What makes a quality shoe and what is a good price to pay

[ChrisMiss]

I went to one of the Savers Thrift Stores here in the Reno area and I found what I think are great shoes for a great price.  I did see some other brands that I wasn't too sure if they were good quality or not.  So I thought I'd ask the question.  What are some of the brands that are "better" quality shoes?

Oh, the shoes that I bought are ladies Cole Haan.  One was a pair of loafers with very little wear at all for $7.99.  The other was a pair of leather "sandals" with absolutely no wear at all for only $6.99.  I also got a pair of leather Eddie Bauer slides (I think they're called) for only $6.99.  I know the Cole Haan shoes are very expensive in the stores so I think I got a good deal.  All these shoes look to be well made, quality leather, actually stitched and not glued.

Is that what you'd look for in a quality shoe is stitching?  What is a reasonable price to you?  The store also had a pair of Doc Martens that they wanted over $20.00 for.  I wonder what is so special about Doc Martens.  Is it because it's popular with the "younger" generation? 

[tiamatgreen]

Doc Martens are great. I have a pair of Doc boots that I bought new for around $120 about 4 years ago. I wear them all winter and often in the summer. I have put new insoles in them once so far (they could use new ones before snow hits) and replaced the laces 3 or 4 times, but they are still in great condition. All the stitching is still in perfect condition. The leather is a tad scuffed here and there, but c'mon, they're four years old lol. I clean them and polish them every so often so they look nice and so the leather doesn't dry out. Yeah, they're popular with the 'younger generation' but they are quality shoes. I think $20 for a used pair in good condition is a deal, they should have alot of life left in them.

[Jay2TheRescue]

For me its design and construction.  For example my cowboy boots.  I have 4 or 5 pair.  I even still have my first pair I bought, a pair of Dingos I purchased in the late 80's for $120.  I've been thinking about getting those resoled, but aside from that they are still in great condition.  As with any shoe proper fit and comfort are paramount.  With my odd sized feet it is hard to find a shoe that properly fits.  I usually find that a New Balance shoe built on the SL-2 last fits me quite nicely.  Knowing your feet and what you personally need in a shoe goes a long way.

-Jay

[ChrisMiss]

My hubby used to have a pair of Dingos but his feet got bigger so had to get rid of them.  He absolutely loved them though when he wore them.  They are expensive boots but they last forever.

Good to know that Doc Martens are quality shoes.  I may go back and get those.  All these shoes that I'm looking at and buying are for my daughter and granddaughters.  They live in a tiny town and any thrift stores are about a hour away in Springfield.  So they don't get to go there very often.  I buy stuff for them that I think they'll like and enjoy.

I look at shoes at the thrift stores and I got the shoes that I bought as mentioned earlier because they were the right size and seemed to be quality shoes.  The store also had shoes that I've seen at Wal-Mart for the same price of $6.99-$7.99.  I could buy the shoes at Wal-Mart for almost that price and I know the quality isn't very good.  They're not going to last very long.  I've seen shoes that I know come from Target, J.C. Penny's, etc. 

I did see some Etienne Aigner brand shoes that looked nice.  Is that a quality brand?  I've seen labels that say "Made in Italy" or "Made in Brazil" are those good things to look for?  What are some of the better shoe labels that I should be looking for?  What labels should I stay away from?  Any more thoughts? 
 

[Jay2TheRescue]

Yeah, I have a hard to fit foot as well.  I went to a large boot store and just asked the salesperson to show me everything they had in my size - I knew it wouldn't be much.  They only had 3 pair of boots that fit me.  One pair I really liked, but decided to pass on them because they were $800.  I was 18 at the time - I didn't want a pair of boots worth more than my car!  I decided on the Dingoes because they were $120 which was a fantastic deal for the quality I was getting.  Dingoes are available in an "extra wide" size which fits me quite well.  On the side of the box they are notated as "EW".  For example when I buy Dingoes I look for the designation "11 1/2 EW".  I have other brands of boots, but the only brand I have more than 1 pair of are Dingoes.  They are hands down the best boots I have.

