The great debate.....do i get these fixed or just throw them out and buy a new pair?
A few years back, when the economy was much healthier, everything was considered "disposable". Folks didn't bother getting their shoes fixed, they just shopped for a new model. With the economy still hurting and folks still struggling to make ends meet, we see an increase in the number of shoes being repaired.
Let's take the economy out of the picture and look at why it is better to invest in a good pair of shoes that can be repaired.
The type of shoe that is manufactured with lower end materials and sold at a low price, what we call "disposables", tend to give us the hardest time trying to repair. In most cases, they are not repairable. While they may be inexpensive, you are spending more in the long run because you are buying more of them.
Conversely, a shoe that is manufactured with quality materials and made to be repaired are a good investment. A pair of Allen Edmonds may cost more up front, but can be rebuilt time and time again. Replace the heels, replace the soles, clean and condition them and they will last a lifetime. The cost to repair is significantly less then purchasing a new pair and let's not forget the time it took to "break them in" and make them feel like a second skin!
Another thing to avoid is the "Name" trap. A famous name or sole color does not always mean a quality pair of shoes! Nor does a high price!!
Ask questions before you buy. Are they repairable? Will I get my money's worth from these? Is this a style that will last me years or is it a "fad" purchase? Are they leather or vinyl? Is this a true welt or a fake welt? What do I hope to get out of this purchase?
Stop by with your favorite pair and we'll tell you if you can give them new life!
A few years back, when the economy was much healthier, everything was considered "disposable". Folks didn't bother getting their shoes fixed, they just shopped for a new model. With the economy still hurting and folks still struggling to make ends meet, we see an increase in the number of shoes being repaired.
Let's take the economy out of the picture and look at why it is better to invest in a good pair of shoes that can be repaired.
The type of shoe that is manufactured with lower end materials and sold at a low price, what we call "disposables", tend to give us the hardest time trying to repair. In most cases, they are not repairable. While they may be inexpensive, you are spending more in the long run because you are buying more of them.
Conversely, a shoe that is manufactured with quality materials and made to be repaired are a good investment. A pair of Allen Edmonds may cost more up front, but can be rebuilt time and time again. Replace the heels, replace the soles, clean and condition them and they will last a lifetime. The cost to repair is significantly less then purchasing a new pair and let's not forget the time it took to "break them in" and make them feel like a second skin!
Another thing to avoid is the "Name" trap. A famous name or sole color does not always mean a quality pair of shoes! Nor does a high price!!
Ask questions before you buy. Are they repairable? Will I get my money's worth from these? Is this a style that will last me years or is it a "fad" purchase? Are they leather or vinyl? Is this a true welt or a fake welt? What do I hope to get out of this purchase?
Stop by with your favorite pair and we'll tell you if you can give them new life!
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