Saving Money on Good-Quality Shoes + Tips for Online Shoe Shopping

by Miranda Jackson

Buying low-quality is rarely a good way to save on shoes. Use these tips for buying quality shoes for less, and you may find you ultimately save far more than when buying cheap ones.

Shoes are one of those purchases where spending more on a quality product can save you money on replacement costs. Cheap shoes often scuff easily, don’t always clean well and may show early signs of wear and tear.

A quality shoe is also better for your feet in most cases. This is especially true regarding athletic or other types of shoes that need to support your feet during strenuous activity or just standing all day. Quality high-heeled shoes may feel more stable and be more slip-resistant than cheap ones.

But a quality pair of shoes can sometimes set you back $100 or more if you pay retail for them.

If you’re tired of replacing cheap shoes but are unsure about splurging for quality shoes, try these tips for saving money on good-quality shoes.

3 Places To Find Big Savings on Good-Quality Shoes

You probably already watch for sales and clearance events at local department stores, which can provide significant savings. However, you may find more significant savings from the following:

1. Outlet Stores

Many high-end shoe brands have outlet stores that offer discounted prices on previous seasons’ styles. However, even if they are last season’s styles, investing in timeless shoe styles can save you money in the long run. These styles never go out of fashion and can be worn for years, making them a wise investment.

2. Clothing Resale Shops

You can often find gently used, high-quality shoes at consignment shops or online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark and thredUP. With a bit of patience and some searching, you can also find brand-new shoes on these sites, too.

Some sites, such as thredUP, handle all of the selling. But on sites like eBay and Poshmark, you buy from an individual seller. Carefully view any product photos, check the seller’s ratings and determine the return policy, if any, before buying.

3. Online Retail Stores

Online shopping allows you to compare prices and find deals that might not be available in physical stores. Look for online retailers offering free shipping, returns and discounts on your first purchase.

Before you hit the outlet, see if any cashback shopping apps have coupons or a cashback offer for the store that can save you even more.

Tips for Buying Shoes Online

Shopping for shoes online can be convenient and allow you to choose from many more options if you know how to find the perfect fit. Here are some tips for online shoe shopping:

Know your size

Measure your feet at home using a ruler or a measuring tape, and ensure you have both the length and width. Remember that sizes can vary between brands, so always check the brand’s size chart before purchasing.

Research the brand

Familiarize yourself with the brands you are interested in, as some may have a reputation for running large or small or being low-quality.

Read product descriptions

Pay attention to the materials used, as some materials, like leather or suede, may stretch over time, while synthetic materials may not. Look for any information about the fit or comfort of the shoes, too.

Utilize customer reviews

Customer reviews can be a goldmine for fit, comfort and quality information. If the site allows reviewers to include their shoe size, pay attention to reviews from people with similar foot shapes and sizes as yours to get a better idea of how the shoes might fit you.

Check return policies

Ensure the online store has a reasonable return and exchange policy if the shoes do not fit as expected. Free shipping for returns and exchanges is always a bonus.

Order multiple sizes

If you are unsure about your size or a shoe has mixed reviews regarding sizing, consider ordering two sizes to compare the fit. This will allow you to choose the best-fitting pair and return the other.

Reach out to customer service

If you have any questions or concerns about a shoe’s fit, don’t hesitate to contact the retailer’s customer service for assistance.

Takeaway

Remember, when buying shoes, spending a little more upfront on high-quality shoes can save you money in the long run, as they will last longer and require fewer replacements.

As more brick-and-mortar stores close, you may have to go online to find a good shoe deal. Using the tips above, you should be able to find quality shoes that fit without too much hassle.