Fabulous and Frugal Shoe Shopping

I love shoes and am always on the lookout for the next fabulous and stylish pair I can get my feet into. How does this frugal girl shop for shoes? Go with classics and then make sure the pair hits these criteria: fit, style, comfort, quality, and lastly cost. Why last on the cost? Because I’m willing to splurge on shoes if they meet the other criteria, since I know I’ll wear them – for years.

9 tips for fabulous and frugal shoe shopping!

1. Always check second-hand: While I always look for fabulous footwear while thrift shopping, I rarely have luck. I have big feet and my size isn’t always around. Yes, I picked up a pair of Ferragamo shoes for $7 – that were brand new. After wearing them several times, I donated them. They weren’t the most comfortable but they were fabulous! Be sure and inspect the bottom of the shoes for heavy wear patterns.
2. Near Nordstrom Rack? Get in there! Much like shopping second-hand or other outlet type stores, if I’m close to a Nordstrom Rack, I make a point to check out their shoe selection – and in particular – the clearance rack. I look for brands that are stylish and comfortable – which honestly there aren’t many! I like Born, Clark’s, and Pikolonos. Dansko is another brand I like but only soft soles – the clogs are too heavy for me.
3. Find a fit and brand that works: 15-years ago, I bought 2 pairs (same style + fit, different colors) of Stuart Weitzman shoes at Saks Fifth Avenue and still wear them. Yes, a total splurge but they’re classic, fit well, and are comfortable. They’ve been fixed twice but still look good. Don’t laugh but I did add labels to the inside of these shoes. One says ‘black’ and one says ‘brown.’ After wearing 2 different color shoes to a meeting and not knowing it, I decided it was time to help my failing eye sight.
4. Learn from males: How many times have you polished your shoes? How many times have you had shoes fixed? If you answered ‘never’ then take a page from our male counterparts. They polish (or have them done) their shoes and get them fixed. Check to make sure the heels and soles can be replaced before you make a purchase. That way when you wear them out, you can have those replaced.
5. Off season, use care: Before tucking summer sandals away, I clean and polish them – and store them with shoe trees tucked inside. Don’t have cedar shoe trees? I don’t either. Keep the paper stuffing that comes packed with new shoes – that’s a shoe tree! Shoes trees help shoes keep their shape. After winter, I make sure all the mud is off my boots before I store those, too. Wipe down with a damp cloth or rag and water. Easy.
6. Check on-line: While I prefer buying shoes at brick-and-mortar stores – I’m old-fashioned and like to try them before I purchase – many companies offer free shipping and on returns, too. My favorite pair of fall boots are from Zappos. They’re Eco brand – and classic + comfortable. I bought them without trying them on and they worked. When I gave them to myself for Christmas years ago, I acted very surprised.
7. Borrow: Need shoes for a special event? Borrow from a friend. My friend, Robin, and I wear the same size shoe. She has a pair of Prada shoes that go with a vintage dress I bought for $12. It’s an amazing dress but I’ve only worn it twice so why buy shoes when my friend has the killer pair?
8. Test drive, first: Whenever I buy shoes for myself or kids, we wear them at home indoors only for several days. That way, we really know if they’ll work or not. Blisters? Too tight? Too loose? Wrong color? Hold onto your receipt and take them back.
9. Don’t buy shoes while traveling: I learned this lesson the hard way. While traveling in Europe (doing a home exchange – of course), I love to poke around little shops and look at shoes – the smell, the colors, the fashion – I can’t get enough! I splurge and then – they’re not quite right. Since I’m not home to give my new shoes a test drive, they inevitably pinch or aren’t comfortable enough. There’s no chance of returning them – so now – I look but don’t shop. In Spain, I fell in love with Camper shoes and they just opened a shop here. Look out….

Shopping for fabulous shoes while being frugal is smart. It’s okay to splurge on a classic shoe you’ll wear for a long time. By taking care of your shoes, you can wear them for years to come. It’s very Go Gingham!

What’s your criteria for shoe shopping? What brand do you love for comfort and style?

Go Gingham related links:

Gingham style: It’s got a definition
How to make a waistband smaller without pins!
How to turn jeans into capris – easier than you think!
How to make skinny jeans from wide leg jeans – make your own “jeggings”
Holiday attire that’s all used clothing – frugal and fancy to wear!