of your own inserts you can actually renew the life of your shoes and feel comfortable in the items you already own. The best thing about inserts today is you can buy a set that is designed specifically for your feet and problem areas. Thus, a pair of inserts can take away back pain or relieve tension from areas of your body that you have had problems with for some time.
9. Customize
Sometimes we feel the need to buy a new pair of shoes because we are bored with the shoes we have. When this occurs you can always add a little customization to any pair of shoes. If you’re bores with the color then there are various different types of fabric or leather paints that can spark a new look so you can feel as if you have a new look without paying a whole lot for it. You can also do a lot of good with jewels, buttons, zippers and other accessory items that can be places on a pair of shoes to make it look better. Occasionally, just switching out your shoe laces can actually help you regain interest in your shoes.
10. Sales
Sales are one of the most common and best ways to save some cash on your shoe shopping habit. Many shoes have a Buy One Get One Free Sale that can help you stock up on your kids’ shoes or a couple pair of new shoes for yourself. These sales can be found throughout the year so whenever you’re looking for something new then make sure to research which store is going to give you the best sale at the time. You might also check online stores for clearanced items that can help you save even more money. Sometimes online stores will provide you with coupons that can take away the shipping costs. If you have a specific brand that you can’t live without then online might be your best bet for getting the shoes for a whole lot less than you would locally. Before you check out always remember to look for an online coupon though!
Shoes make our lives safer and healthier, but they also play a huge role in our fashion regime. If you are in love with buy shoes then these tips can help you keep out of the red zone when it comes to your budget. Now, you can enjoy a nice pair of shoes without having to rethink your purchase or find that you can’t even wear the shoes without buying clothing that matches. By the end of the year you will have saved so much money from your shoe purchases that you’ll be ready to top this years savings next year.
Author: Chelsey McQuitty