-Jay

My hubby used to have a pair of Dingos but his feet got bigger so had to get rid of them.  He absolutely loved them though when he wore them.  They are expensive boots but they last forever.

Good to know that Doc Martens are quality shoes.  I may go back and get those.  All these shoes that I'm looking at and buying are for my daughter and granddaughters.  They live in a tiny town and any thrift stores are about a hour away in Springfield.  So they don't get to go there very often.  I buy stuff for them that I think they'll like and enjoy.

I look at shoes at the thrift stores and I got the shoes that I bought as mentioned earlier because they were the right size and seemed to be quality shoes.  The store also had shoes that I've seen at Wal-Mart for the same price of $6.99-$7.99.  I could buy the shoes at Wal-Mart for almost that price and I know the quality isn't very good.  They're not going to last very long.  I've seen shoes that I know come from Target, J.C. Penny's, etc. 

I did see some Etienne Aigner brand shoes that looked nice.  Is that a quality brand?  I've seen labels that say "Made in Italy" or "Made in Brazil" are those good things to look for?  What are some of the better shoe labels that I should be looking for?  What labels should I stay away from?  Any more thoughts? 
 

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I've gotten some Atienne Ainger shoes (and I believe Alexandra once found a big carry-all) and the nice thing about the brand is it's usually made with genuine (and really, really soft) leather.

[alexandra]

I look for the brand name and the absence of any serious wear.  Aignier is good brand that I buy a lot of.  I will not buy a no-name or low-quality shoe... ever.

Cole Haan is a good brand, so you did well there.  My rule, however, is to only buy shoes at half price... this means my goal is to spend under $3.50.  I have gotten some amazing buys that way.

Your best bet is to learn the brands -- even the cheap ones.  You either know to buy or not toy buy based on your knowledge of the brands.  I don't by man-made materials, only leather.  If I  buy something that is hand stitched, I aim for a half size smaller than what I usually wear -- but if the shoe is to die for, I wear socks with it.

My favorite  brands are: Bally, Pappagalo, Aignier, Nine West, Franco Sarto, Bass, Kenneth Cole.  I've got a pair of Amalfi's but don't wear them much as they have cruel heels!  I do own a few pair of "store" brands -- but only good ones, like Talbots or Anne Klein.

When it comes to buying thrifted shoes, you just need to educate yourself to the better brands.  Then compare their quality (stitching, etc.) to the cheaper brands.  That will help you develop the "eye" you need to focus on only worthwhile finds.  I find that shoes can be very overpriced -- so don't feel you're missing out if you skip an overpriced pair.  There is always the chance that it won't sell and will still be around when the color is half off.  If not, oh well! There will be more to follow.

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[Magpie18]

I limit myself to new & nearly new condition.

I look for leather, not all man made construction --  Although a new Keds cloth sneakers I would certainly pay a couple of bucks for.

I also look for country of origin,  Italy, France, USA, Britain, Brazil -- I like.  China, I avoid.

As for the brands,  I try for high end:  Prada, Coach, Ferragamo.  That said, I try to educate myself on the signs of quality construction --- I have passed on high end names that appeared (to me) to be bootlegs/fakes.

What is a good price to pay depends on your budget & your location.  I have paid up to $75 for high end, new condition with shoe bag black Prada pumps at a charity thrift --& I think that was a bargain.  In Los Angeles,  high end like new condition items get picked up fast in thrifts by professional pickers who supply resale boutiques.

LOL, on the topic of brands --- ISSAC MIZRAHI was a nice brand before he went into business difficulties & partnered with Target.  I found a pair of ISSAC MIZRAHI loafers (pre-TARGET) , like new condition, for a couple of bucks -- original price would have been $200 plus.  I suspect the person who priced them mistook them for the $10 Target shoes.

[alexandra]

And for those who love the shoes, never forget the Manolo and his super-fabulous shoe blog: http://shoeblogs.com/

Manolo Loves the Shoes!

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[Sprocket]

Doc Martens are great.

