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I'm not much of a shoe person, but I've noticed something interesting when I do find myself discussing shoe shopping with other people: everyone has a very definite idea on how much you need to spend in order to get a good pair of shoes. No wonder so many people "get into trouble" financially when it comes to shoe shopping- honestly, if you are dropping fifty to a hundred dollars a pair and you own multiple pairs, you're spending an awful lot of money on shoes!

When I was a kid, my parents used to take us to the expensive shoe store once a year for new tennis shoes for gym class. We always bought outlet, discounted and used clothes, backpacks, school supplies, and everything else; but we just had to have new shoes. It wasn't our choice, as you might think it was: it was actually what our mom insisted upon. She had the idea that buying cheap or used shoes would somehow affect the growth of our feet.

Apparently she was right: I did a little research on this and found that it's true, especially for children's athletic shoes: having a shoe that doesn't support the foot properly (or is molded to someone else's foot, as is the case with used shoes) can actually negatively affect the growth of the foot. Who knew?

Ironically, now that I'm an adult I'm a staunch advocate for cheap shoes. But honestly, I think too many people hold onto the idea that you need brand new shoes for too long. I'm not saying that buying cheap shoes can't cause foot pain, and I'm certainly not talking about people with foot problems here. But for the typical man or woman, there's no harm in buying a pair of discount or fake leather shoes. Particularly if they're dress shoes that aren't worn every day. We don't need to hold onto the idea that new equals better, or that expensive equals the only good buy.

Buying discount shoes isn't a sin. In fact, those of us who like to have different shoes for each outfit could save ourselves a lot of financial stress by getting used to the idea that cheap is sometimes better. If it's a pair of high heels that you'll wear for just a few evenings- or if it's a pair of sandals that consists of basically a few straps and a sole- then there's nothing to be lost by buying discount.

Also, can anyone tell the difference? Maybe if you're talking designer labels or really badly made cheap leather, you can. But in general most people will notice if your shoes are clean, if they're well cared for, if they match your outfit, and if they're cute. I might be wrong here, but I think I'm like a big percentage of the population when I say that I wouldn't notice expensive shoes if I fell over a pair on the steps.

Of course, for some people buying nice shoes is a luxury and they enjoy spoiling themselves, and that I can understand. But there's nothing wrong with supplementing an expensive collection with a few discount pieces to get you through special occasions or lazy days. Also, I'd sooner spend my money on a fancy sweater or coat- something that makes a real statement- so consider wisely what you want when it comes to expensive clothes. There may be something rather than shoes that will give you more bang for your buck.

If you can't see yourself going into a discount shoe store, at the very least shop some sales. There are some great cheap shoes to be had, particularly at the turn of the season. You might not feel like spending your money on cute sandals when it's starting to snow outside, but the fact is that you can probably get them for fifty percent off or more at good shoe retailers and mall shops. And putting them away in your closet for the winter will mean a nice surprise come spring.

Having nice shoes doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money. I've never been a big shoe person, but when I do buy shoes I buy them on clearance and at discount prices. I buy fake leather and polish it up to look great. I buy flip flops for 25 cents in November and then wear them to death come July. Shoes can be a bargain; you just have to get over the old feeling that if you're not spending lots of money on them, you're doing something wrong.
-by bjp