Saving money is a good thing. We all like to save, right? Be it a mortgage, car, travel, or whatever the case is – saving money is something many of
Don't worry, these aren't mine!
us would like to do in a lot of cases.
This can even apply to shoes. That’s right, despite how some folks might be addicted to such purchases, saving money on shoes is yet another example of how saving can add up over time. When you answer the question of “how many shoes do you buy in a year”, and do the math, it’s clear that this is an expense category where we might have the potential to save some dollars.
Here are 8 ways to save money on shoes:
- Practice showrooming. One can always stop at the local stores, and take a look at designs of just about any type of clothing or fashion-related item. This includes shoes, even if functional in nature. Then, simply go online and buy. Of course this isn’t always possible for every shoe, but for many it could be.
- Remember that expensive doesn’t equate to better. Just because one pair of shoes is much more expensive than another, it doesn’t mean that it will be any better. I recall, when younger, buying a very nice pair of shoes for work when I was supposed to dress in suits for that role (thankfully, many years later, this is less common!). That particular pair of shoes wore down fast, both at the soles as well as near the laces where the leather got frayed. A follow-up pair of less expensive shoes ended up being more comfortable and longer-lasting.
- Focus on quality. Like many things, quality can be worth the investment. This is a case where, contrary to the point above, expensive might actually be much better! A good pair of shoes might be able to last a long time.
- Take care of your shoes. Just as is the case with many purchases, how we take care of our shoes could play a role in how often we have to replace them. If you have nicer shoes that you wear in bad weather, they will face wear and tear. So take care of them!
- Shop sales. This probably goes without saying, but there can be significant savings by waiting for shoes to go on sale before buying them. If you’re buying a $100 pair of shoes, why not wait until it’s on sale for 30% off?
- Shop off season. Or maybe better put, buy them strategically. Just like buying a winter coat might be less costly toward the end of the season when retailers might be looking to clear out the season’s inventory, so might buying shoes at the right time and point in the season.
- Repair older shoes. Sometimes we don’t have to buy new shoes at all. Why not try to repair shoes, instead of running out to get new ones. Certainly this won’t be possible with all shoes, nor would you want to do this with all shoes. But there are times when shoes can simply be repaired instead of cast aside for brand new ones to be purchased.
- Remember: they’re just shoes! I think this point might be most important, particularly for those who are seemingly hooked on buying shoes, and find them hard to resist. If you’re a shoe addict, get a grip and realize that having good shoes doesn’t mean obsessing over new styles or buying 20 new pairs per year. They’re just shoes!
My Questions for You
How much do you spend annually on shoes?
Do you actively look to spend minimally on shoes, or do you find them to be a big temptation for your hard-earned dollars?
What do you think are the best ways to save money on shoes?
As a woman, I love shoes. I bought this pair a few years ago that was a huge splurge for me but were comfortable and leather and a good brand. They have lasted many, many wears for years now.
Daisy – hey, you kept that pair of shoes for many wears for years as you said, so that’s pretty good!
Tough to say, but I’d estimate I spend about $30-$40 per year on shoes. I buy a pair of shoes maybe once every 2-3 years, but I buy good quality, so spend perhaps $100-$150. I wear them out too. Walking shoes, when worn, become “lawn shoes” for working in the garden, etc. I once used a pair of hiking boots until the soles literally detached midway through a lengthy day hike (that was pushing it too far!) But given how critical shoes and happy feet are to maintaining one’s fitness, I don’t mind spending a lot on a new pair of shoes.
Kurt – just $30 to $40? Wow, we have a new winner! Even if a yearly average based on one big purchase every few years.
I dont buy that many shoes, but the ones that I do buy I keep for quite a while. The first time I spent some real money on shoes (nov 09) I got 3 pair for 160 or so, and I’ve worn 2 of those pair completely out. I bought them at the local outlet mall, and went back there just last week for another 2 pair of brown shoes. I expect these to be worn for a while as well, and I dont mind spending the money. I took care of the old ones and I know what they got me, so I’ll do the same for these and expect the same.
This is for dress/work shoes, I’ll also buy a pair of running/tennis shoes for about 60 bucks every other year or so
Jeff – your strategy sounds somewhat aligned with mine, spend up front and use them for a while.
