The question of how to choose good quality shoes arises for everyone. It is on the quality of shoes that the comfort and health of the feet, convenience during long walking, and the absence of fatigue depend on. What to look for when choosing shoes? There are five basic signs with which you can quickly pick up a good pair at a normal price. These are the material and the quality of tailoring, the type of sole, the absence of a pungent odor, and the cost.
Material
It is recommended to start choosing shoes from the material. It can be not only leather, but also nubuck, fabric, and artificial materials. All of them differ in appearance, properties, and quality, so attention should be paid to the following nuances:
- The color of shoes or boots should be uniform, not have streaks or stains, only if the latter is not a design idea.
- The insole should be durable, evenly colored, and not leave marks on the skin (just rub it with your finger).
- The material should not have signs of damage, scratches, or too thin places (such areas are not uncommon in low-quality genuine leather).
When choosing a material, it is necessary to consider the season. Light leather sandals or shoes are suitable for summer, shoes with moisture-proof impregnations are recommended for autumn and spring, and leather, nubuck, and textiles are suitable as materials. For autumn boots, a lining in the form of a natural bike is recommended. Winter shoes should be warm and durable, leather or suede are the best options – leather boots are great for wet weather, and suede boots will be indispensable for dry. The lining for winter shoes is made of wool, the recommended option is a natural material.
Sole quality
The second point that you should pay attention to is the type of sole and flexibility. The best option is a flexible, moderately soft sole that provides comfortable walking. For winter and wet weather, you need to select a sole with a textured tread that will not slip. It is also recommended to choose a custom shoe maker and pay attention to the heels, which should be of very good quality.
When choosing shoes other than soles, it is recommended to carefully examine the material under the insole (if it is removable). Foam rubber is usually used for low-quality shoes and boots, they will not last. The best option is genuine thick leather or special textiles that allow air to pass through, protecting the foot from excessive sweating and the risk of developing a fungus.
Seams and quality
Sewing good boots or shoes should be of high quality. All seams must be even, wrinkles or folds, crookedly sewn or glued decor, and bad fasteners are not allowed. All shoes should look neat and secure, and not have protruding threads or creases.
Is there a strong odor?
Another sign of good shoes is the absence of a strong chemical smell of glue or solvent. High-quality leather or textiles have a light, subtle aroma of the new material, which will soon pass and will not interfere. Dyes for such shoes are used safely, they do not cause the formation of a pungent odor. When storing shoes in a box for a long time, the smell can be concentrated inside, but during the fitting, you will understand how acceptable it is for natural material.
Price
The cost of good shoes cannot be too low. You should not 100% believe the statements that the low price is not related to the quality of the shoes. A couple for a few hundred dollars without discounts will not last long and can cause all sorts of problems – calluses, sweating feet, swelling, and severe fatigue. In addition, the low price often means that low-quality formulations were used as dyes for shoes or boots, which shed and quickly lose their appearance. Unreasonably cheap shoes may indeed be made of genuine leather, but the quality of this leather will be as low as the price.
Conclusion
Don’t rush to buy – pay attention to the quality and type of material, sole, seams, and other indicators of a good, durable, and beautiful pair of shoes or boots.
