When it comes time to replace worn shoes with a new pair, it can be tempting to shop at a big-box retailer.
But often, shoes that come from these big-box stores lack quality and support. Although they may be a cheaper alternative to higher-quality shoes or insoles, they can cost you more in the long-run.
Below are four important reasons to choose a specialty shop when purchasing your next pair of shoes.
The Consequences of Choosing the Big-Box Retailer
There are many benefits to buying your shoes from a specialty shop: better customer service, longer-lasting shoes, and a high standard for quality, to name just a few. The consequences of buying a cheap pair of shoes range fromsore feet to a higher rate of wear and tear.
1. Big-Box Retailers Don't Save You Money
If you are a runner, you are likely to burn through shoes quickly. But it doesn't have to be this way. Shopping at a specialty shoe store can give you the long-lasting and durable pair of shoes you need.
Worn-out running shoes can also cost you an arm and a leg. The expense over a year can often be double if you are replacing your cheap shoes often versus purchasing a quality pair less frequently.
2. Cheap Shoes Lack the Proper Support
Perhaps the worst consequence of purchasing cheap shoes is the effect they can have on your health. Quality shoes and insoles arebetter for your long-term health and wellness.
Big-box retailers will sell you shoes that can result in foot arch pain, or worse. From sore feet to developing shin splints, the results can vary widely. But there is one thing you can be certain of: using cheap shoes over the long-term has negative consequences on your health.
3. Worn-Out Shoes Give the Wrong Impression
When you are going out for a job interview, the last thing you want is to give off the impression that you do not care about your appearance. When you purchase big-box retailer shoes, they can appear worn-out in little to no time.
Try to impress future employers and others in your social circle by purchasing higher-quality shoes. A sharp look goes a long way to sending the right message to others through your dress choices.
4.Big-Box Retailer Footwear LacksQuality
When you purchase shoes from a big-box retailer, often you will notice that materials fray and compress over time. To combat the thinning of shoe padding and prevent foot pain, shoe insoles might be necessary.
Instead, buying quality shoes andinserts from a specialty store will help you avoid the worst impacts on your feet. They also make you feel better about yourself.
Buy Specialty for Long-Lasting Comfort
Instead of going with that big-box retailer, try a specialty provider. The benefits of doing so are many. Everything from your health to your confidence level is impacted when you choose the right, quality shoe.
For more information about foot health and how to choose the right shoes for you, check out our blog of resources. Everyone deserves quality care and wellness, which starts by picking the best caliber of shoes.
Or, if you're ready to shop, check out our full line of women's shoes and men's shoes.
FAQs
A cheap shoe might feel comfortable at first, especially if it's made of a light, soft material. After a while, the thin soles and thin fabric will start to make you feel like you're walking barefoot. That's not a good thing if you're walking outside, on the streets or on a rocky pathway, especially in wet weather.
Why are cheap shoes uncomfortable? ›
A cheap shoe might feel comfortable at first, especially if it's made of a light, soft material. After a while, the thin soles and thin fabric will start to make you feel like you're walking barefoot. That's not a good thing if you're walking outside, on the streets or on a rocky pathway, especially in wet weather.
What happens if you buy shoes too big? ›
Shoes that are too big may likewise give you blisters caused by the friction of your foot moving around. If your shoes are too big in length, you might notice your foot sliding backwards and forwards, while shoes that are too wide will cause your feet to slide from side to side.
Can shoes that are too big cause plantar fasciitis? ›
But hold up, it's not just about the type of shoes – size matters too. Ill-fitting shoes can worsen your plantar fasciitis woes. Too tight, and they can cause pressure and friction on the already irritated fascia. Too loose, and your foot may slide around, causing strain.
Are shoes on Temu real? ›
It depends on your definition of "legitimate." Yes, most of the products on Temu are real; you will receive them, and it takes about 10 days for them to reach your doorstep.
What is the problem with cheap shoes? ›
Cheap Shoes Lack the Proper Support
Perhaps the worst consequence of purchasing cheap shoes is the effect they can have on your health. Quality shoes and insoles are better for your long-term health and wellness. Big-box retailers will sell you shoes that can result in foot arch pain, or worse.
What's the difference between cheap and expensive shoes? ›
Good leather is indispensable to making a premium shoe. Even the finest manufacturing process is not worth much if the materials being processed are insufficient in quality. Cheap shoes are usually made from fake leather full of chemicals that won't allow your feet to breathe.
Is it better to buy shoes slightly bigger or smaller? ›
The only time that you could wear a shoe in a bigger size is when purchasing a sneaker but you should only go up about half a size. The reason for this is that our feet tend to swell because fluid accumulates due to gravity with prolonged standing and weight baring activities.
Is it better to size up or down in shoes? ›
Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly. If your finger slides in easily with space to spare, you should probably go down a half size, while if it's a tight squeeze, go up half a size.
Can tight shoes cause nerve damage? ›
Pinching of the nerves from tight shoes or repetitive stress can cause irritation and damage to the nerves that run towards the toes. In some cases the nerves can be damaged by trauma.
Beyond ingrown toenails and blisters, wearing shoes that aren't the right size for your feet can cause an imbalance and lead to pain. Perhaps you have a dull ache in the arches of your feet or around the sides. Or, maybe you develop heel pain.
Is walking barefoot good for plantar fasciitis? ›
The short answer is yes. For many people, barefoot is probably the best footwear for plantar fasciitis. Strengthening foot muscles is one effective way to prevent plantar fasciitis.
Is it bad to wear shoes with arch support? ›
To prove this, studies have found that the odds of deformities like bunions and flat feet are far less common in people who spend more time barefoot rather than in supportive shoes. What's more, injuries in your feet are more likely to occur for people who use supportive shoes regularly.
Why is Temu so cheap? ›
Temu ships directly from China – the world's leading wholesale market for almost every known product. There. The manufacturing costs are much lower because of the supportive government policies, cheaper labor, well-trained workers, efficient machinery, and more.
How can you tell if shoes are fake by the box? ›
Authentic sneakers typically come with high-quality packaging that includes logos, brand-specific details, and a barcode. Counterfeit versions may have inconsistencies in font, spacing, or even misspellings.
What is the app that tells you if shoes are fake? ›
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10 Easy Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable
- Make Sure You're Wearing the Right Size and Width. ...
- Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks. ...
- Try Deodorant. ...
- Be Mindful About Breaking Them In. ...
- Consider Shoe Stretchers. ...
- Break Them In with a Blow Dryer. ...
- Tape Your Toes. ...
- Get Orthotic Inserts.
Poor Arch Support: Women's fashion shoes often lack adequate arch support. This can put additional strain on the feet over time, leading to pain and discomfort. 6. Unsupportive Soles: Flat soles don't always offer enough their feet and can cause pain or discomfort in the legs and back.
Are fake shoes comfortable? ›
Counterfeit shoes are often uncomfortable and have caused injuries due to the materials they are made from.
Is it normal for shoes to feel uncomfortable at first? ›
It's normal for new shoes to require an adjustment period, it is not normal for new shoes to cause more than a slight discomfort to your feet. If you're finding yourself getting excessive blisters or feeling pain as you wear the shoes, it's best to return them for a different style or brand.
