Women’s Shoes Buying Tips

There’s no denying that shoes are one of the most important accessories in a woman’s wardrobe. From heels to wedges, sandals to slip-ons there’s just something about wearing amazing footwear that can not only finish off an outfit perfectly, but also change the way you feel about yourself. Whether you’re a label lover, a bargain hunter, fast fashion addict or a classics collector there is one thing that we all share, and that is the appreciation of a good pair of shoes!

Luckily we’ve come a long way in how shoes are both designed and worn since the first ever pair were created in 8000 BC. No longer are our feet bound by leather and a bit of string, now they come in all sorts of shapes, colors, sizes and fits. All inspired by shifts in culture and the ever evolving fashion industry, lucky us!

To really make the most of your footwear buying experience, I think there are a few important factors to take into consideration. And trust me they won’t just save you money, but they’ll also have you falling in love with your old favorites all over again!

The Investment

I like to think of shoes as not only an essential in your wardrobe but they’re also a great investment. Now this isn’t me trying to be the devil on your shoulder to drop a small fortune on those heels you’ve been lusting after since forever (which you should 100% buy!)…but hear me out.

You’re clothes size can change from year to year pretty easily, you may gain or lose a dress size meaning you then have to go out and purchase more clothes. But with shoes there’s never really that problem! You’re usually always around the same size which means if looked after properly they’ll serve you for a good while before having to make a new purchase.

Plus if you think about it we wear a pair of shoes every single day. Whether that’s your comfy slippers around the house on a lazy Sunday or getting ready for a date in your favorite flirty peep toes they’re not a throw away item that’s going to go out of fashion any time soon. They’re an everyday essential so you might as well make them something special!

Buy Wisely

The best way to make the most of this ‘investment’ is to buy classic styles and colors that will go with just about anything. If you build a capsule wardrobe of neutral classics first you will then have a pair for every occasion, so you can wave goodbye to fashion faux pas and hello good shoe day…everyday!

For example boots are an all year round staple shoe that can be worn with just about any outfit from dresses to jeans and for most occasions. Spending just that little bit more on a classic cut, durable leather pair would make them last even longer and would see you through winter after winter.

This doesn’t mean that your shoe collection has to be boring though, it should be anything but that! When you’re feeling spendy or are looking for something that’s a little bit different, splash out on more fashion forward pairs that are the latest trend. Or treat yourself to those Sophia Webster stunners or Valentino Studded Classics that have been on your wish list since before you can remember, balance is key.

Budget

Buying shoes doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for hottest trends but can’t quite afford designer prices there are hundreds of shoes on the high street that will satisfy your fashion addiction for a fraction of the price. It’s knowing where to spend the money on pairs that you know you’ll be wearing on a regular basis that will help keep costs low while still giving you options.

If you’re a regular gym bunny or like to go for a run around the block every day you’re going to need some sturdy trainers that are fit for the job. Or if you’re in a demanding job that requires being on your feet a lot spend a little bit more to get a cushioned pair that won’t have your feet aching after every shift.

Alternatively if you’re just after a cheap pair of flip flops that you’ll only wear on your next holiday, or want to try lace up heels but aren’t sure if they’ll really suit you there are bargains to be found everywhere that are ideal for the throwaway, fast fashion revolution.

Look After Them

I can’t stress enough how much looking after your shoes should be a priority for any footwear obsessive. (Especially when they’ve cost you more than your months rent!) I’m not saying don’t ever wear them and just stare at them occasionally in the box, (wouldn’t that be the dream). But be sensible about it, saving your suede beauties for the Summer when you’re less likely to be caught in a downpour will save them from getting marked, or swapping to wedges instead of a kitten heel for a grass wedding would be the ideal swap to ensure you’re not sinking as you make an entrance.

Keep your shoes looking sharp by giving them a little bit of extra TLC. Get them re-heeled to save them prematurely snapping, re-lace old boots that are looking a little bit disheveled or spruce up tatty suede with a nail brush and some elbow grease for practically brand new kicks without having to find a replacement pair.

Think about storage solutions for your shoes too, if you haven’t got a lot of space keeping them in their boxes may be difficult but plastic containers that slide under the bed could be a great way to ensure they stay protected while keeping everything organised. Or if space isn’t an issue go all out and install your very own shoe wardrobe! Keeping the original boxes or buy stacking boxes and place a photograph on the front for easy pickings.

It’s also important to remember that limited editions and rare pairs are often sold on later on for much more than their original price, so keep your special pairs in mint condition and you could be in for a serious payout in a few years to come when you want to swap for the latest design.

Find The Perfect Fit

For me the ankle strap heel has been by go to shoe for the last couple of years. Not only do they look super cute in flats when paired with a pointed toe but they also make wearing heels incredibly comfortable! That tiny bit of support around your ankle makes the world of difference after you’ve been hitting the dance floor hard for the past couple of hours, not to mention they’re an absolute classic style that are guaranteed to never go out of style.
So find a style that not only shows off your personality and amazing fashion sense, but also that they’re going to be your BFF in the comfort department too. That way you’ll never be restricted from partying the night away and will save you from reaching for those heel saving plasters the next day too!

Confidence

Whether you’re worried about rocking a pair of patterned pumps or wondering if you can get away with those skyscraper heels making sure your feeling confident with what you’re wearing is your number one priority. Step outside the box and pair a neutral outfit with leopard print flats or jazz up an all black outfit with a pop of color for that super chic look that will have people just dying to ask ‘where did you get your shoes from?’.
Be bold with your footwear choices and they can really make a difference to both how you feel but also how you look. Knowing you’ve nailed that LBD and killer court shoes is the best feeling that will give your self esteem a serious boost!

If followed all of these steps will ensure you’ve got a perfectly put together footwear collection that’ll have every event in your calendar covered. Whatever your situation, budget or style there are hundreds of footwear options to suit you as an individual. But the most important thing to remember is to let your footwear be an extension of your personality and fashion style which will then leave you not only feeling amazingly confident but also looking seriously chic.

So whether you’re comfier in your Nikes, or killing it in your Louboutins there really is a perfect pair of shoes out there for every woman, now comes the exciting bit to try and find them!