Understand How Buying Cheap Shoes is Actually a False Economy ...

One reason why buying cheap shoes is a false economy is that they tend to be less comfortable. The health of your feet is important, and cramming them into ill-fitting, unsupportive shoes can give you long-term foot problems. At the very least, the soles are probably too thin to be comfortable, especially if you walk any distance in them.

Cheap shoes are made of cheap, man-made materials that will not flex with your feet or allow them to breathe. Leather shoes are much better for your feet, or there are better-quality alternatives to leather. But by wearing cheap shoes, you risk damaging your feet with problems like bunions. Is it worth economising on the health and comfort of your feet?

Cheap shoes are cheap for a reason, and won't last more than a few months if you wear them a lot. So you end up replacing them frequently, and probably spending just as much over the long term as you would on a more expensive pair. It's better to spend your money on one good pair than on several cheap pairs that end up in the bin after a few months.

Are you concerned about the effect on the environment of fast fashion? Shoes are as much a part of this issue, and buying cheap shoes that you have to bin after a few wears is not eco-friendly. If they end up being thrown away after relatively little use, you're contributing to the landfill problem.

Buy a better-quality pair of shoes, and you'll find that they last a lot longer than a cheap pair. It's worth saving up and waiting until you can afford a decent pair, rather than 'making do' with a cheaper pair. Look after your shoes by cleaning them regularly and having them re-heeled to extend their life.

It's fine having lots of pairs of shoes if you can afford them, but if your budget is limited it would be better to channel your funds into a couple of good pairs that you will wear frequently. These will be better value in the long run.

You get what you pay for with shoes, as with many other things. Cheap shoes will look exactly that, and they'll make your outfit look unfinished or cheap as well. They'll scuff easily and the finish won't be good. If you wouldn't wear cheap clothes, why wear cheap footwear?

You might reason that you're saving money by spending less on your footwear, but this is one area where it can be a false economy to spend less. It could even harm your feet. What is the least and the most you would spend on a pair of shoes?