I can attest to that!  I have a pair of brown Doc Martens that I bought 14 years ago and I still wear them.  I've replaced the laces a bunch of times but that's it.  I use saddle soap to keep the leather supple but I love the worn patina that has graced them over the years. 

-Sprocket

[ChrisMiss]

Thanks everyone for all the good information.  You've helped me to realize that I am pretty good at recognizing quality shoes.  I haven't bought any shoes for myself in a few years, mostly wear flip flops now.  But these shoes were so great and they fit my daughter so she's getting new shoes whether she wants them or not! LOL.  It's great when my daughters and granddaughters all wear the same size; someone will like the shoes I buy.   

I'll be going back today to the store to see if the Doc Martens are still there, if so and they're the right size for granddaughter I'll buy them.  I talked to daughter but she didn't know if GD would like them.  I'm thinking a teen who wears jeans 99.9% of the time will love them.  And they'll last her for several years according to the postings here.

That's what I'd like to do is find classic styles that are of good quality and will last for years.  I can buy them and build up their shoe selection.


Next question is what and how do you store your "quality" shoes?  I know that from one season to the next you'd clean the shoes/boots before storing.  Do you use those clear plastic shoe storage boxes?  Do you think they are good or bad for shoes?  For shoes worn regularly do you stuff with tissue and put in box, hang in a bag?  What is the "best" way to store all those wonderful shoes that you've found?

[Jay2TheRescue]

Thanks everyone for all the good information.  You've helped me to realize that I am pretty good at recognizing quality shoes.  I haven't bought any shoes for myself in a few years, mostly wear flip flops now.  But these shoes were so great and they fit my daughter so she's getting new shoes whether she wants them or not! LOL.  It's great when my daughters and granddaughters all wear the same size; someone will like the shoes I buy.   

I'll be going back today to the store to see if the Doc Martens are still there, if so and they're the right size for granddaughter I'll buy them.  I talked to daughter but she didn't know if GD would like them.  I'm thinking a teen who wears jeans 99.9% of the time will love them.  And they'll last her for several years according to the postings here.

That's what I'd like to do is find classic styles that are of good quality and will last for years.  I can buy them and build up their shoe selection.


Next question is what and how do you store your "quality" shoes?  I know that from one season to the next you'd clean the shoes/boots before storing.  Do you use those clear plastic shoe storage boxes?  Do you think they are good or bad for shoes?  For shoes worn regularly do you stuff with tissue and put in box, hang in a bag?  What is the "best" way to store all those wonderful shoes that you've found?

Ok all you beautiful ladies, I know you've been dying to see a pic of my closet!     This is how I store my shoes and boots.  It is (2) 10 compartment hanging shoe racks made of canvas.  I bought them in Marshall's for $10/ea.  I need two because my shoes are huge, and I can't always fit 2 in a slot, especially my running shoes.  They are nice and organized (not piled on the floor), and the canvas is breathable so I know my shoes can thorughly air out.  Just something about the idea of putting sweaty and/or smelly shoes in a plastic box to ferment sounds gross to me.  For your best foot health the shoes need to properly air out between wearings.  I personaly don't wear a pair of shoes for 2 days once I take them off, so I need several pair.

-Jay

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Wow, you're way more organized than I am-- I'm totally impressed. And you're organized on-the-cheap, too!

Jay-- I salute you. :-)

[Good Buddy]

Nice T-Shirt!

[Jay2TheRescue]

Wow, you're way more organized than I am-- I'm totally impressed. And you're organized on-the-cheap, too!

Jay-- I salute you. :-)

Well, I am kind of organized out of necessity.  In my old place I had a huge closet and I could just throw the shoes on the closet floor.  Here my closet is much smaller and if I had shoes on the floor I would not be able to get anything else on the closet floor.  This way they are off the floor, and organized so I can find a pair quickly.  In my old place sometimes I'd want to wear a particular pair of shoes and only find one, and then the search begins.  Sometimes the mate was under the bed, sometimes in another closet.