Where to Find Good Quality Shoes On a Budget

While poor footwear choices often lead to foot and posture health issues, good quality shoes are well-constructed, with materials that feel comfortable, look good and provide support.  While high-quality footwear also tends to be more expensive, there are a few ways to find a good pair,  even on a budget.

Rep Shoes

The quality of replica shoes sold by brands like Hypeunique has advanced in recent years, making it difficult even for experts to tell between an imitation and the real thing – and with the additional benefit of reps being produced in alternative colorways.

While some query the ethics involved, others argue production processes for both rep and brand-name products are often not dissimilar – and moreover, luxury brands tend to unfairly market to consumers who cannot afford them, making replica footwear a viable option.

Outlets

Those in search of the designer look can also find bargains at outlets. These tend to be ex-display, so expect a few minor bumps and scrapes, and (in some instances), mild discolouration from placement in shop windows. 

These may be end-of-the-line products, but don’t let this deter you: there are great deals to be found, and in some cases even unique pairs – so you can guarantee no one else will be copying your look.

Wholesale Shoes

Wholesale retailers sell items in bulk (either directly or via a “middleman”),  to retailers or outlets who can take advantage of reduced costs and handling time to pass these savings on.

Consumers also have the option to purchase wholesale. This can be useful when purchasing multiple pairs of the same style for a group of people – or there’s the option to purchase multiple styles at once. 

Used Shoes

Second-hand major brands and vintage footwear can also be found on platforms like eBay or at thrift stores. Buying used shoes also  prevents textiles from going to landfill. The golden rule is to ensure they aren’t too well-worn. 

In some cases, it’s possible to find shoes with “low mileage”: thick tread, well-maintained uppers and minimal cosmetic damage. Just make sure they’re properly cleaned before use to avoid the spread of fungus and bacteria.

What to Look For

Look for shoes that are stitched rather than glued, which has a tendency to degrade. High quality shoes are constructed using processes like Goodyear welting, where the upper is sewn to welt, with cork and wood added for comfort and reinforcement. 

Shoes should also be constructed from high-grade leather, rather than bonded or corrected leather which tends to be mixed with plastic and chemicals that typically discolour, crease and peel over time. 

If the Shoe Fits…

The majority of examples given here are online, which can be challenging if you’re not sure which size to buy, which is why it’s important to know your shoe size. While some shoes run “true-to-size”, you may find that sizing up or down is preferable, depending on the brand. A shoe size converter can help you to tell which size you are, based on shoes you already wear.