Features
A Seminar On Shoes, Part IV
By James F. Brown
Oct 5, 2008 - 12:59:48 PM

LOOKING GOOD FOR LOTS LESS

– Dress Like A Fortune 500 CEO On A Mailroom Budget

This column provides tips on how to be a smart shoe shopper.

            First, devise a shopping plan. What do you need to fill gaps in your shoe wardrobe or replace worn-out shoes? Make a shopping list that details shoe styles, colors, intended use, and the price range you’re willing to pay. Prioritize your planned purchases. This list is your buying bible.

            Next, keep an eye out for current and upcoming sales. Check newspaper ads, in-store displays, and preferred customer mailings and e-mail newsletters. (Sign up online to become a preferred customer.) Periodically browse shoe stores, clothing stores, department stores and resellers such as Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx, looking for close-outs and mark-downs. And use any coupons that may come your way.

            Avoid shoe shopping before noon; feet swell during the day. It’s better to have shoes a bit bigger than too small; you can always pad the shoe with insole inserts. Contrary to popular belief, too-small shoes do not loosen up with wear. Shoe sizing has two components: a number corresponding to length (measured in half-inch increments), and a letter designating width. Normal width is either D or M, wide is E or W, and narrow is A. Multiple letters indicate “extra.”

            When trying on shoes, bracket the sizes. For example, if you’re 9.5, also try a 9 and a 10. One of these three pairs will be the most comfortable. You may also need to go down a half size for slip-ons, and up for boots. Wear the same thickness of sock you’ll normally be wearing with the shoes. Try on both shoes, since left and right feet can vary in size. Push your thumb down on your big toenail to see if there’s a half-inch of clearance for your toes. Wiggle your toes and also curl them under to confirm they have adequate room. Walk in the shoes as you normally would, and walk on both carpeted and hard floors. If they’re uncomfortable or just don’t “feel right,” don’t buy them.

            Never let a salesperson intimidate you, and never feel obligated to make a purchase. You are the customer and are always right. Before buying, check the shoes inside and out for scuffs, nicks and defects. And confirm that the left and right shoes are the same size.

            Don’t buy shoes simply because they’re on sale. And don’t wear the shoes you’ve just bought out of the store. When you get home, put your purchase away for several days. Let the “thrill of the hunt” dissipate and your emotions subside. Then take the shoes out, examine and try them on again. Ask yourself if they really fill a need and if you really want them. If the answer is “no,” return them. If the answer is “yes,” congratulations—you’ve made a savvy shoe purchase!

            The next column in this series will cover maintaining and caring for your shoes.