“SSS 301“
Here’s a little fact that many of you will soon discover “not all heels are created equal”, if you haven’t done so already. Shoes are a fierce accessory that you can purchase in just about any store you walk in these days. They will become the perfect compliment to your outfit allowing most of us to become absent minded of the basic principal, “Quality over Quantity” which is a true factor for shoes. Bear in mind, there are huge differences in quality from one brand of shoe to the next. In this segment of Shoe Shopping Successfully (SSS), I’ll explain how you can spot an above average (high quality) shoe that will last you a lifetime! So next time you’re out shopping, look for the following before you make a purchase:
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Material. Leather, Leather, Leather investing in a great leather shoe can last you for quite some time with minimal maintenance. Although leather shoes may feel a little tight for the first couple of wears, a good quality pair will eventually offer you some give and begin to provide a good deal of comfort. Leather shoes can typically keep there original look for a lifetime with the help of Kiwi shoe polish which can be purchased from your local walmart or target.
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The Sole. Always check the sole of the shoe to ensure it’s secure and flawless. Because, once the sole wears on your shoes there is no coming back. Most shoes are either stitched or glued on. When selecting a good quality heel you want to aim for a sole that has been stitched on and that is seamless and secure. This gives your heels a nice and smooth finish.
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Bottoms. Check the bottom of the shoe to see what it’s made, and whether it offers a hard or soft bottom. The bottom of your shoe is typically made of Rubber, Leather, Suede or a Synthetic material. Although you may have worn one in every category at some point in your lifetime, I suggest you opt for leather bottoms to give you additional foot protection and less slippage when purchasing your next shoe.
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Lining. Yes the lining of your shoe matters. In purchasing a quality shoe you first need to ensure that the shoe is completely lined around the inside for the best comfort. Secondly, you want to check the material, as the type of material the show is lined with can truly affect how it wears. Going for shoes that are lined with natural materials such as leather will help absorb moisture, and allow your foot to breathe easily without altering comfort.
By now I would hope that you have discovered that the key to finding a good quality shoe is leather. In my experience, shoes that are 100% leather inside and out last a lifetime. As long as you take care of your leather shoes, they will take care of you no matter the cost.
ShoeHOTLINE Qutestion:
Share your examples of great quality leather shoes you’ve purchased in the comments below?
Great post and I loves a good leather shoe. Although I heart my CLs, I hate how the bottom wear out so quickly so I seldom wear my best quality shoes for that very reason
. I have gotten fabulous fit from Nine West (work them into the GROUND and CRY when the heel is too damaged for repair, Baker’s (they’ve upped their selection to be less granny IMO) and ALDO… All of these affordable brands offer me the comfort and style for any occasion.
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I too save my Christian Loubotin’s for special occasions because of there leather bottom and have learned to appreciate shoes from Bakers, Aldo, and Nine West. Nine West make some of my fave all leather work pumps that I absolutely run into the ground lol. Which of these stores do you most frequently shop at and why?
My most beloved leather shoe is the Cole Haan Nike “Stephanie” Air Pump. I can wall ALL day in those things and have comfort. I have had the heel repaired from wearing them so much but it’s a very well made shoe. However recently my dog decided to chew my newly restored heel instead of her toy so I am tyring to decide if another repair is worth it. Love those! Planning to add in Navy and Brown.
Also, love my Tory Burch Sophie Wedge. Another great well made shoe. I can wear those all day too.
I keep all of my shoes in dustbags and try to really take care of them so just as you say, they will take care of me too. And although I am a high low shopper, mixing various items whether they are from Target or Nordstrom, I am picky with my shoes. I definitely focus on quality versus quantity there – especially for items I plan to wear more regularly.
Hey Dvaaunaturel,
I Haven’t tried the particular shoe you are speaking of but I love Cole Hann shoes they, general make comfy shoes in my opinion. There actually are one of my favorite brands for a work shoe because i can be stylish and comfortable at the same time.
I couldn’t agree more about being a high low shoppe as I mentioned in one of my previous post I am an avid shoe lover so in wear I see shoes I’m looking at them and will buy if they are of the right quality.
OAN: I seen your comment on CurlyNikki.com about the fit of Christian Louboutin’s. I’m typically a full size bigger in his shoes because they run narrow and have the pointy triangular toe. I have yet to purchase a pair that was my actual shoe size. Even the ones I won in the competition the size you all seen in my photos and video is the one I had to stick with because a half size smaller was painful and Nikki paid way to much for me not to get a good wear out of those. Let me know if this helps you in ordering yours.
You cannot go wrong with a pair of genuine leather shoes. As much as I love shoes, I am glad I learned about this years ago. When I was in about 5th grade, mom-dukes schooled me to quality loafers for school. I can still hear her saying, “oh No baby. You need GOOD shoes. They have to be leather.” Then by high school I was totally in love with Bass & Nine-west. As of late I am a BAKERS junkie I have a B-card and everything. I think I like Bakers a lot because I can get the “oohh girl those shoes are BAD!” Without breaking the bank.” On top of that for the most part, they are really nice shoes.
Out of curiosity has anyone tried shoes from Frederick’s of Hollywood? Every time I get one of the books in the mail I see shoes and I’m like *side eyeing* the pages. Not to mention quite some time ago (10 yrs or so), I was gifted a pair by my brother and they were HORRIBLE! I’ve never had a shoe’s heel crack in 1/2 on the first wear.
Well don’t kill me for what I did recently, I gave them a 2nd chance and bought a genuine leather thigh boot. I couldn’t help myself because the price was phenomenal. They just came in the mail and look great. However, I haven’t worn them out yet as I am a bit nervous. Any advice?
Oh and since I am hearing about the CL wearing rather easily I am second guessing if they are really worth their weight in gold. Do any of you feel they are overrated?
Hey Licia,
I thought i loved Bakers but if you have a card you have me beat. I absolutely agree that for their price point there shoes are shoe stoppers.
As for Frederick’s of Hollywood I personally have never ordered their shoes but, I have ordered shoes from Victoria Secret which I still have to date. I personally don’t think it matters where you get your shoes from as long as you love them, there comfortable, and you look Fierce wearing them lol. So my advice for your would be go for it. Rock your shoes and put a spare pair of flats in your car or purse so you don’t have a repeat of the last time you wore them
As for C’s they are great shoes and can be worth the investment if you can afford them. When we are referring to the wear on them it has nothing to do with the quality of the shoe. They are one of the highest quality pairs of shoes you can own. Our reference is in regards to the bottom of the shoe since, they are all leather soon as you hit the ground with them the fabulous red bottom scratches. So I typically and highly recommend you take your shoe to your local cobbles so that they can put a layer of protection on them before you were them. Hope that helps. By the way if you are looking for another high end great quality shoe you should consider Giuseppe Zanttoi I LOVE there shoes.
Love this one!
Thanks Angelica
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Definitely some great advice here! There is nothing worse than buying a poorly made shoe and only being able to wear it once because it’s either super uncomfortable or it falls apart!
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