I agree with all the comments that said to buy decent, well-fitting shoes instead of cheap ones but sometimes this is really not possible. Forty years back after buying the children properly fitting shoes, there was usually only enough money left for jumble sale shoes for me.
My solution was to go barefoot whenever possible. It helps to control the damage done by second hand shoes that don't 'quite' fit! And when the kids grow up and living gets easier, oh, the pleasure of buying new shoes!
By Marg from England
This page contains the following solutions.
Tips for saving money on shoes as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your ideas below.
I love to garden and, more often than not, I ruin my shoes when I'm immersed in black dirt. I constantly go outside to garden.
As I have back problems, there is only one shoe that I can wear comfortably. It is the Easy Spirit Traveltime clog. It doesn't matter where I buy them, they fit comfortably. They are usually about $70.
My white shoelaces were dirty but not worn out yet. I hand washed them with soap and water and then painted them with white acrylic paint. When they dried, I had new laces.
Shoes are a weakness for many women. It's easy to spend a fortune on a closet full of shoes, but it's very impractical. Instead, try to make wise decisions when purchasing shoes and avoid buying "cute" shoes for that reason only.
Want a great way to save money while shopping? Buy expensive shoes. Sound crazy? It makes more sense than you think.
I have a pair of sandals with faux suede insoles that had darkened with perspiration and dirt. It was unsightly and annoying until I tried washing them.
Nothing beats a yard sale or consignment shops, but always look for the clearance rack at any store. I've found some great shoes at Bob's stores, Sears, JC Penney, Lord and Taylor, Payless, etc.
Many years ago, I talked with a surgeon who told me that most people damage the blood vessels and structures in their feet long before they have diabetes by buying and wearing cheap, ill-fitting shoes.
My son is very hard on his shoes and we have had to replace them already. I was able to get a very nice pair of Nike Zoom at Fred Meyer for 40% off the lowest clearance price, or about $40.
You've seen shoes at garage sales or the thrift store and might pass them right by. You can clean and disinfect them.
Boating stores have great sales on boat shoes and other sporting shoes! My husband is addicted to Topsider sailing moccasins gotten on sale.
Here is a fun way to spunk up an old pair of shoes. Learn how to make your own glitter shoes with this short video.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My uncle's girlfriend/almost aunt want to give me Heelys, but I don't have a kid size foot. I'm 15 and I wear a size 8 or 9 in women's shoes. I really want to find good ones, but most are sold out or they have no cute ones. I needs cheap ones, so she doesn't have to pay much money! Where can I buy cheap Heelys?
Help please!
BTW I just joined! Love your blog!
Cybergrannie gave you very good info! Safety first! I do get having your heart set on something so if you get them, be SAFE!!!
So I wear a ladies 9 and there are certain loafers that I used to buy that were a men's size 7. The ladies version never fit me, but the guys did and I was happy. Maybe this is an option for you. If you have never bought men's sizes before, be sure to buy them where you can either try them on or return if they don't fit.
hat is the standard conversion (US). I would have to Google what it is for non-US shoes.
You may not find them in the color you want if you are looking for an inexpensive price...but at least you can try with the conversion size.
Post back what you decide.
Thanks for bringing that up - I wear size 8 but have also bought men's so it does work although it may be better to try on the men's at a store first - just in case they do not 'feel' okay.
I'm wondering if stores are depleting their inventory do to the negative response?