For some reason (I think it’s the way my foot falls) I’m very, very heavy on my shoes. It makes them hard to last no matter what the brand so I just end up shopping at Ross or TJ Maxx and buying the castoffs there. GREAT POST!!!
Thanks L Bee!
I only spend a lot on running shoes. Since I increased my mileage two years ago, I’ve had to buy a new pair every three months. The good news: they’re great casual shoes around the yar.
Average Joe – wow, every 3 months! That makes me feel even more frugal 🙂 Though I’m not running much.
Shoes are an emotional issue for me, an investment in my emotional and physical health. I have big feet- not as big as the woman I know who resorted to buying shoes made for drag queens, but big enough that the majority of shoe makers don’t make shoes in my size and I can only name two stores off the top of my head that carry the shoes that do come in my size.
Casual shoes- hiking boots, athletic shoes, etc, are easy. I shop in the men’s department. Problem solved. But for dress shoes (like I need for work), I can’t get away with men’s styles. Now when I buy shoes (every couple of years), I spend quite a bit of money on a pair (I’m talking $200 minimum), but they last me at two years. I used to buy cheaper shoes, but I was buying shoes every season because they were wearing out or causing me foot pain. I went to the expensive shoes, and suddenly, my feet didn’t hurt anymore.
shanendoah –
Your story is a great example of how we all have different situations, and personal finance or even spending advice isn’t a one-size fits all endeavor. Yes, that was a lame attempt at humor 🙂
Anyway, nobody wants to have foot pain, and I totally see how it’s worth spending to avoid that.
I probably spend $50/year on shoes, but that’s because I take care of them. I’m still wearing a pair of Samba’s and a pair of Sperry’s that I bought in 2008 (they are a bit beat up, but hey). I think having a few pairs allows you to rotate them and make them last longer.
John – I still have a pair of shoes I bought back in 2007, so I’ve got you by a year 🙂 But really, I have to hand it to you for only spending $50 a year. That’s pretty impressive.
I buy expensive ($4-450) shoes and keep them forever. Every two years I buy athletic (running) shoes which generally retail $1-115. I usually get my athletic shoes online at discount. Shoes ar eimportant not for style but comfort.
krantcents – I agree that quality makes a difference in terms of how long shoes can last, which often means one must invest in them. Also, it can be worth paying a fair amount for the right comfort – and support, perhaps. Now, that $450 range seems like quite a bit though! Hope those really do last a very long time!
I agree that shoes are important for comfort and not style. Over the last few years, I probably spent about $50/year on shoes. I was lucky and got a pass to the Nike employee store and stocked up on tennis shoes. 🙂
Joe – I’m impressed by that $50 amount, which is similar to what a few others have said. Proud of folks that are doing this!
Since I started working at home, I rarely buy shoes as I do not go out more often. I do not usually buy a new pair until the old one gets worn out. The last pair I bought was a sandal and a flip-flop for summer. When I attend formal occassions, I use my old pumps. I also have my running shoes that I have been using for almost two years now.
Cherleen – seems like you’re embracing the notion that one doesn’t need to spend a fortune on shoes! Well done.
Great tips… One thing that my wife does, that I think is pretty genuis.. Is to take old shoes and revive them by combining them together.. She wall take the inserts from one pair, the laces from a second pair, and combine them all together into a third pair.
I never heard the term showrooming before! It’s a good one.
I don’t buy many shoes (I go barefoot in the summer a lot and wear houseshoes inside all winter!).
Marie – showrooming has it’s virtues 🙂
Thanks for the tips, I’m definitely going to be sharing some of them with my wife (she LOVES shoes). One of the things I like to do is shop at the local thrift stores. I don’t buy used shoes, but a lot of times, big department stores (namely target) will donate a bunch of unsold merchandise, and if you’re lucky, you can really get some great deals! As for me, I’ll take my sandals and two pairs of chucks everyday of the week.
I’m with you on this, my friend. A simple approach with shoes is the way to go. And yes, there are plenty of opportunities to buy shoes for less. I just made a (rare) shoe purchase the other day, actually. It was for weatherproof boots, got them for $35 and they’re great quality. No need to spend $100 or more!