footwear savings

[Caoineag]

When I worked a deli job in college, I had maybe 3 pairs of shoes and they lasted forever. Now, I have more like 10. The worst part? Even with that volume, my shoes only last 3-12 months... My husband often stares in wonder at the damage I do to shoes by simply walking in them. I have been trying resoling them and am proud to report that this does extend their life dramatically. I mainly get my shoes from Famous Footwear's clearance and sales. Nice shoes, cheap price.

I really miss being able to wear sneakers to my day job, so much cheaper...

[Broken Arrow]

I'm really lucky in that my shoes are paid for by my employer. Every year, I'm entitled to two new pairs (if I really want to).

[Pitman]

Originally Posted by jIM_Ohio

So my question is- how long does footwear last... for men or women. Am I being cheap?

I'm a recovering sneaker addict, so please bare with me.

Damn, I definitely feel out of place in this post. I have about 33+ pairs of sneakers, and about two pairs of boots, the longest I've had a pair of sneakers were about 4 years, but this is without wearing them. And unfortunately, before my saving days, I was spending about $100 - $200 for each pair. Since I have a good amount I don't have to wear the same sneaker often, so I'll probably wear one pair atleast once a month, unless I'm not wearing them to sell in the near future.

I'm sure someone reading this is thinking, I wonder how much he sells sneakers for, well the most money I got for one pair of sneakers was $330. Before I went clean, I was buying about two pairs a month, some I would sell, but most I keep. But I'm happy to report since I've only bought one pair of $60 sneakers which I've been wearing alot.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

I am a girl, and I have two pairs of shoes......there I said it out loud ...... please forgive me, I wear my clunky black dress shoes (purchased before my wedding....over 7 years ago) for all occasions...night on the town, church, walking to the mailbox....Unless I force myself to wear my husbands old holey sneakers (my other pair) for say a long walk, or work in the garage, I wear the clunky dress shoes......I know it is bad for my feet, but .......it is on the self improvement list to do something about...pretty far down the list, but on it none the less.

My husband on the other hand wears a pair out in about 2 years, and I mean holes all over wears out, plus he 'elfs em'....the toes end up pulled up like old jester pointy toes, he doesn't do it on purpose, but it sure is weird when I wear them. - he owns 3 pair, one for work, one for play, and one for cutting the grass...never mind that I cut the grass, he wants to keep that pair 'just in case'.

Yup, this about describes me and DH as well.

He goes through work/"dress" shoes about 1.5-2 years. He wears these shoes whenever we go out.

I wear boots for work and wear them for all outside things we do. I purchased 3 pairs (when they went on sale and had my small-foot size) and they've lasted me 15 years. So my usage is probably about 5 years per pair.

The last two years, (through work) I've been provided with a shoe voucher for steel-toed "safety" shoes.... so I have three more free pairs at home that I really have not touched yet. But they're free and I need to use this years voucher still.... (ergh).

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I have always been very practical about shoes. I've never worn "heels" in five decades. I have seven pairs.

In the last few years I think I have had very good luck with shoes. Let's start with my plastic Japanese Okabashi brand sandals. I have this pair, "Women's Cross Strap." Women's Cross Strap (Clearance) I bought them about five years ago. They look more like leather in real life and do not feel like "jellies". They feel like they used my own foot for the mold, so comfortable. For having no back strap, they stay on my foot perfectly, even when I use them for digging in the garden. I can hose them off and wear them with a sundress or with shorts or jeans. Very versatile. I like them so much that I bought a second pair in anticipation of the first wearing out. But after five years, they are still going strong. That is with almost daily wear. That second pair awaits me whenever I need them.

Another good shoe, the one I'm wearing now is from LL Bean. I have this Comfort Moc. Comfort Mocs: All Shoes at L.L.Bean
Yep, very comfortable.

However I have a very similar shoe from Walmart, that is even more comfortable because it has a thinner, more flexible sole. I garden in these, as they are so dirty now.

Other than those I only have a pair of black loafers that does okay for most dressier occasions whether in a dress or slacks, a pair of house-shoes, and a pair of New Balance cross trainers. (Hey I've never had occasion to use that smilie before!)

My husband has only one pair! He just will not have more than one at a time. His black leather shoes look really goofy with white socks and knit shorts when he goes fishing.

We could probably both benefit from a clothing makeover.

I'm pretty sure this thread is going to bring along some foot fetish people to our board. I've seen it happen elsewhere.

[cantretire]

My arches collapse and a few years ago I developed Plantaris Faciitis. I can't tell you how painful that is! Bad footwear can also cause PF, so NEVER buy cheap shoes. I might buy a cheap pair of summer sandals that I know I won't wear much. You can do so much damage to your feet wearing ill-fitting shoes.

I've also been told that even good sneakers/running shoes will only last about 6 months when worn often. After that they will lose their support even if they still look good.

If ever in doubt, see a podiatrist. You do not want to go through the pain, (and expense), that I've been through.